NVIDIA has begun submitting open-source patches for its Nova graphics driver, shifting from the Boot0 register to Boot42 in preparation for upcoming GPUs. This move signals early groundwork for the Rubin architecture, successor to Blackwell. The changes aim to simplify detection logic and support future hardware seamlessly.
NVIDIA's Linux team has started posting patches for the open-source Nova kernel graphics driver, marking a key transition in how the company identifies GPU architectures. Previously, the Boot0 register—used for cards like those in the Blackwell series—held architecture and revision details. Now, patches introduce Boot42 as the new standard, with Boot0 set to be zeroed out for future GPUs.
The patches, reported by Phoronix and detailed in Wccftech, confirm that next-generation GPUs will rely solely on Boot42, phasing out Boot0. NVIDIA engineer John Hubbard explained in the release notes: "NVIDIA GPUs are moving away from using NV_PMC_BOOT_0 to contain architecture and revision details, and will instead use NV_PMC_BOOT_42 in the future. NV_PMC_BOOT_0 will be zeroed out. Change the selection logic in Nova so that it will claim Turing and later GPUs. This will work for the foreseeable future, without any further code changes here, because all NVIDIA GPUs are considered, from the oldest supported on Linux (NV04), through the future GPUs...."
This update removes 33 lines of code, creating a cleaner, more forward-compatible structure for the Rust-based Nova driver. The changes suggest preparation for the Rubin architecture, which will power server-grade chips. NVIDIA has scheduled Rubin volume production for the second half of 2026, with potential innovations like Microchannel cover plates for Rubin Ultra to improve cooling.
Linux enthusiasts have welcomed this progress, as it reflects NVIDIA's increasing upstream involvement after years of criticism. The Nova driver, developed in Rust, positions NVIDIA to support Rubin seamlessly on Linux platforms.