Arch Linux has become one of the first Linux distributions to drop official support for Nvidia's Pascal-based GTX 10-series graphics cards. The change follows Nvidia's July announcement to discontinue default support for these GPUs. Users relying on older hardware will need to manually install previous driver versions to continue using them.
Arch Linux, a popular rolling-release Linux distribution, has updated its default Nvidia driver to version 590, which no longer includes support for Pascal architecture GPUs such as the GTX 10-series. This move aligns with Nvidia's announcement in July 2025, when the company stated it would end default support for the Pascal lineup in its Linux drivers.
The update on the Arch Linux website marks the distribution as an early adopter of this shift among Linux communities. Pascal GPUs, released around 2016, powered Nvidia's GTX 10-series cards, which were once staples for gaming and computing enthusiasts. With driver 590, Arch Linux prioritizes newer hardware compatibility, leaving users of older cards to seek alternatives.
Fortunately, the transition isn't entirely abrupt. Users can still install older Nvidia drivers manually to maintain functionality on Pascal or even earlier GPUs. This workaround ensures that those not ready to upgrade their hardware aren't immediately stranded, though it requires additional technical steps.
The decision reflects broader trends in open-source software, where support for aging hardware eventually phases out to focus on efficiency and new features. Nvidia's driver updates underscore the rapid evolution of graphics technology, pressuring users to consider hardware refreshes.
