Hi, as you can from see from my previous posts I installed Linux in all my machines. Now I have a PC with an I5 6500 (with Mint on it) and I’m upgrading the GPU. So, do I just open it put the new one and connect the cables? Or do I have to do some thing first? Thank you for all your help.

  • ms.laneEnglish
    2•1 hour ago

    Really only depends on how new the new GPU is vs. how old the Kernel is.

    example: If you’re running Debian Stable and trying to put in an RTX 5090, you’ll likely have a bad time, since neither the kernel nor Mesa support blackwell on Trixie without backporting.

    • If you’re using a rolling release distro, just update first but you’ll probably be fine already. If you’re using a point release distro, make sure that release supports your hardware first.

    • If you’re buying some older (but new to you) hardware, you’ll probably be fine.

    • You’ll be fine with anything AMD or Intel even on debian stable, since they’re both active in developing their linux support, where nVidia doesn’t support FOSS drivers.

    • If you’re buying nVidia that new/powerful, you’ll be better served by their proprietary drivers you can install - just keep in mind you won’t be able to run very recent (and certainly not bleeding edge) kernels with the proprietary nV drivers.

    • @MyNameIsRichard@lemmy.ml
      1•1 hour ago

      You’ll be fine with anything AMD or Intel even on debian stable, since they’re both active in developing their linux support, where nVidia doesn’t support FOSS drivers.

      Not strictly true any more. There are Nvidia open drivers, but they may not be in Debian yet. In fact, Nvidia recommend using the open drivers for cards it supports, which if I recall correctly, is Turing and newer.

  • Glitterkoe
    1•1 hour ago

    As a double check (or check before buying) you can search for your new GPU on https://linux-hardware.org/ to see if other users have it working without any issues. The hardware probe is also a handy tool to share your PC’s specs if you should ever need to do so!

  • MentalEdge
    4•2 hours ago

    Not really.

    If it’s the same brand (AMD>AMD or Nvidia>Nvidia) the same drivers you were already using should pick up the new GPU.

    If you’re switching, you can uninstall the nvidia driver if switching to amd, and you’ll have to install it, if switching to nvidia.

    On some distros you may have to install vulkan-radeon to get vulkan support on amd.

  • floquant
    4•2 hours ago

    If you’re switching vendors it’s not a bad idea to install the drivers beforehand. Otherwise no, just swap & cable.