I installed Linux Mint on an older laptop and I'm considering switching my main laptop over as well. The main concern is that my primary laptop has an Nvidia GPU, and I've heard Nvidia hardware can be difficult to use on Linux. Is that still a significant problem, or are the drivers and setup process reliable now?
4 Answers
If you want a more specific answer, check the exact GPU model and laptop hardware. I’ve used a 3080 Ti on several distributions, including Nobara and Bazzite, and it worked properly. Older laptops can sometimes be easier because their hardware has better-established driver support.
The idea that Nvidia GPUs don’t work well on Linux is mostly an outdated stereotype. They generally work fine now once the proprietary driver is installed, and Mint makes that process pretty straightforward.
I’m using an Nvidia card without many problems. Driver versions can matter, though; the 580 series has been more reliable for me than the 595 series.
Nvidia GPUs have worked well for me on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions. The exact experience depends on the GPU model, laptop configuration, and distribution, but it’s generally not a reason to avoid Linux anymore.
Agreed—on Mint, selecting the recommended Nvidia driver is usually all it takes.