The review embargo for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition has been lifted, enabling numerous publications to share insights on its performance for Windows gaming. However, the story is different for Linux users, as the current Linux driver (version 565) does not yet support the RTX 50 series. NVIDIA has provided review samples to select outlets, but Linux-based testing remains on hold until a compatible driver becomes available.
Linux Driver Delays for the RTX 5090
Linux users eager to test the $1999 USD RTX 5090 must wait until at least January 30, the official retail launch date, for a compatible driver. NVIDIA has indicated that a Linux driver supporting the new graphics card will be released by then, continuing its tradition of aligning Linux support with product launches. There’s also hope for an earlier “press preview” driver, which would enable initial testing before the full driver rollout.
The upcoming Linux driver is expected to introduce the R570 driver branch, bringing support for the RTX 50 series along with potential new features and optimizations. Currently, Linux users rely on the R565 driver series, which lacks compatibility with the RTX 5090. As the community awaits this update, there is considerable excitement about how it might enhance Linux graphics and compute performance beyond basic hardware support.
Open-Source Driver Advantages
This situation highlights the advantages of open-source driver stacks, like those used by AMD and Intel. These drivers are integrated directly into the Linux kernel and Mesa, often bypassing the need for proprietary “preview” drivers. While exceptions exist, such as delays in firmware blobs or incomplete support at launch, open-source drivers generally provide Linux users with more immediate and seamless hardware functionality compared to proprietary alternatives.
Although Windows benchmarks are now readily available, Linux benchmarks for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 remain forthcoming. The community eagerly anticipates testing this high-end graphics card across gaming, graphics, and computing workloads once the Linux driver is released. These benchmarks will provide critical insights into the card’s performance and highlight NVIDIA’s continued efforts to support Linux users.