# Arch Linux Drops Support for GTX 10 Series: What You Need to Know
– Arch Linux has officially announced the switch to NVIDIA’s 590 series driver, discontinuing support for the GTX 10 series.
– This change is a result of NVIDIA’s previous announcement to limit support for older graphics card architectures.
– Users of GTX 10 series cards can still opt for alternative driver packages to maintain functionality.
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On December 26, Arch Linux, recognized for its commitment to quick updates, made a pivotal announcement regarding its default NVIDIA driver package. Effective immediately, the distribution will transition to the NVIDIA 590 series drivers. This switch has significant implications, particularly as it marks the end of support for graphics cards built on the Pascal architecture, including the GTX 10 series models like the GTX 1080 and GTX 1060.
In July, NVIDIA stated it would cease support for Game Ready drivers for both its Maxwell (900 series) and Pascal (10 series) graphics cards. Moving forward, users of these older architectures can expect only quarterly security updates through 2028, effectively signaling a phase-out of support for these devices.
### A Shift in the Linux Landscape
Notably, Arch Linux’s rolling update model allows it to remain on the cutting edge of software advancements, positioning it as the first mainstream Linux distribution to officially discontinue support for the GTX 10 series. This shift is likely to influence other Linux distributions, as they follow suit with evolving driver versions.
While discontinuation of the default support for GTX 10 series cards may seem daunting, users still have viable options to maintain their graphics performance. By uninstalling the official NVIDIA driver package, users can download and install the older “Nvidia-580xx-dkms” package to continue using their hardware.
### Performance and Open Source Drivers
The situation highlights the challenges presented by using NVIDIA’s proprietary drivers in a Linux environment. Unlike the open-source support available for AMD GPUs, NVIDIA’s stringent restrictions complicate the usability of the open-source Nouveau driver. As a result, users relying on Nouveau for Pascal graphics cards face significant limitations in performance.
### Conclusion
As Arch Linux adopts NVIDIA’s latest driver series, GTX 10 series users will need to adapt to these changes. While their graphics cards are no longer officially supported with the latest drivers, alternative solutions exist. The evolving landscape of GPU support in Linux distributions serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and proactive in managing hardware and software compatibility.
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By following these developments, Arch Linux users can safeguard their systems and ensure continued performance while navigating the shifting terrain of graphics driver support. Keep an eye on updates from both NVIDIA and your chosen Linux distribution for the latest information on driver compatibility.
