Nvidia releases R555 series as first step towards full transition to open-source GPU kernel drivers with R560.

Open-source modules aim to improve performance and reliability, featuring Heterogeneous Memory Management.

Currently, open-source drivers are compatible only with select newer GPUs; older architectures still use proprietary drivers.

Users with a mix of old and new GPUs are advised to use proprietary drivers for compatibility.

Nvidia has shifted most proprietary functions into closed-source firmware blobs, retaining control over user-space drivers and firmware.

This move is part of Nvidia's strategy to enhance performance and compete more effectively with AMD in the Linux space.