Kubuntu NVIDIA 3070: Diagnosing and Resolving Terrible FPS in Steam Games

We understand the profound frustration when your powerful hardware, specifically an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070, fails to deliver the expected performance in your favorite Steam titles on Kubuntu. The situation you describe, where 2D games like Brawlhalla run flawlessly while demanding titles such as Counter-Strike 2 and even Portal with RTX exhibit abysmal frame rates or outright incompatibility warnings, strongly suggests a driver-related issue or a misconfiguration within your Kubuntu system impacting the NVIDIA GPU’s ability to function optimally with modern graphics APIs. The error message “failed to get opengl information make sure your gpu drivers are properly installed” further solidifies this suspicion, pinpointing a core problem with how your system is communicating with the graphics card.

At revWhiteShadow, we aim to provide in-depth, actionable solutions to help you regain the performance you deserve from your Kubuntu setup. This comprehensive guide will delve into the most probable causes for these performance degradation issues and offer step-by-step instructions to diagnose and resolve them, ultimately bringing your RTX 3070 back to its full potential within the Steam ecosystem.

Understanding the Core Problem: Kubuntu, NVIDIA Drivers, and Steam

The interplay between Linux distributions like Kubuntu, proprietary NVIDIA drivers, and the Steam client, particularly with Proton for running Windows games, can sometimes be complex. When you reinstalled Kubuntu and adjusted your partitions, it’s possible that the NVIDIA driver installation was either not completed correctly, a downgrade occurred, or a conflict has arisen with the new installation. The distinction between 2D games and 3D, graphically intensive titles is crucial. 2D games often rely on less demanding rendering techniques and may function adequately with generic or older driver versions. However, modern 3D games, especially those leveraging technologies like Vulkan, OpenGL 4.x, and ray tracing (as indicated by your Portal with RTX experience), require the latest, properly optimized NVIDIA drivers to operate correctly and efficiently.

NVIDIA Driver Installation and Configuration in Kubuntu

The most common culprit for such drastic performance drops is an improperly installed or configured NVIDIA driver. Unlike Windows, where driver updates are often straightforward, on Linux, it requires more careful attention to detail. Several factors can contribute to this:

  • Using Nouveau Drivers: Nouveau is the open-source graphics driver for NVIDIA cards. While it has improved significantly, it often lags behind NVIDIA’s proprietary drivers in terms of performance, feature support, and compatibility with newer technologies. If your system defaulted to Nouveau after the Kubuntu reinstallation, this would explain the poor performance in demanding 3D games.
  • Incorrect Proprietary Driver Version: Installing the wrong version of the NVIDIA proprietary driver can lead to instability, performance issues, or outright failure to launch applications that rely on advanced graphics features.
  • Driver Conflicts: If remnants of previous driver installations exist, they can conflict with a newly installed driver, leading to unexpected behavior.
  • Secure Boot Interference: In some cases, Secure Boot can prevent proprietary drivers from loading correctly, especially if they haven’t been properly signed.

Steam and Proton’s Role in Performance

Steam, through its Proton compatibility layer, allows users to play Windows games on Linux. Proton translates Windows API calls to Linux equivalents, enabling a wide range of games to run. However, the efficiency and success of this translation are heavily dependent on the underlying graphics drivers and the specific Proton version used.

  • Proton and OpenGL/Vulkan: Many games, both native Linux and those run through Proton, utilize OpenGL and Vulkan APIs. If your NVIDIA drivers are not correctly exposing these APIs or are not optimized for them, games will suffer.
  • RTX Features: Games like Portal with RTX specifically utilize advanced NVIDIA technologies such as RTX (ray tracing). For these features to work, the correct NVIDIA driver and Vulkan extensions must be in place and properly recognized by both the game and Proton. The error message about GPU incompatibility for RTX features is a clear indicator that the system is not recognizing your RTX 3070’s capabilities.

Step-by-Step Diagnosis and Resolution

Let’s embark on a systematic approach to identify and rectify the issues plaguing your Kubuntu gaming experience.

1. Verifying Current Driver Status

The first step is to ascertain which NVIDIA driver your Kubuntu system is currently using.

Using Kubuntu’s “Hardware Drivers” Tool

Kubuntu comes with a user-friendly graphical tool to manage drivers.

  1. Open the Application Launcher (usually the K-menu).
  2. Navigate to System Settings.
  3. Look for the Hardware section and select Hardware Drivers.
  4. This tool will scan your system and list available drivers for your hardware, including your NVIDIA GPU. It should indicate which driver is active or recommended.

Using the Terminal for Detailed Driver Information

For a more technical overview, the terminal provides invaluable information.

  1. Open your terminal emulator (e.g., Konsole).

  2. Run the following command to check if the NVIDIA kernel module is loaded:

    lsmod | grep nvidia

    If you see output containing nvidia, it means the NVIDIA driver is likely loaded. If there’s no output, the proprietary driver is not active.

  3. To get detailed information about the NVIDIA driver version and configuration, use:

    nvidia-smi

    This command, provided by NVIDIA’s proprietary drivers, displays the driver version, CUDA version, and information about your GPU. If this command fails or returns an error, it’s a strong indicator of a driver problem.

  4. You can also query the currently loaded driver from Xorg (the display server):

    glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer"

    The output should clearly state “NVIDIA Corporation” and your GPU model (e.g., “NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070”). If it shows “llvmpipe” or “Mesa” followed by generic terms, you are likely using the open-source Nouveau driver or a basic fallback.

Checking the prime-select Status

If you have a hybrid graphics setup (though less common with a single RTX 3070, it’s good practice to check), prime-select manages which GPU is used.

nvidia-prime-select

It should ideally be set to nvidia.

Based on the verification, if you’re not using the proprietary driver, or suspect it’s corrupted, the next logical step is a clean reinstallation.

This is the safest and most straightforward method for most users.

  1. Ensure you have an internet connection.
  2. Open System Settings -> Hardware Drivers.
  3. If the recommended proprietary driver is not selected, choose it (typically something like nvidia-driver-535 or a newer version if available).
  4. Click Apply Changes.
  5. You will be prompted for your password.
  6. Once the driver is installed, reboot your system.

Method B: Using the Terminal (Advanced Users)

This method offers more control and can be useful if the GUI tool encounters issues.

  1. Purge Existing NVIDIA Drivers: It’s crucial to remove any potentially conflicting driver installations.

    sudo apt purge nvidia*
sudo apt autoremove

    This command will remove all packages starting with nvidia, including related libraries and utilities.

  2. Update Package Lists:

    sudo apt update

  3. Install the Recommended Driver: You can let ubuntu-drivers suggest the best driver.

    sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall

    Alternatively, you can manually install a specific version if you know it’s compatible (e.g., sudo apt install nvidia-driver-535). Check the output of ubuntu-drivers devices for recommendations.

  4. Reboot:

    sudo reboot

Important Considerations During Driver Installation:

  • Disable Nouveau: Before installing proprietary drivers, the Nouveau driver should ideally be blacklisted. The autoinstall command or the GUI tool usually handles this. If you encounter issues, you might need to manually create a blacklist file:

    echo -e "blacklist nouveau\noptions nouveau modeset=0" | sudo tee /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-nouveau.conf
sudo update-initramfs -u

    Then reboot and proceed with the NVIDIA driver installation.

  • Secure Boot: If Secure Boot is enabled in your BIOS, it might prevent the NVIDIA kernel modules from loading. You might need to disable Secure Boot or sign the NVIDIA modules. Disabling Secure Boot is often the simpler solution for testing purposes.

3. Verifying OpenGL and Vulkan Functionality After Driver Installation

Once the drivers are reinstalled and you’ve rebooted, it’s time to re-verify.

Re-running nvidia-smi and glxinfo

Execute the commands from Step 1 again.

  • nvidia-smi should now show your RTX 3070 and the driver version.
  • glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer" should clearly state your NVIDIA GPU.

Testing Vulkan Support

Since many modern games, especially through Proton, rely heavily on Vulkan, it’s essential to confirm its proper function.

  1. Install Vulkan SDK and Tools:

    sudo apt install mesa-vulkan-drivers nvidia-vulkan-common nvidia-vulkan-icd

    Ensure you have the correct Vulkan ICD (Installable Client Driver) for NVIDIA.

  2. Test with vulkaninfo:

    vulkaninfo

    This command should output detailed information about your Vulkan-capable devices and extensions. If it fails or shows no NVIDIA devices, your Vulkan setup is incorrect. The output should clearly list your RTX 3070.

  3. Test with a Vulkan-based Game: Launch a native Linux game that uses Vulkan, or a Windows game through Proton that you know utilizes Vulkan. If it runs with good FPS, your Vulkan setup is likely sound.

4. Addressing Steam and Proton Specific Issues

With a confirmed working NVIDIA driver setup, we can focus on Steam and Proton.

Updating Steam and Proton

Ensure you are running the latest stable version of Steam and consider trying different Proton versions.

  1. Update Steam:

    • In Steam, go to Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates.
    • If you installed Steam via apt or another package manager, ensure those are updated:
      sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade steam-installer # Or equivalent package name

  2. Switch Proton Versions:

    • In your Steam Library, right-click on the problematic game (e.g., Counter-Strike 2).
    • Select Properties.
    • Go to the Compatibility tab.
    • Check the box that says “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.”
    • From the dropdown, try different versions of Proton Experimental, Proton GE (GloriousEggroll) (you may need to install this manually), and the latest stable Proton version. Restart Steam after changing the compatibility tool.

Launch Options for Steam Games

Sometimes, specific launch options can help resolve performance issues or enable certain features.

  • Forcing Vulkan: For games that support it, you might try forcing Vulkan. However, since your issue seems to be a general driver problem, this might not be necessary if vulkaninfo works.

    • Example for some games: PROTON_USE_WINED3D=1 %command% (forces OpenGL via WineD3D, useful for older games or specific driver issues) or WINEAUTO=1 %command% (for some specific Wine behavior).

  • Environment Variables for NVIDIA: You can set environment variables for specific games. However, for system-wide driver issues, this is less of a solution than fixing the driver itself.

Troubleshooting Portal with RTX Compatibility Error

The “GPU not compatible with RTX” error for Portal with RTX is a critical clue. This typically means:

  • Missing Vulkan Ray Tracing Extensions: Your NVIDIA driver and Vulkan installation must correctly support Vulkan ray tracing extensions. The vulkaninfo command should list VK_KHR_ray_tracing_pipeline and related extensions. If not, even with the latest drivers, your Vulkan setup might be incomplete.
  • Driver Version Too Old: Older NVIDIA drivers do not support RTX features. Ensure you have a driver version that explicitly supports RTX (generally drivers 460.xx and newer for Turing/Ampere architectures, but newer is always better).
  • Proton Configuration: While less likely to cause a direct compatibility message, ensure Proton is correctly configured to pass through Vulkan and DXR (DirectX Raytracing).

5. Investigating the Screen Recorder Error: “failed to get opengl information”

This error message from your screen recorder (com.dec05eba.gpu_screen_recorder) is a direct confirmation of the OpenGL reporting problem. It means the application cannot query the necessary OpenGL capabilities from your graphics driver. This reinforces the idea that the core issue lies with how your system is presenting OpenGL information, which is a function of the NVIDIA driver.

Re-check OpenGL Renderer

After ensuring the NVIDIA drivers are properly installed and active, run glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer" again. It must show your RTX 3070.

Verify OpenGL Libraries

Ensure the correct OpenGL libraries are installed and accessible. The NVIDIA driver installation typically handles this, but package conflicts can sometimes occur.

  • The necessary packages are usually provided by the nvidia-driver-libs or similar packages depending on the driver version and distribution specifics. The sudo apt install nvidia-vulkan-icd command also installs core Vulkan and OpenGL libraries.

Flatpak Application Permissions

Since you’re using a Flatpak version of the screen recorder, ensure it has the necessary permissions to access the graphics hardware.

  1. Install Flatseal: Flatseal is a graphical tool for managing Flatpak permissions.

    flatpak install flathub com.github.tchx84.Flatseal

  2. Open Flatseal: Launch Flatseal from your application menu.

  3. Grant Permissions:

    • Find com.dec05eba.gpu_screen_recorder in the list of applications.
    • Look for permissions related to graphics, GPU access, or device access.
    • Ensure permissions like devices=graphics, dri, and potentially opengl (though this is usually implicit) are enabled. You might need to grant it access to /dev/dri/card0 or similar.

Alternative Screen Recording Tools

If the Flatpak application continues to have issues, consider trying other screen recording tools that might have better compatibility or different backend implementations. OBS Studio is a popular and powerful option that supports various backends and can often work around driver quirks.

6. Optimizing Kubuntu for Gaming Performance

Beyond driver issues, certain system configurations can impact gaming performance.

Disable Compositor Effects for Games

Kubuntu’s desktop effects (compositor) can consume GPU resources. For intensive gaming, it’s often recommended to disable them.

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. Navigate to Display and Monitor > Compositor.
  3. You might find an option to automatically disable the compositor when an application is fullscreen. Ensure this is enabled.
  4. Alternatively, you can manually disable it before launching a game and re-enable it afterward.

Power Management Settings

Ensure your system is set to a performance-oriented power profile.

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. Navigate to Power Management.
  3. Select a Performance profile or ensure that your system is not aggressively throttling the CPU or GPU.

Keeping Kubuntu Updated

Beyond just drivers, ensuring your entire Kubuntu system is up-to-date can resolve underlying bugs and improve compatibility.

sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade

After a system-wide upgrade, always reboot.

7. Advanced Troubleshooting: Kernel Parameters and Driver Options

In rare cases, specific kernel parameters or NVIDIA driver options might be needed.

  • NVIDIA Kernel Module Options: You can pass options to the NVIDIA kernel module, though this is usually only necessary for very specific hardware or software conflicts. This is done by editing /etc/modprobe.d/nvidia.conf (or a similar file). For instance, options nvidia modeset=1 is common, but the default settings are usually optimal.

  • Kernel Parameters: Some issues can be related to how the kernel handles graphics. Parameters like nomodeset (which you generally don’t want for an NVIDIA card as it forces fallback drivers) or specific ACPI settings can sometimes play a role, but these are rarely the solution for a sudden performance drop after a reinstall.

8. Checking for System Overheating or Hardware Issues

While less likely given the nature of the problem (2D games working fine), it’s always prudent to rule out hardware faults.

  • Monitor Temperatures: Use tools like nvidia-smi (which shows GPU temperature) or lm-sensors to monitor CPU and GPU temperatures during gaming. Overheating can cause thermal throttling, leading to severe performance drops.
  • Reseat GPU: If you’re comfortable doing so, ensure the RTX 3070 is properly seated in its PCIe slot and that power connectors are securely attached.

Final Check and Reiteration of Key Steps

We have outlined a comprehensive approach to resolving your Kubuntu gaming performance woes. The most critical steps to focus on are:

  1. Accurate NVIDIA Driver Installation: This is paramount. Use Kubuntu’s Hardware Drivers tool or ubuntu-drivers autoinstall for the most reliable installation of the recommended proprietary driver.
  2. Verification: Always verify driver status with nvidia-smi and glxinfo after installation and reboot.
  3. Vulkan Functionality: Confirm Vulkan is working correctly with vulkaninfo.
  4. Steam/Proton Configuration: Experiment with different Proton versions for your games.
  5. Flatpak Permissions: If using Flatpak applications, ensure they have the necessary graphics access via Flatseal.

By systematically working through these steps, you should be able to diagnose and eliminate the underlying cause of the terrible FPS you are experiencing. Your NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 is a capable card, and with the correct software configuration, it will once again provide the smooth, high-fidelity gaming experience you expect on Kubuntu.

If, after following these steps, you still encounter issues, gather specific error messages, driver versions, and game titles involved, as these details can provide further clues for more advanced troubleshooting. The community at revWhiteShadow is here to assist.