Can I use Linux in a 2011 Macbook Pro with a defective discrete GPU?

I have an early 15" 2011 Macbook Pro that is affected by the defective discrete GPU.

I know there are workarounds in OSX to force the use of the integrated Intel GPU, or disable the drivers for the discrete GPU. However these workarounds either make the computer too slow to use or are not reliable: although initially disabled discrete GPU may be activated when using some software and then the computer would stop working.

I have found these instructions for Arch Linux that look promising, because they mention a way to enable only the Intel GPU:

http://ift.tt/15qINah

This is a similar question, that would achieve the same goal, but it is unanswered and does not mention running Linux: Macbook Pro: How to disable discrete GPU permanently from EFI?