The world of GPUs is ever-changing, and the recent announcement regarding Nvidia’s CUDA Toolkit has elicited mixed reactions from the community. As reported by Tom’s Hardware, Nvidia is set to phase out support for the Maxwell and Pascal architecture, specifically affecting the popular GTX 9 and 10-series graphics cards in an upcoming update. While this might sound like alarming news to gamers and developers alike, there are vital aspects to consider that contextualize this decision within Nvidia’s broader strategy.
The Announcement Breakdown
Nvidia’s update 12.8 for the CUDA Toolkit details this deprecation with a note in section 1.5.1, stating, “Architecture support for Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta is considered feature-complete and will be frozen in an upcoming release.” This move signals an important shift in focus for Nvidia; the company is emphasizing newer technologies while acknowledging that older architectures have served their purpose. Although Volta was primarily used in enterprise contexts, the GTX 9 and 10-series cards have nostalgic value for many PC gamers who view these models as benchmarks of price-to-performance success.
The GTX 970 and 980 Ti, for example, are often cited as the peaks of this era, offering impressive specifications at reasonable prices. The popularity of the GTX 1060 is evidenced by its sustained presence in the Steam Hardware Survey, remaining the most used GPU long after its release in March 2022. Such statistics underscore the ongoing relevance of these older cards in the gaming community, suggesting that Nvidia is making a bold move by discontinuing their support.
While the announcement might seem like a death knell for users of these cards, it is crucial to note that Nvidia will continue to offer GeForce driver updates for Maxwell and Pascal for an unspecified duration. Historically, a look at the roadmap for previous generations can provide insights into future timelines. For example, the deprecation of support for the Kepler architecture started with CUDA v10.2 in late 2019, yet final driver support was maintained for nearly two additional years until 2021.
Given this precedent, users can reasonably speculate that the GTX 9 and 10-series may enjoy a similar window for continued driver support post-deprecation. As Maxwell has already surpassed Kepler’s CUDA support duration, it is plausible that Nvidia could extend its support for these architectures well into 2026 or beyond, especially considering their substantial user base.
In an age where AI-fueled GPUs such as the RTX 5090 are heralded as the cutting-edge of gaming technology, the endurance of older models like the GTX 980 Ti becomes especially significant. Not only does it represent one of the last high-end consumer cards still equipped with an analogue DVI port, but it also serves as a connector for classic CRT gaming setups. This characteristic ensures these older graphics cards retain relevance, particularly among enthusiasts who prioritize refresh rates and classic aesthetics.
Yet, the longevity of these models isn’t solely attributed to their hardware specifications. The DIY gaming community often utilizes adapters to bridge the gap between modern systems and vintage displays, ensuring that the transition to newer technologies does not entirely eclipse the fond memories and unique experiences of older gaming setups.
As Nvidia pivots towards the future with its CUDA Toolkit and embraces the next generation of graphics cards, it concurrently pays respect to its legacy creations. The transition away from supporting the Maxwell and Pascal architectures marks the end of an era for many seasoned gamers, but could also foster an environment ripe for innovation and new developments.
As Nvidia moves forward, the continued support for older architectures in the short term provides a valuable window for users to adapt and prepare for future advancements. While it may not be easy to say goodbye to well-loved models, there is something to be gained from embracing change while still acknowledging the contributions and achievements of older technology. The gaming landscape is certain to evolve, but the memories tied to legacy cards will always remain an integral part of this community’s history.