NVIDIA Video Acceleration on Linux - What's the deal?!
Quick question and a rant all in one, because this is absurd.
Why in 2025 does playing a YouTube video on Linux with an NVIDIA card make my CPU scream like a banshee? On Windows, the same video and the CPU is barely breaking a sweat. After a fresh install of any distro, the problem is the same—the browser chews through the video on the CPU.
From what I understand, the problem is simple:
Browsers (Chrome/Firefox) want to talk through the open VA-API standard.
NVIDIA stubbornly only speaks its own NVDEC language.
The result? A failure to communicate and a fallback to the CPU.
Of course, the community has figured it out. The solution is the "translator" nvidia-vaapi-driver. But even with it, you have to do some tinkering:
Install the nvidia-vaapi-driver.
In Firefox, you mess around in about:config.
In Chrome, you add startup flags.
Finally, you fire up nvtop and pray that you see the load on the "DEC" engine, not the CPU.
The funniest part is that players like MPV or VLC handle this without a problem—you just have to point them to nvdec. This is mainly a browser issue.
My question to you all: Is this still the best way to handle this? Are there any new, magic tricks I don't know about? Or are NVIDIA or the browser developers finally planning to fix this at the source? Let me know how you're living with this.
https://redd.it/1n97j2z
@r_linux
Quick question and a rant all in one, because this is absurd.
Why in 2025 does playing a YouTube video on Linux with an NVIDIA card make my CPU scream like a banshee? On Windows, the same video and the CPU is barely breaking a sweat. After a fresh install of any distro, the problem is the same—the browser chews through the video on the CPU.
From what I understand, the problem is simple:
Browsers (Chrome/Firefox) want to talk through the open VA-API standard.
NVIDIA stubbornly only speaks its own NVDEC language.
The result? A failure to communicate and a fallback to the CPU.
Of course, the community has figured it out. The solution is the "translator" nvidia-vaapi-driver. But even with it, you have to do some tinkering:
Install the nvidia-vaapi-driver.
In Firefox, you mess around in about:config.
In Chrome, you add startup flags.
Finally, you fire up nvtop and pray that you see the load on the "DEC" engine, not the CPU.
The funniest part is that players like MPV or VLC handle this without a problem—you just have to point them to nvdec. This is mainly a browser issue.
My question to you all: Is this still the best way to handle this? Are there any new, magic tricks I don't know about? Or are NVIDIA or the browser developers finally planning to fix this at the source? Let me know how you're living with this.
https://redd.it/1n97j2z
@r_linux
Reddit
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Modern_Arch_Linux_Install: A comprehensive guide to installing Arch Linux with all of the modern features.
https://github.com/sabi-31/Modern_Arch_Linux_Install
https://redd.it/1n8ytdm
@r_linux
https://github.com/sabi-31/Modern_Arch_Linux_Install
https://redd.it/1n8ytdm
@r_linux
GitHub
GitHub - sabi-31/Modern_Arch_Linux_Install: A comprehensive guide to installing Arch Linux with all of the modern features.
A comprehensive guide to installing Arch Linux with all of the modern features. - sabi-31/Modern_Arch_Linux_Install
Zorin OS WAY easier than Mint for Newbie
I keep seeing people recommending Mint for new Linux users. I got sick of Apple and Microsoft. I decided to switch to Linux and installed both Zorin and Mint. In my opinion coming over as a complete noob Zorin is WAY easier to use than Mint. Mint is probably better for someone with more than average computer literacy. The fact that you have to learn the terminal is crazy. Zorin is beautiful, intuitive, and holds your hand every step of the way. I don't know about flat packs or this and that, what I do know is that when I needed to download an image writer, Zorin recommended I download a Linux equivalent and it worked perfectly.
I am using mint now and feel like a computer programmer. Installing software through the terminal is confusing and not working. I don't care that it might be easy to experienced computer users. It isn't easy for me and I know enough about computers that I was able to install 2 Linux distros on my Windows Dell laptop.
https://redd.it/1n9b3pu
@r_linux
I keep seeing people recommending Mint for new Linux users. I got sick of Apple and Microsoft. I decided to switch to Linux and installed both Zorin and Mint. In my opinion coming over as a complete noob Zorin is WAY easier to use than Mint. Mint is probably better for someone with more than average computer literacy. The fact that you have to learn the terminal is crazy. Zorin is beautiful, intuitive, and holds your hand every step of the way. I don't know about flat packs or this and that, what I do know is that when I needed to download an image writer, Zorin recommended I download a Linux equivalent and it worked perfectly.
I am using mint now and feel like a computer programmer. Installing software through the terminal is confusing and not working. I don't care that it might be easy to experienced computer users. It isn't easy for me and I know enough about computers that I was able to install 2 Linux distros on my Windows Dell laptop.
https://redd.it/1n9b3pu
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My Linux Journey
Just completed documenting my entire transition from Windows 11 to Arch + Hyprland. After 15+ years on Windows and over a year of daily driving Arch, I've compiled everything I learned into a reference guide.
This isn't a beginner tutorial, I assume you know the basics. It's more of a "here's what actually works in practice" reference guide.
Links:
📚 [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/Pahasara/My-Linux-Journey)
📄 Direct PDF Download
Hope it helps someone speed up their Arch setup process. Open to feedback and contributions!
https://redd.it/1n9er8g
@r_linux
Just completed documenting my entire transition from Windows 11 to Arch + Hyprland. After 15+ years on Windows and over a year of daily driving Arch, I've compiled everything I learned into a reference guide.
This isn't a beginner tutorial, I assume you know the basics. It's more of a "here's what actually works in practice" reference guide.
Links:
📚 [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/Pahasara/My-Linux-Journey)
📄 Direct PDF Download
Hope it helps someone speed up their Arch setup process. Open to feedback and contributions!
https://redd.it/1n9er8g
@r_linux
GitHub
GitHub - Pahasara/My-Linux-Journey: A Reference Guide for Arch Users with My Experience.
A Reference Guide for Arch Users with My Experience. - Pahasara/My-Linux-Journey
This Week in Plasma: more app permission configuration; pre-Akademy edition!
https://blogs.kde.org/2025/09/05/this-week-in-plasma-more-app-permission-configuration-pre-akademy-edition/
https://redd.it/1n9i4i8
@r_linux
https://blogs.kde.org/2025/09/05/this-week-in-plasma-more-app-permission-configuration-pre-akademy-edition/
https://redd.it/1n9i4i8
@r_linux
KDE Blogs
This Week in Plasma: more app permission configuration; pre-Akademy edition!
Welcome to a new issue of This Week in Plasma!
This week, KDE contributors from around the world are traveling to Akademy, KDE’s annual conference. I myself am on a train right now as I write these words (though hopefully not still there when you read them)…
This week, KDE contributors from around the world are traveling to Akademy, KDE’s annual conference. I myself am on a train right now as I write these words (though hopefully not still there when you read them)…
LTT Announces Linus Torvalds (probably) coming to shoot a video together.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPen-cHdYmk
That's the first topic they share, so no need in timestamps.
If someone has a subnoscription to floatplane (their own subscriber-exlusive platform), you will have a form to post a question and redirect it to Linus Torvalds and they gonna ask him.
https://redd.it/1n9m06q
@r_linux
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPen-cHdYmk
That's the first topic they share, so no need in timestamps.
If someone has a subnoscription to floatplane (their own subscriber-exlusive platform), you will have a form to post a question and redirect it to Linus Torvalds and they gonna ask him.
https://redd.it/1n9m06q
@r_linux
YouTube
I Met THE Linus - WAN Show September 5, 2025
Whether you need a wedding ring, anniversary ring, or you just want a ring that looks awesome, head over to https://www.thorum.com and code WAN to get 20% off a truly unique ring
Get 20% off DeleteMe US consumer plans when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/WAN…
Get 20% off DeleteMe US consumer plans when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/WAN…
Linux kernel developers are planning to stop most 32-bit Linux development within the next 2 years
https://youtu.be/87XwwZydRmA
https://redd.it/1n9rt9c
@r_linux
https://youtu.be/87XwwZydRmA
https://redd.it/1n9rt9c
@r_linux
YouTube
"32-bit Linux is Obsolete."
The plan to phase out 32-bit support for Linux outlined at Open Source Summit Europe last month.
More from The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.com/
More from The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.com/
Mint or Bazzite
I'm sick of Windows,
I was originally just going to wait for SteamOS but I want to "move out" now. Windows Explorer keeps crashing, causing my computer to blue screen. I try searching things up through windows key and it looks it up on the website. I am not interested in Windows 11 and its ads.
My specs are
CPU : Ryzen 7 5800x
GPU : RTX 3080
Ram : 32 GB Ram
I got C: drive and D: drive and I probably plan on putting one of them in my D: drive, keeping windows in C:, I plan on playing games and doing youtube.
But I also do some productivity like video editing and drawing (I use Sony Vegas, and Clip Studio Paint). Hopefully there's a way to make them work, especially drivers for my drawing tablet. Would definitely like to hear more advice on this. If not then that's why I'm keeping the dual boot.
And also will my files be able to be transferred over still so I can see them?
I have a ton of questions but I don't want to just ask 500 questions in a singular post.
https://redd.it/1n9u03p
@r_linux
I'm sick of Windows,
I was originally just going to wait for SteamOS but I want to "move out" now. Windows Explorer keeps crashing, causing my computer to blue screen. I try searching things up through windows key and it looks it up on the website. I am not interested in Windows 11 and its ads.
My specs are
CPU : Ryzen 7 5800x
GPU : RTX 3080
Ram : 32 GB Ram
I got C: drive and D: drive and I probably plan on putting one of them in my D: drive, keeping windows in C:, I plan on playing games and doing youtube.
But I also do some productivity like video editing and drawing (I use Sony Vegas, and Clip Studio Paint). Hopefully there's a way to make them work, especially drivers for my drawing tablet. Would definitely like to hear more advice on this. If not then that's why I'm keeping the dual boot.
And also will my files be able to be transferred over still so I can see them?
I have a ton of questions but I don't want to just ask 500 questions in a singular post.
https://redd.it/1n9u03p
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit: Mint or Bazzite
Posted by PlantainRepulsive477 - 0 votes and 28 comments
OS drive filling up
I am building a small media NAS and have installed OMV (a Debian fork) on it.
The OS is installed on a 128Gb SSD and there are 2 20Tb 3,5" HDD's that have been software raided into a single volume mounted on a /Media folder.
Now when I start putting files into said folder it stops at ca. 111Gb and tells me the OS drive is full.
how? why?
(I hope I got the flair right, if not, please don't shoot me ;-) )
https://redd.it/1n9tlnk
@r_linux
I am building a small media NAS and have installed OMV (a Debian fork) on it.
The OS is installed on a 128Gb SSD and there are 2 20Tb 3,5" HDD's that have been software raided into a single volume mounted on a /Media folder.
Now when I start putting files into said folder it stops at ca. 111Gb and tells me the OS drive is full.
how? why?
(I hope I got the flair right, if not, please don't shoot me ;-) )
https://redd.it/1n9tlnk
@r_linux
Reddit
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32-bit Linux Support Now and in the Future - Arnd Bergmann, Linaro - Open Source Summit 2025
https://youtu.be/QiOMiyGCoTw?si=4-mpjDbp7V1MLL0O
https://redd.it/1n9w7es
@r_linux
https://youtu.be/QiOMiyGCoTw?si=4-mpjDbp7V1MLL0O
https://redd.it/1n9w7es
@r_linux
YouTube
32-bit Linux Support Now and in the Future - Arnd Bergmann, Linaro
Don't miss out! Join us at the next Open Source Summit in Seoul, South Korea (November 4-5). Join us at the premier vendor-neutral open source conference, where developers and technologists come together to collaborate, share knowledge, and explore the latest…
Would you use a free, lightweight thin client OS for old PCs or Raspberry Pis?
Hey everyone, I’m experimenting with a tiny, fast Linux OS designed for thin clients—basically a lightweight system that boots quickly, supports remote desktop (RDP/VNC), and includes an easy setup wizard.
It’s meant for:
Old PCs and Raspberry Pis
Home labs or classrooms
Anyone who wants a fast, simple thin client without commercial licenses
Before I go further, I want to know: would this be useful to you?
https://redd.it/1n9xhk4
@r_linux
Hey everyone, I’m experimenting with a tiny, fast Linux OS designed for thin clients—basically a lightweight system that boots quickly, supports remote desktop (RDP/VNC), and includes an easy setup wizard.
It’s meant for:
Old PCs and Raspberry Pis
Home labs or classrooms
Anyone who wants a fast, simple thin client without commercial licenses
Before I go further, I want to know: would this be useful to you?
https://redd.it/1n9xhk4
@r_linux
Reddit
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Do we need an alternative to Microsoft Power BI that runs on Linux desktop?
https://redd.it/1na1zf3
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https://redd.it/1na1zf3
@r_linux
Linus Torvalds Grows Frustrated Seeing "Garbage" With "Link: " Tags In Git Commits
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linus-Torvalds-No-Link-Tags
https://redd.it/1na97xx
@r_linux
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linus-Torvalds-No-Link-Tags
https://redd.it/1na97xx
@r_linux
Phoronix
Linus Torvalds Grows Frustrated Seeing "Garbage" With "Link: " Tags In Git Commits
Linus Torvalds has grown frustrated enough with seeing 'Link: ' tags within Git commits/patches that often times they are of no value and he's had enough of it
Canaima OS, the government-issued Linux distribution of Venezuela
https://youtube.com/watch?v=zPPFbwpfpYE&feature=shared
https://redd.it/1na953k
@r_linux
https://youtube.com/watch?v=zPPFbwpfpYE&feature=shared
https://redd.it/1na953k
@r_linux
YouTube
Instalacion de Cheese en Canaima 3.1
En este vídeo observaras como se instala y se utiliza la aplicación Cheese la cual se utiliza para captura de foto desde la camara web en Canaima Versión 3.1
I'm making the right choice by switching from Windows 11 to Linux and I love it
5 hours ago I switched from Windows to Linux mint because I got tired of Microsoft's bullshit and I always wanted to try Linux and most of my favorite apps work and I like how it's customizable
And how it's really lite wate and my fans don't sound like a airplane engine and how I feel like neo from the Materx every time I use the terminal and thar are some things that annoy me a little bit like how my screen randomly goes back for 10 seconds and how my sound drivers keep on uninstalling tham selfs and how my USB ports don't recognize anything after a reset but I still
Really like Linux even with those little annoyances
https://redd.it/1nalmqv
@r_linux
5 hours ago I switched from Windows to Linux mint because I got tired of Microsoft's bullshit and I always wanted to try Linux and most of my favorite apps work and I like how it's customizable
And how it's really lite wate and my fans don't sound like a airplane engine and how I feel like neo from the Materx every time I use the terminal and thar are some things that annoy me a little bit like how my screen randomly goes back for 10 seconds and how my sound drivers keep on uninstalling tham selfs and how my USB ports don't recognize anything after a reset but I still
Really like Linux even with those little annoyances
https://redd.it/1nalmqv
@r_linux
Reddit
From the linux community on Reddit
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