I've heard mixed things about Nvidia drivers when it comes to switching to Linux, especially since AMD is making some changes that have left some in the community feeling wary. I'm considering getting an Nvidia 5060 Ti 16GB, as it's an extra $60 for features I need, and I'm thinking about switching to Linux due to some concerns with Microsoft. I'm really curious to know how Nvidia drivers perform across different Linux distributions, particularly for gaming, editing (especially with DaVinci Resolve), and art applications. What distros do people recommend these days? Thanks for any insights!
4 Answers
If you want to test things out with Nvidia before fully committing, consider downloading Manjaro Cinnamon. It allows you to boot with proprietary drivers from a USB stick so you can see how it performs without altering your main system.
It can feel pretty frustrating, right? The news on AMD might not translate well into a Linux environment, and if you’re facing issues with trust from their side, focusing on Nvidia may not be the best solution for you in this instance.
Don't forget that AMD has made strides with open drivers on Linux, thanks to community efforts like Valve. They really focus on open-source support, which is beneficial, especially if you're looking for stability and updates. Nvidia's drivers have been known to be less flexible across different distros.
Generally, you can expect Nvidia drivers to be a bit tricky on Linux. While they do function, performance can lag behind what you might get on Windows—particularly in DX12 games where you could see a performance drop of about 15-30%. If you're planning to game heavily, you might want to reconsider your GPU choice before making the switch to Linux.

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