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Nvidia release Linux beta driver with Vulkan

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Well, this is awkward, Nvidia have also released a driver on Linux with Vulkan support. This leaves AMD to be the only desktop GPU vendor not to have one ready for testing on Linux. When amdgpu is out though, AMD will be back in the game.

Neil TrevettIf you’re a GeForce gamer, you already have what you need to take advantage of what the Vulkan API can do. If you’re a developer, you will now have the choice of a new tool that will give you more control, and greater performance, on a broad range of devices.

Our support for Vulkan, on the day it launches, not just on multiple platforms, but in cutting-edge games such as The Talos Principle, has some of the industry’s most respected observers taking notice.

“To be able to play a game like The Talos Principle on the same day an API launches, is an unheard of achievement,” said Jon Peddie, president of Jon Peddie Research. “NVIDIA’s multi-platform compatibility and fully conformant driver support across many operating systems is a testament to the company’s leadership role in Vulkan’s development.”

- See more at: http://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2016/02/16/vulkan-graphics-api/#sthash.6dN2jv56.dpuf

Source article about Vulkan from Nvidia.

Supported cards:
QuoteQuadro Series: Quadro M6000, Quadro M5000, Quadro M4000, Quadro K6000, Quadro K5200, Quadro K5000, Quadro K4000, Quadro K4200, Quadro K2200, Quadro K2000, Quadro K2000D, Quadro K1200, Quadro K620, Quadro K420
Quadro Series (Notebooks): Quadro K5100M, Quadro K5000M, Quadro K4100M, Quadro K4000M, Quadro K3100M, Quadro K2200M, Quadro K2100M, Quadro K3000M, Quadro K2000M, Quadro K1100M, Quadro K1000M, Quadro K620M, Quadro K610M, Quadro K510M, Quadro K500M

GeForce 900 Series: GeForce GTX TITAN X, GeForce GTX 980 Ti, GeForce GTX 980, GeForce GTX 970, GeForce GTX 960, GeForce GTX 950

GeForce 700 Series: GeForce GTX TITAN Z, GeForce GTX TITAN Black, GeForce GTX TITAN, GeForce GTX 780 Ti, GeForce GTX 780, GeForce GTX 770, GeForce GTX 760, GeForce GTX 760 Ti (OEM), GeForce GTX 750 Ti, GeForce GTX 750, GeForce GTX 745, GeForce GT 740, GeForce GT 730, GeForce GT 720, GeForce GT 710, GeForce GT 705

GeForce 600 Series: GeForce GTX 690, GeForce GTX 680, GeForce GTX 670, GeForce GTX 660 Ti, GeForce GTX 660, GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST, GeForce GTX 650 Ti, GeForce GTX 650, GeForce GTX 645, GeForce GT 645, GeForce GT 640, GeForce GT 630


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Tags: Beta, NVIDIA, Vulkan
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pete910 Feb 16, 2016
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I was under the impression that initially the vulkan driver from AMD was going to be under the Catalyst(fglrx) driver.

AMDGPU don't support below the 300 series yet that I know of. :(
fishxz Feb 16, 2016
the nvidia driver doesnt seem to run on newer kernels: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/showthread.php?p=5501095#post5501095

same problem for me and even with the workaround the xserver keeps crashing after few seconds.
melkemind Feb 16, 2016
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Quoting: fishxzthe nvidia driver doesnt seem to run on newer kernels: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/showthread.php?p=5501095#post5501095

same problem for me and even with the workaround the xserver keeps crashing after few seconds.

It kind of makes you wonder what Nvidia is running in their internal tests. It would be nice if they shared that kind of information. Anyway, it's great to see them making progress.
fishxz Feb 16, 2016
well, i think it is because the vulkan driver is based on a older version of the driver.


Last edited by fishxz on 16 February 2016 at 8:36 pm UTC
scujas Feb 16, 2016
So 800 Series cards not supported?
ElectricPrism Feb 16, 2016
Quoting: melkemind
Quoting: fishxzthe nvidia driver doesnt seem to run on newer kernels: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/showthread.php?p=5501095#post5501095

same problem for me and even with the workaround the xserver keeps crashing after few seconds.

It kind of makes you wonder what Nvidia is running in their internal tests. It would be nice if they shared that kind of information. Anyway, it's great to see them making progress.

SteamOS / Debian?
Pecisk Feb 16, 2016
Their beta driver is based on a bit older driver, which might have issues with newest and coolest stuff. Clearly worth to report it though.

I really don't understand why people keep making big deal out of Nvidia/AMD situation. Yes, currently, AMD is lagging behind. But we know there's good reasons why AMD doesn't have Vulkan driver yet - as they are in the middle of big restructurisation. I will judge their drivers when there's bunch of good games with good vetted Vulkan supporting engines around and then compare numbers. Before that this is all moot and PR game - which I am surprised so many Linux gamers are very keen for.
ElectricPrism Feb 16, 2016
AMD vs nVidia you say? I'll speak up and say that as a nVidia 9xx user I would love nothing more than buying a AMD 390 and using the open source drivers in my future.

We'll see though, cuz the juice has to be worth the squeeze. My love of rooting for the underdog isn't enough for me to shell out 400-600$ for what could be a medeocre or disappointing gaming experience.


Last edited by ElectricPrism on 16 February 2016 at 9:12 pm UTC
Beamboom Feb 16, 2016
Woohoo my dear old GTX680 still holding up! Bring it on!


Last edited by Beamboom on 16 February 2016 at 9:43 pm UTC
leillo1975 Feb 16, 2016
I ser that the Vulkan beta driver is 355.00. I have installed in my system 361.28. Are my driver Vulkan ready or only the driver 355 are capable?
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