NVIDIA has announced that its upcoming October Game Ready driver release will mark the end of full support for several of its older GPU architectures, including Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta. This decision aligns with Microsoft's planned end of support for Windows 10, signaling a significant shift in the PC hardware landscape.
Affected GPU Architectures and Models
The GPUs impacted by this change span multiple generations:
- Maxwell Architecture: This includes the GeForce GTX 700, 800, and 900 series, as well as Titan models such as Titan X, X Pascal, and Xp. Additionally, Quadro M-series cards and certain Jetson chips fall under this category.
- Pascal Architecture: Encompassing the GeForce 10xx series and the Tesla P100. Notably, the GeForce GTX 16xx series, like the GTX 1660 and GTX 1660 Super, are based on the newer Turing architecture and will continue to receive support.
- Volta Architecture: This includes enterprise-focused GPUs like the Tesla V100, Quadro GV100, and Titan V.
Implications for Users
For users still operating these GPUs, the cessation of full driver support means that while the hardware will continue to function, it will no longer receive optimizations for new games or applications. This could lead to decreased performance and compatibility issues with future software releases.
According to the latest Steam Hardware Survey, GTX 10xx-series cards account for approximately 6.65% of surveyed systems. This indicates a substantial user base that may be affected by this change. While these GPUs have provided reliable performance over the years, users relying on them for modern gaming or professional applications should consider upgrading to newer hardware to maintain optimal performance and compatibility.
NVIDIA's Support Strategy
NVIDIA's decision to extend security updates through 2028 demonstrates a commitment to user security, even as full support is phased out. This approach provides users with a transition period to plan hardware upgrades while maintaining system security.
Additionally, NVIDIA has announced that support for all RTX-series graphics cards will continue until October 2026, extending a year beyond Microsoft's end of support for Windows 10. This extension offers users additional time to transition to newer operating systems and hardware platforms.
Conclusion
The end of full driver support for NVIDIA's Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta GPUs marks the conclusion of an era for these architectures. While they have served users well, the evolving demands of modern software and operating systems necessitate this shift. Users are encouraged to assess their current hardware and consider upgrading to ensure continued performance, compatibility, and security in the years ahead.
Source: HotHardware NVIDIA Extends Windows 10 Driver Support For Some GPUs, Puts Others Out To Pasture
