How to Install GPU-Viewer on Linux Mint 21 or 20

This guide will demonstrate how to install GPU-Viewer on Linux Mint 21 or 20 using the command-line terminal. It outlines two distinct methods: utilizing APT with the GPU-Viewer LaunchPAD PPA, and the alternative approach via the Flatpak package manager coupled with the third-party Flathub repository.

GPU-Viewer is an essential tool for Linux users keen on monitoring and analyzing their graphics processing unit (GPU) performance. As a versatile graphical interface, it offers a comprehensive view of the GPU’s capabilities and settings, making it an invaluable asset for both developers and enthusiasts.

Here are some key features that make GPU-Viewer stand out:

• User-Friendly Interface: GPU-Viewer simplifies the complex details of GPU metrics into an easily navigable graphical format.
• Comprehensive GPU Metrics: It provides detailed insights into various GPU parameters such as OpenGL, Vulkan, and GLX.
• Cross-Distribution Compatibility: GPU-Viewer supports multiple Linux distributions, ensuring broad usability.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Track your GPU’s performance in real-time, aiding in effective performance tuning and troubleshooting.
• Enhanced Developer Support: Aids developers in optimizing their applications by offering detailed GPU usage data.

These features not only enhance the user experience but also contribute significantly to the efficiency of managing GPU resources on Linux systems. As we delve into the technical aspects of installing GPU-Viewer, remember that this guide aims to simplify the process, making it accessible even to those new to Linux environments. The upcoming sections will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth installation, leveraging the power of GPU-Viewer to its fullest potential.

Install GPU-Viewer on Linux Mint via APT

Step 1: Refreshing and Upgrading Linux Mint

Ensuring your system is up-to-date is a fundamental step before installing any new software. It helps avoid potential conflicts between the new and existing packages.

To update your Linux Mint system, run the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

The update command fetches the package list from the repository, while upgrade installs the newest versions of the software currently installed on your system.

Step 2: Import GPU-Viewer PPA

Although GPU-Viewer isn’t included in the default Linux Mint repositories, you can install it from a PPA (Personal Package Archive) maintained by Arun Sivaraman. This PPA receives regular updates with the most recent version of GPU-Viewer.

Initially, we’ll need to install some required dependencies using the software-properties-common package:

sudo apt install dirmngr ca-certificates software-properties-common apt-transport-https -y

This package contains scripts useful for adding PPAs. After the dependencies are installed, we can proceed to add the PPA to our system using:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:arunsivaraman/gpuviewer -y

Step 3: Refresh APT Package

Post addition of the PPA, it is crucial to update the package index to reflect the changes. This process ensures that APT is aware of the new packages available from the recently added source.

Run the following command to synchronize the package index:

sudo apt update

Step 4: Finalizing the GPU-Viewer Installation

With the PPA added and the package index updated, we are now ready to install GPU-Viewer. Execute the following command to commence the installation:

sudo apt install gpu-viewer

By the end of this process, you’ll have successfully installed GPU-Viewer on your Linux Mint system with APT. For those who prefer using Flatpak to install your software, section two provides this method.

Install GPU-Viewer via Flatpak and Flathub

In this alternative method, we delve into an alternative avenue for GPU-Viewer installation leveraging Flatpak, a universal package management system. The use of Flatpak circumvents the typical distribution-based limitations by providing access to the most recent versions of applications across diverse Linux distributions.

Step 1: Ensuring Flathub Availability

Before you install GPU-Viewer through Flatpak, it is essential to ascertain that the Flathub repository is enabled on your system. In order to verify and enable Flathub, issue the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command inspects your Flatpak configuration and adds the Flathub repository if it is not already present.

Step 2: Install GPU-Viewer via Flatpak Command

Once Flathub has been validated and activated, we can advance to the installation of GPU-Viewer. The flatpak install command accomplishes this task seamlessly. Input the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub io.github.arunsivaramanneo.GPUViewer

This command triggers the installation of the GPU-Viewer application from the Flathub repository, effectively equipping your system with the most recent iteration of this utility.

Starting GPU-Viewer on Linux Mint

Having successfully installed GPU-Viewer, you may now wish to fire up the application. Various paths to its activation cater to diverse user preferences, whether you lean towards command-line operation or a graphical user interface. This section is dedicated to guiding you on how to kickstart GPU-Viewer, regardless of your preference.

Starting GPU-Viewer via the Terminal

If you are inclined towards using the terminal, GPU-Viewer can be brought to life by issuing a simple command:

gpu-viewer

However, if you opted for the Flatpak route during the installation, a slightly different command would be necessary:

flatpak run io.github.arunsivaramanneo.GPUViewer

These commands effectively initiate the GPU-Viewer application, providing terminal-savvy users a straightforward way to interact with the utility.

Launch GPU-Viewer from the Application Icon

Once GPU-Viewer is installed, accessing it through your Linux Mint desktop environment is straightforward. The method for launching GPU-Viewer slightly varies based on your chosen desktop environment.

For Cinnamon, XFCE, KDE, and Similar Environments:

1. Navigate to your system’s taskbar.
2. Click on the ‘Accessories’ section.
3. Select ‘GPU-Viewer’ from the list of applications.

In desktop environments such as Cinnamon, XFCE, and KDE, applications are neatly categorized and easily accessible from the taskbar menu, making the process of launching GPU-Viewer seamless.

For GNOME Desktop Environment: The GNOME desktop, known for its unique and streamlined interface, follows a different approach for launching applications:

1. Open the ‘Activities’ overview by clicking on ‘Activities’ or pressing the ‘Super’ key (often labeled as the Windows key).
2. Type ‘GPU-Viewer’ in the search bar.
3. Click on the GPU-Viewer icon to start the application.

In the GNOME desktop environment, the emphasis is on a search-oriented method for accessing applications. This approach streamlines the process of finding and launching tools like GPU-Viewer, enhancing user efficiency.

First-Time Tips with GPU-Viewer on Linux Mint

As you’re diving into GPU-Viewer, these tips will help you make the most of your experience and navigate the software efficiently. Remember, this advice is particularly applicable to Linux Mint and other Linux distributions, ensuring a focused and relevant guide for Linux users.

Discovering Features of GPU-Viewer

Being acquainted with the features and capabilities of GPU-Viewer can significantly enhance your user experience. Here are some key features to consider:

• Device Information: GPU-Viewer provides detailed insights into your graphics card’s specifications, such as the GPU make and model, clock speed, memory size, and driver information.
• OpenGL Extensions: You can view detailed information about supported OpenGL extensions, which are crucial for rendering 2D and 3D graphics.
• Vulkan Information: Get a comprehensive understanding of Vulkan capabilities, including the API version, extensions, and device limits.
• OpenCL Information: OpenCL information, including device capabilities and supported extensions, can be accessed.

Customizing Your GPU-Viewer Experience

Adapting the software to your preferences can make navigating through it more intuitive. Consider these customization tips:

• Remember Your Tab: By default, GPU-Viewer opens to the “OpenGL/GLX Details” tab. However, if you’re frequently accessing another tab, navigate to Preferences > Startup > Default Tab to set your preferred tab as the default.
• Selecting Your GPU: If your system has multiple GPUs, navigate to Preferences > GPUs to select the GPU you want to inspect.

General Tips for Using GPU-Viewer

Here are some general tips to ensure a smooth experience:

• Stay Updated: Regularly check for software updates to keep your GPU-Viewer in sync with the latest enhancements and bug fixes. This can usually be done through the Linux Mint Update Manager or similar tools in other Linux distributions.
• Use the Search Function: GPU-Viewer has a robust search function that can help you quickly find specific information. Just press Ctrl + F to access it.
• Check for Driver Updates: Keeping your GPU drivers updated ensures the best performance and compatibility with GPU-Viewer. Use your distribution’s package manager or proprietary software (like Nvidia’s driver utility) to update your drivers.

Managing GPU-Viewer on Linux Mint

Update GPU-Viewer

Regular software updates ensure that you are making the most of GPU-Viewer’s latest features, as well as any patches and bug fixes. How you conduct these updates depends upon the initial method of installation.

APT Update Method For GPU-Viewer

For those who opted for the APT PPA method during installation, updating GPU-Viewer is a two-step process in the terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade gpu-viewer

These commands refresh your package list and upgrade the GPU-Viewer package, respectively.

Flatpak Update Method For GPU-Viewer

If your installation route was via Flatpak, the following command is required to update GPU-Viewer:

flatpak update io.github.arunsivaramanneo.GPUViewer

For those looking to update all their Flatpak applications in one sweep, this command will suffice:

flatpak update

Uninstalling the GPU-Viewer

There could be circumstances where you may need to remove GPU-Viewer from your Linux Mint system. The procedure to do this is contingent upon the method of installation you chose.

APT Remove Method For GPU-Viewer

To remove GPU-Viewer installed via the APT method, use the following command:

sudo apt remove gpu-viewer

Should you wish to eliminate the PPA repository after uninstalling GPU-Viewer, this command will perform the task:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:arunsivaraman/gpuviewer -y

Flatpak Remove Method For GPU-Viewer

For those who installed GPU-Viewer using Flatpak, the command to uninstall the application is as follows:

flatpak uninstall io.github.arunsivaramanneo.GPUViewer

Conclusion

And there you have it! We’ve walked through the steps of installing GPU-Viewer on Linux Mint, whether it’s using the APT method with the LaunchPAD PPA or the Flatpak approach via Flathub. Now that you’ve got GPU-Viewer up and running, you’re all set to monitor and optimize your GPU’s performance. My final piece of advice? Don’t hesitate to explore the features of GPU-Viewer. It’s a powerful tool that can really make a difference in understanding and managing your graphics processing.