Nvidia has released the first Linux driver in the 590 branch, marking a significant change in support for older GPU generations. Reports from Linux users indicate that multiple Maxwell and Pascal GPUs are no longer detected when using the new driver. Cards such as the GTX 1050 Ti have failed to function despite being listed under legacy supported hardware in the official release notes. The difference between documented support and user experience shows that these architectures are no longer included in active Game Ready updates on Linux.
The 590 driver is currently available only for Linux. Nvidia has not yet released a matching Windows driver. The last confirmed Windows driver with support for Maxwell and Pascal was version 581.80, published in late November. That release extended compatibility for a brief period before the current changes. Users who rely on automated driver installation tools should anticipate that a Windows release in the 590 series may follow, which would likely bring similar deprecation behavior.
Nvidia has stated that older architectures will continue to receive quarterly security updates. This ensures ongoing protection from critical vulnerabilities, although feature enhancements and performance tuning for new software titles will no longer be provided. Owners of GTX 900 series and GTX 10 series cards can expect limited support for modern features and reduced future compatibility with new game optimizations.
The 590 branch focuses on updates for current generation GPUs. The change removes Game Ready improvements for legacy cards and concentrates development on newer architectures. Nvidia has also reduced discrete support for Volta based GPUs. Since only a small number of consumer models were released under the discrete Volta architecture, the practical effect is limited. The primary impact falls on Maxwell and Pascal card users, who represent a larger installed base.
