In this article, we will discuss how to make Steam use Nvidia graphics on Ubuntu 21.10. This is a common issue faced by many users and we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to resolve it.
To make Steam use Nvidia graphics on Ubuntu 21.10, you can either launch Steam from the terminal using the DRI_PRIME=1 environment variable or use the "Launch using Dedicated Graphics Card" option in the GNOME desktop environment (if you have nvidia-prime installed).
Prerequisites
Before we start, it’s important to ensure that you have the Nvidia driver and nvidia-prime installed on your system. If not, you can install them using the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-510 nvidia-primeThe sudo apt update command updates your package list to ensure that you’re installing the latest available versions of software. The sudo apt install nvidia-driver-510 nvidia-prime command installs the Nvidia driver (version 510 in this case) and nvidia-prime.
Method 1: Launch Steam with the DRI_PRIME=1 Environment Variable
One of the simplest ways to make Steam use Nvidia graphics is to launch it from the terminal using the DRI_PRIME=1 environment variable. Open a terminal and run the following command:
DRI_PRIME=1 steamThe DRI_PRIME is an environment variable that allows you to select which graphics card to use. By setting it to 1, you’re telling the system to use the Nvidia GPU. This will ensure that every game launched from Steam will use the Nvidia GPU for proper acceleration.
Method 2: Use the GNOME Desktop Environment
If you’re using the GNOME desktop environment, there’s an even simpler solution. You can right-click on the Steam icon and choose “Launch using Dedicated Graphics Card”. This option is available if you have nvidia-prime installed.
Troubleshooting
If you’re still facing issues, you can refer to the answers provided in this Ask Ubuntu post. It contains a wealth of information and solutions to common problems.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve discussed two methods to make Steam use Nvidia graphics on Ubuntu 21.10. Whether you’re a terminal enthusiast or prefer using a GUI, there’s a solution for you. Remember, the key to resolving this issue is ensuring that you have the correct Nvidia driver and nvidia-prime installed. Happy gaming!
The DRI_PRIME=1 environment variable is used to select which graphics card to use. By setting it to 1, you are telling the system to use the Nvidia GPU for better performance and graphics acceleration.
You can install the Nvidia driver and nvidia-prime by running the following commands in the terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install nvidia-driver-510 nvidia-primeMake sure to update your package list with sudo apt update before installing the drivers.
