Linux Ubuntu OS install Nvidia CUDA Guide

 

1. Check Compatibility Between NVIDIA Driver and CUDA Versions

First, consult the NVIDIA CUDA Toolkit Release Notes to verify the CUDA version compatible with your graphics driver. Official documentation link:

The following diagram shows version compatibility:

Check your driver version using:

nvidia-smi

This displays your driver version. Cross-reference it with the compatibility table or note the maximum supported CUDA version shown (e.g., CUDA Version 12.8).

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2. Download Official CUDA Driver

Official website: https://developer.nvidia.com/cuda-toolkit-archive

For this example, we install CUDA 12.8. You may choose any version up to the maximum supported by your driver (shown in nvidia-smi output).

Select the appropriate installer for your system:

The download commands will be generated after selection:

Execute the commands sequentially for installation:

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3. Configure Environment Variables

Open the .bashrc file and append these lines (modify cuda-12.8 to match your installed version):

# Modify 'cuda-12.8' based on your installed version. Verify the path if needed.
export PATH=/usr/local/cuda-12.8/bin${PATH:+:${PATH}}
export LD_LIBRARY_PATH=/usr/local/cuda-12.8/lib64${LD_LIBRARY_PATH:+:${LD_LIBRARY_PATH}}

Apply the changes:

source ~/.bashrc

Verify installation with:

nvcc -V

Successful installation will display: