Which Linux distribution works best with an RTX 5070 and no Ethernet?
Asked by
MellowPine42
I'm trying to install Linux on a system with an NVIDIA RTX 5070, but every fresh installation I've attempted boots to a black screen. I also don't currently have an Ethernet connection, which makes installing drivers more difficult. So far I've had trouble booting Bazzite, Fedora, and Kubuntu. Which distribution or installation approach would be most reliable, and how can I get the system running far enough to install the correct NVIDIA drivers?
Answers
Because you’re offline, prepare the NVIDIA driver packages and firmware on another computer if possible, or temporarily use USB tethering from a phone. Booting with safe graphics or the open-source driver first is usually easier than trying to get the proprietary driver working before the system can reach a desktop.
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The exact distribution and installation method matter here, so it helps to identify the system and whether the black screen happens during the live USB session or after installation. Since you’ve tried Bazzite, Fedora, and Kubuntu, the issue may be the graphics mode or driver rather than the distribution itself.
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NVIDIA cards can need extra setup, especially newer models. Try the installer’s “safe graphics” option, or install without selecting the proprietary NVIDIA driver if that choice is available. Once the desktop boots, install the recommended driver manually. Secure Boot may also need to be disabled, since it can prevent the driver from loading.
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