NVIDIA has shifted its focus away from older GPUs, marking a significant change in its support strategy for Linux users. The latest update in Linux drivers signals the end of an era for some of NVIDIA’s longest-standing hardware.
Maxwell and Pascal GPUs Phased Out in Linux Driver Update
NVIDIA’s Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs have been receiving Game Ready drivers until October 2025. However, these GPUs have transitioned to quarterly security updates specifically for Windows users. Reports suggest that support for the Maxwell and Pascal GPUs has been dropped in the latest Linux Driver 590.44.01, excluding the GTX 900 and GTX 10 series from the supported GPU list.
Though a Game Ready 590 driver for Windows hasn’t been released, NVIDIA provided one for Linux. The decade-old GPUs will now only get security updates, marking a shift from frequent driver updates. Previously set to end with driver branch 580, support extended to branch 590, despite expectations it would cease. As of this update, the GTX 900 and GTX 10 series won’t receive Game Ready drivers for new game releases, leading users to rely on security updates only.
What’s Next for NVIDIA Users?
With Linux Driver 590 now including only Turing series and newer, featuring desktop and mobile variants, NVIDIA has introduced several bug fixes and enhanced compatibility. Most users have upgraded to newer GPUs, with older series becoming rare in the latest surveys. For those still using Maxwell and Pascal GPUs, upgrading to the RTX 50 series is advisable, especially with potential price increases looming due to rising VRAM costs.