As the technology landscape evolves, so too must the tools that developers use to harness the power of graphics processing units (GPUs). Nvidia, a dominant player in the GPU market, has recently announced significant changes regarding the CUDA Toolkit that will impact users of older graphics card architectures. This announcement, reported by Tom’s Hardware, points to the impending deprecation of support for the Maxwell and Pascal architectures—specifically, the GTX 9 and GTX 10 series cards. In this article, we will explore the implications of this decision, the legacy of these architectures, and the potential timeline for continued driver support.
The latest update to the CUDA Toolkit reflects Nvidia’s decision to freeze support for the Maxwell and Pascal architectures, as stated in the release notes for version 12.8. The section labeled “Deprecated Architectures” explicitly mentions that the support for Maxwell, Pascal, and Volta has reached its feature-complete status, meaning no further enhancements or new features will be added. While Nvidia has reassured users that GeForce driver updates will persist for affected cards, the uncertainty surrounding the duration of this support raises eyebrows among dedicated gamers.
These architectures have become staples in the community, particularly for enthusiasts who value the balance of price and performance. The GTX 970, for example, and the GTX 1000 series, including the 1060 and 1080 Ti, are regularly cited as benchmarks for high-quality gaming experience without breaking the bank. However, as tech advancements accelerate, Nvidia is signaling a transition toward newer innovations, particularly with its AI-powered graphics cards.
Maxwell and Pascal architectures have carved out a significant niche in the hearts of gamers. The GTX 970 and 980 Ti remain iconic, credited with delivering solid performance during their heyday. Many players still use these GPUs today, underlining their longevity and value. Particularly noteworthy is the GTX 1060, which, according to the Steam Hardware Survey, was the most popular GPU in March 2022—six years after its initial release.
The memory and capabilities of these cards allowed them to remain relevant even as newer generations of GPUs flooded the market. Information from the most recent Steam Hardware Survey indicates that together, Maxwell and Pascal cards accounted for approximately 10.75% of user respondents—evidence of their enduring appeal. This usage trend stands as a testament to how well these GPUs have performed in budget-conscious builds or among users unwilling to upgrade frequently.
While Nvidia has not disclosed precise dates for the termination of driver updates for Maxwell and Pascal architectures, one can analyze past trends to make educated guesses. The previous architecture, Kepler, which powered GPUs such as the GTX 780 Ti, saw its CUDA support deprecated in 2019 and finished with its last driver update in August 2021. Given the similar circumstances surrounding the current situation, it seems plausible that Nvidia will continue offering driver support for GTX 9 and 10 series cards through a similar timeline.
Interestingly, Maxwell benefits from a larger install base compared to Kepler. This widespread adoption could influence Nvidia to extend the lifespan of driver support into 2026 or beyond. Even as the market faces a wave of advanced AI-assisted graphics cards like the anticipated RTX 5090, the maturity of the Maxwell and Pascal architectures continues to deliver solid performance for numerous gaming needs—even those nostalgic for older hardware configurations.
Nvidia’s decision to move away from older architectures as part of its latest CUDA update serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of technology. While the deprecation may signal the end of an era for many gamers who have relied on the reliability of Maxwell and Pascal, it also opens the door for new innovations. The legacy of these GPUs will remain intact, remembered fondly for their contributions to affordable gaming performance. Ultimately, as the industry evolves, users must weigh the merits of upgrading against the capabilities of their existing hardware, embracing change while cherishing the past.