NVIDIA To Utilize Open-Source Kernel Drivers In Linux For GeForce RTX 20 Series and Beyond

After AMD’s lead in embracing open-source drivers, NVIDIA has decided to follow suit. The GPU giant plans to default to using its open-source GPU kernel driver on Linux for the GeForce RTX 20 series and newer GPUs. This move aims to enhance the Linux experience and potentially compete with AMD’s growing user share.

Background

Modern NVIDIA architectures have relied on closed-source modules, which hinder open-source development. To address this, NVIDIA will start with their R560 series Linux driver, recommending the use of open-source GPU kernel modules for Turing or later GPUs. If you’re installing from the .run file, the installation process will detect the GPUs present and default to the open kernel modules if all NVIDIA GPUs in the system can be driven by them. Distribution-specific repackaging may require additional steps to choose the open flavor.

Nouveau’s Role

The lead developer of Nouveau, Ben Skeggs, joined NVIDIA, signaling a step toward open sourcing. While this change currently applies to Turing and later GPUs, future architectures could fully embrace open-source kernel drivers, challenging AMD’s dominance in driver and platform support.