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Table of Contents
Ubuntu - GPU - NVIDIA GPU - Setup - Setup manually
WARNING: Manual installation of NVIDIA drivers on Ubuntu, particularly from the official NVIDIA.com source, is not recommended for all users due to potential compatibility issues with future kernel updates.
- This approach requires manual recompilation or re-installation of the driver each time the kernel is updated, as the NVIDIA kernel module may not automatically adapt to the new kernel version.
- Such updates can lead to system instability, the inability to boot into the graphical interface, or the driver ceasing to function entirely.
- Opting for drivers provided through the Ubuntu repositories or via a PPA is generally safer, ensuring smoother updates and system stability.
Identify the NVIDIA GPU Model
sudo lshw -numeric -C display or sudo lspci -vnn | grep VGA or sudo ubuntu-drivers devices
NOTE: This will help to determine which driver is needed.
Download the driver setup script
Visit the Official Nvidia website.
Download the appropriate driver for your graphics card.
sudo wget https://us.download.nvidia.com/XFree86/Linux-x86_64/510.60.02/NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-510.60.02.run
install the prerequisites which will be required by the driver for successful installation
sudo apt install build-essential libglvnd-dev pkg-config
Stop the current display server
Before installing the driver, it is mandatory to stop your current display server by changing the run level to 3.
sudo telinit 3
Disable Nouveau Nvidia Driver
The default Nouveau Nvidia driver must be disabled before installing the official Nvidia driver.
- This step is crucial for preventing conflicts between drivers.
See Blacklist the Nouveau driver.
WARNING: After the reboot you may end up without GUI at all.
- Be sure that you have the SSH enabled on your system to be able login remotely or use CTRL+ALT+F2 to switch TTY console and continue with the installation.
Install the driver
sudo bash NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-510.60.02.run
Restart
Restart run level 6.
sudo init 6
NOTE: This will reboot your system and start it with display server on.