Nvidia drivers (My Guide)

Clunixchit · #1 14th February 2005, 05:06 PM

This guide works with the latest nvidia driver 7664 on FC3 2.6.11-1.27_FC3
procedure:
imdeemvp's tip

Quote:

You will need the kernel source code AKA kernel-devel you can install using the livna repo.

Code:

yum install kernel-devel

log off.
press ctrl+alt+f1 log on as root

Code:

telinit 3 
sh ./Nvidia.......run

accept licence
ignore warnings

Code:

 modprobe nvidia 
cp -a /dev/nvidia* /etc/udev/devices/ 
startx

modify xorg.conf appropriately: remove load dri change nv to nvidia also change Videocard0 to nvidia. note that there are two Videocard0 in xorg.conf

These following options can be added to the Device Section

Quote:

Option "Coolbits" "1"
Option "RenderAccel" "true"
Option "AGPMode" "8"
Option "AGPFastWrite" "true"

log off type

Code:

 telinit 5

you will see the nvidia logo for 3 seconds. installation achieved.

To enable 3D support for nVidia graphics card in FC3
There are now nVidia driver RPMs provided by livna.org that are designed especially for Fedora. If you're using yum, replace your yum.conf by this new one at
http://www.fedorafaq.org/samples/yum.conf

how to replace your yum.conf?

Quote:

Advice from Harryc:
If you switch yum repositories midstream, it may spell trouble for you. http://madpenguin.org/cms/?m=show&id=3506#Warning

So, make a copy of your yum before switching it.

if you have downloaded the yum.conf to your home directory:

Code:

 su -
cd /home/(name)/
cp yum.conf /etc/

You should be able to install the drivers easily now:
1. Open a Terminal.
2. Become root.
3. Type:

Code:

 uname -r
yum install nvidia-glx kernel-module-nvidia-`(uname -r)`

That installs the nVidia driver for your current kernel.

use a 3D game such as TUX racer to test your installation. or try

Code:

 glxgears

CURRENT PROBLEM: The new udev included in FC3 seems to prevent the nvidia module from loading automatically.
There are 2 options:
1. Recommended Fix

Code:

 su -
cp -a /dev/nvidia* /etc/udev/devices
chown root.root /etc/udev/devices/nvidia*

Only if above does NOT work

Code:

 gedit /etc/rc.local

ADD the following to the END of the file:

Code:

/sbin/modprobe nvidia

If you update your kernel the NVidia driver must be re-installed to match the new kernel.

D_U · #2 14th February 2005, 06:57 PM

help:
the "modprobe" command is located in the /sbin/ directory run it from there

D_U · #3 14th February 2005, 06:59 PM

anoder hint: xorg.conf is in /etc/X11/

gonzalo76 · #4 14th February 2005, 07:25 PM

For me, the best way is to install the RPM of your kernel version from livna.org.
You don't need to shut down X or install from console mode. Also no need to edit your xorg.conf or remove any conflicting files.
Get the RPMs from: http://rpm.livna.org/fedora/3/i386/RPMS.testing/

Edit 1: Here's the guide:
http://www.fedorafaq.org/#nvidia

Why switch to livna.org's Nvidia driver RPM?
http://rpm.livna.org/livna-switcher.html

Edit 2: If you're tired about the NVIDIA splash screen before the loggin screen you can disable it editing the xorg.conf adding Option "NoLogo" "true" to the "Device" section.

Example:

Code:

Section "Device"
	Identifier  "Videocard0"
	Driver      "nvidia"
	VendorName  "Videocard vendor"
	BoardName   "NVIDIA GeForce 2 MX (generic)"
	Option	    "NoLogo" "true"
EndSection

Clunixchit · #5 14th February 2005, 08:14 PM

improvements are welcomed

Jman · #6 15th February 2005, 03:24 AM

Moved to How To.

gonzalo76 · #7 15th February 2005, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clunixchit

improvements are welcomed

Well, actually, it's just a simple method of installing the NVIDIA drivers.

Clunixchit · #8 15th February 2005, 11:47 AM

indeed it is, it is intented for those who are frustrated after several unsuccessful attempts.

Clunixchit · #9 22nd February 2005, 12:32 PM

this howto has been updated.
a new section : To enable 3D support for nVidia graphics card in FC3
has been included.

SlowJet · #10 24th February 2005, 05:29 AM

Thanks Clunixchit,

I read this driver stuff a dozen times and the repository stuf 2 dozen times and here it is in 5 lines.
The 6629 is up on 766 and the video is twice as fast and clear as an electron microscope.
Oh, my acking eyes. They can now relax.

SJ

Harryc · #11 24th February 2005, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clunixchit

[...There are now nVidia driver RPMs provided by livna.org that are designed especially for Fedora. If you're using yum, replace your yum.conf by this new one at
http://www.fedorafaq.org/samples/yum.conf[

I have a problem with this advice because livna.org may not be compatible with other repos. You should at least warn users here that if they switch yum repositories midstream, it may spell trouble for them. For me personally, I use the dag/freshrpms/dries/newrpms/ combo in yum configuration.

http://madpenguin.org/cms/?m=show&id=3506#Warning

Clunixchit · #12 24th February 2005, 12:54 PM

thanks for the advice

Already updated
New updates:
-To enable 3D support for nVidia graphics card in FC3
-Advice before switching to requested yum.conf (from Harryc)
-CURRENT PROBLEM: The new udev included in FC3 seems to prevent the nvidia module from loading automatically. 2 options are explored

Indeed it is simple, it is intented for those who are frustrated after several unsuccessful attempts.

gonzalo76 · #13 24th February 2005, 01:07 PM

I agree with you Harryc, but this post is about installing the nvidia drivers from livna.org, not updating your entire system mixing repos. ag/freshrpms/dries/newrpms/ repos don't have the nvidia driver in rpm format. You'll definitely not have any compatible problem installing it from livna.org.

gonzalo76 · #14 24th February 2005, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harryc

I have a problem with this advice because livna.org may not be compatible with other repos. You should at least warn users here that if they switch yum repositories midstream, it may spell trouble for them. For me personally, I use the dag/freshrpms/dries/newrpms/ combo in yum configuration.

http://madpenguin.org/cms/?m=show&id=3506#Warning

I agree with you Harryc, but this post is about installing the nvidia drivers from livna.org, not updating your entire system mixing repos. ag/freshrpms/dries/newrpms/ repos don't have the nvidia driver in rpm format. You'll definitely not have any compatible problem installing it from livna.org.

Harryc · #15 24th February 2005, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gonzalo76

I agree with you Harryc, but this post is about installing the nvidia drivers from livna.org, not updating your entire system mixing repos. ag/freshrpms/dries/newrpms/ repos don't have the nvidia driver in rpm format. You'll definitely not have any compatible problem installing it from livna.org.

Yeah I agree, but a newbie might just leave it (yum.conf) that way, and install other non-compatible packages later on. Obviously, if they have never had a working/modified yum.conf or modified apt configs before it's not an issue.