Get NVIDIA, AMD, & Intel Graphics Drivers on Ubuntu - Latest Updates

Linux Gaming and Graphics Drivers

The availability of games on Linux has significantly increased, largely due to the efforts of Steam for Linux. However, similar to the Windows platform, achieving peak performance and minimizing errors in these games often necessitates the use of up-to-date graphics drivers.

While newer Ubuntu releases frequently incorporate relatively current drivers, they don't always represent the absolute newest versions available.

Manual Driver Installation

It is possible to manually install the most recent graphics drivers. However, proceeding with this method requires caution, as potential complications can arise.

Ubuntu meticulously packages and rigorously tests specific driver versions for each release, deliberately avoiding substantial updates during the release cycle.

Stability Considerations

For users prioritizing system stability—especially those who do not frequently engage in gaming—it is generally recommended to utilize the graphics drivers provided by Ubuntu.

Even downloading the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer doesn't guarantee a bug-free experience; encountering issues remains a possibility.

Here's a summary of key points:

• Steam for Linux has expanded game support on Linux.
• Optimal gaming performance relies on current graphics drivers.
• Ubuntu prioritizes driver stability over having the absolute newest versions.
• Manual driver updates can introduce instability.

Determining Your Ubuntu Architecture: 32-bit or 64-bit?

Related: Methods for Identifying 32-bit or 64-bit Linux Systems

Prior to proceeding, it is essential to ascertain whether you are operating a 32-bit or 64-bit iteration of Ubuntu. This information can be readily obtained through the graphical user interface or via the command line.

To verify this on Ubuntu utilizing the standard Unity desktop environment, navigate to the settings menu – represented by a gear icon – located in the upper-right corner of your screen. Subsequently, select the "About This Computer" option.

The operating system type will be clearly indicated to the right of the label "OS type" within this window. Alternatively, the system architecture can be determined using the terminal.

Checking System Information via the Terminal

The terminal provides a command-line method for identifying your Ubuntu version. This is particularly useful for server environments or users preferring a text-based interface.

Before installing new drivers, it is highly recommended to ensure your Ubuntu system is fully updated. This can be accomplished through the Update Manager.

Within the "About This Computer" window, an "Install Updates" button will initiate the update process, ensuring you have the latest software packages and security patches.

NVIDIA

Related: Methods for Installing Software Outside of Ubuntu’s Standard Repositories

A dedicated Personal Package Archive (PPA) from the official Graphics Drivers Team is being developed to address the challenge of keeping graphics drivers current. This PPA aims to deliver consistently updated graphics drivers to users. Gamers can opt-in to this repository for access to the newest graphics stack, while typical Ubuntu users can continue with the stable versions included in their Ubuntu release.

This represents the ultimate objective, though currently the PPA is undergoing testing. Presently, support is limited to NVIDIA drivers only. Users with AMD or Intel graphics hardware will need to obtain drivers through alternative channels.

To integrate this PPA into your system, launch a terminal and execute this command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:graphics-drivers/ppa

Following the addition of the PPA, update the package lists by running:

sudo apt-get update

The latest NVIDIA graphics drivers will then become available for installation. You can consult the PPA’s description page to identify the most recent version, or utilize the following command and the "Tab" key to view available options:

sudo apt-get install nvidia-

Currently, for instance, version 361 represents the newest available NVIDIA graphics driver. Installation can be initiated with this command:

sudo apt-get install nvidia-361

Alternatively, drivers can be downloaded and installed directly from NVIDIA via their proprietary installer. This tool is designed for broad compatibility, compiling and installing the latest drivers across various Linux distributions. Each driver version includes a README file with detailed installation instructions and supplementary information.

However, utilizing packages specifically built for your Linux distribution is generally recommended. The PPA method is preferred unless compatibility issues arise.

AMD

For optimal Linux gaming performance with AMD hardware, the Catalyst driver – now rebranded as Radeon Crimson, yet fundamentally the legacy fglrx driver – is essential.

AMD is actively developing a new, open-source driver architecture intended for future use. However, its current capabilities do not yet match the performance levels offered by the established fglrx driver.

Currently, a Personal Package Archive (PPA) containing the most recent version is unavailable. While integration into the Graphics Driver Team PPA is anticipated, it has not yet occurred.

Therefore, installation necessitates utilizing the official fglrx driver packages directly from AMD.

Access AMD’s Linux download center and obtain the drivers specifically designed for your graphics processor.

The installation procedure varies based on your Ubuntu version. AMD currently offers pre-compiled .deb packages compatible with Ubuntu 15.04, Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, and Ubuntu 12.04 LTS.

If you are running an unsupported Ubuntu version – either older or newer (like Ubuntu 15.10, which currently lacks AMD support) – you must choose the generic "Linux" option during download.

This will require employing AMD’s provided tools to compile and build the packages independently. Detailed instructions for downloading, installing, and resolving potential problems are available in AMD’s official Linux graphics driver installer notes.

Intel

Intel offers an "Intel Graphics Installer for Linux" designed to download and implement the newest open-source Intel graphics stack on Ubuntu systems. Currently, the most recent iteration is Intel Graphics Installer for Linux 1.2.1, providing compatibility with Ubuntu 15.10.

Notably, Intel’s graphics installer does not extend support to other Ubuntu releases, specifically excluding Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. It is anticipated that support will consistently be limited to the most current Ubuntu version. A Personal Package Archive (PPA) is not utilized for this distribution.

Fortunately, the installer is presented as a user-friendly graphical application. Upon downloading and installing the package, the "Intel Graphics Installer" becomes accessible through the applications menu.

This tool automatically retrieves the latest graphics packages directly from Intel and proceeds with their installation.

Installation Process

A system reboot is often required following the installation. At a minimum, logging out and restarting the graphical X server is necessary for the new drivers to become operational. Rebooting provides the quickest method to confirm the system is utilizing the updated graphics drivers and libraries.

When drivers are installed via a software repository, updates will be delivered through the Update Manager as new versions are added to the PPA. Conversely, if a manufacturer-supplied installer is employed, automatic updates are not provided.

To obtain the latest releases in such cases, the installer must be re-downloaded and re-executed periodically.

• Key takeaway: Intel provides a dedicated installer for its graphics drivers on Linux.
• The installer supports only the latest Ubuntu version.
• Updates are automatic with repository installs, but manual with the Intel installer.

Maintaining up-to-date graphics drivers is crucial for optimal system performance and compatibility.