NVIDIA on Linux is WAY BETTER than everyone says, but...

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of setting up and optimizing NVIDIA drivers on Linux. Based on insights from "NVIDIA on Linux is WAY BETTER than everyone says," this guide covers installation, troubleshooting common issues, and maximizing performance. Whether you're gaming or using multiple monitors, these steps will help you get the most out of your NVIDIA graphics card on a Linux system.

Step 1: Install NVIDIA Drivers

1. Open your graphical app store.
2. Search for NVIDIA drivers.
3. Select the recommended driver version and click to install.
4. Important: Avoid downloading drivers directly from the NVIDIA website or altering kernels not officially supported by your distribution.

Step 2: Address Screen Tearing

1. Check for Tearing: Launch a game or video to see if screen tearing occurs.
2. Enable Vsync: This can eliminate tearing for most users.
3. If Tearing Persists: Auto-start the following command when your computer boots:

   nvidia-settings --assign CurrentMetaMode="nvidia-auto-select +0+0 {ForceFullCompositionPipeline=On}"
   

   • Add this command to your startup applications.

Step 3: Configure Multi-Monitor Support

1. Connect your monitors to the NVIDIA GPU.
2. Verify that all displays are detected automatically.
   • This should work seamlessly in both X11 and Wayland environments.

Step 4: Set Up Hybrid Graphics

1. For Laptops with Hybrid Graphics:
   • On Wayland, hybrid mode is the default.
   • On X11, hybrid mode is also the default but allows more configuration options in the NVIDIA control panel.
2. Ensure that hybrid mode is functioning correctly; both dedicated and integrated graphics should work together without issues.

Step 5: Utilize Wayland Support

1. Confirm Functionality: Test touchpad gestures, screen sharing, and recording.
2. Verify that all applications run smoothly without screen tearing or performance drops in a Wayland session.

Step 6: Manage Power Settings

1. For Laptops:
   • Test the suspend function by closing the lid.
   • Note any issues with waking the laptop; if the screen is black, switch to a TTY and return to TTY1.
2. For Desktops:
   • Suspend and resume should work flawlessly.

Step 7: Understand GPU Compatibility

1. Latest Drivers: Ensure you are using the latest NVIDIA drivers for optimal performance.
2. Older GPUs: If you have older NVIDIA GPUs (like the RTX 10 series), you may need to use legacy drivers, which might not support Wayland and could present more issues.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively set up and troubleshoot NVIDIA drivers on your Linux system, enhancing your gaming and overall graphics experience. Make sure to keep your drivers updated and regularly check for any compatibility issues with your hardware. For further support, engage with Linux communities or forums dedicated to NVIDIA graphics on Linux. Happy computing!