July 19th, 2024

Nvidia open sources its GPU drivers. How to tell what's under your hood

Nvidia open-sources GPU drivers for Linux, starting with R560 release. Move enhances competition with AMD, benefits miners and AI developers. Improves Linux integration, but older GPUs may not be compatible.

Read original articleLink Icon
Nvidia open sources its GPU drivers. How to tell what's under your hood

Nvidia has taken a significant step towards a more open ecosystem for Linux users and developers by open-sourcing some of its GPU drivers. This move, particularly with the upcoming R560 driver release, positions Nvidia to better compete with AMD. The transition to open-source GPU kernel modules began in 2022 and is expected to be completed with the R560 release. While this change may not directly impact gaming performance, it offers benefits for cryptocurrency miners and AI developers. Nvidia's shift towards open-source is seen as a positive development for the Linux community, allowing for improved integration with the operating system and fostering community development and support. However, it's important to note that not all Nvidia GPUs will be compatible with the open-source modules, with older architectures still relying on proprietary drivers. This move by Nvidia is seen as a step in the right direction, potentially leading to enhanced compatibility and performance for Linux users in the future.

Link Icon 3 comments
By @unixhero - 7 months
Really libre open source? Is the binary blob number 0???