So right now I'm installing linux mint 17 on my spare SSD. I brought the SSD with me to work because my home internet is really slow and I can download all the updates and such while I'm here.
So here is the question, can I install the NVIDIA drivers without having my graphics card in the machine so when I move this SSD back home it will work with my GTX 980?
Ehhhhhhhhhhh yes and no.
There are ways of doing it, but there is no elegant solution.
Your best bet is to install the xorg edgers ppa and then refresh and update the ppas.
Then when you get home, just bite the bullet and install the driver.
Also, why are you installing mint 17? You do realize that mint 18 has been released a month or two ago.
That's the thing though, at home that could take a long time. Isn't there a way I can download them but not install yet? So I just install them when I get there?
This might sound weird, but it's what I had on hand and downloading the new version would take some time. I don't have all the time in the world here.
No, I understood your circumstances.
I am like 99% sure that you can not install the nvidia driver through the mint driver tool without the GPU in the machine.
I could be wrong though. If you can, then just install the edgers ppa and then reboot the system. Switch over to the nvidia driver.
After you switch to the nvidia driver, you will no longer be able to boot into mint from a machine that does not have an nvidia gpu.
The other option is to download and install the nvidia binary driver.
The problem with this approach is that every time you update/upgrade the kernel, your driver will break and you will have to reinstall it.
So I'm thinking I should installing everything I need and right before I leave get the edgers ppa driver and when it shuts down I'll take it home and pop it in my rig with the nvidia gpu?
Well you install the PPA and then update the system.
THEN go back in to the mint driver tool and switch to the nvidia driver IF IT WILL LET YOU.
And just to make sure you know, the reason you are installing the xorg edgers ppa is to make sure you have access to the latest nvidia drivers.
If you do not install that ppa, the mint driver tool will try to install some really old nvidia driver.
Once I switch to the nvidia driver (if it lets me) will it switch after a reboot? Or without?
It should yes.
Make sure you are wearing your lucky socks when you get home :D
You can but I don't believe you will be able to use the system correctly as the NVIDIA drivers will cause a overwrite. (at least until you have NVIDIA card in)
I would just use the open drivers to start with (included with Linux) then copy the nvidia drivers to a usb pen stick and install them once home.
That sounds like a good idea, how do I install them without a GUI though? My PC at home has no onboard graphics. Or will it just give me a poop GUI until I install them?
looking for some answers. I did something similar before when I tried to switch from open source drivers to official drivers. Had to unplug the card for that and do it from cli
Find anything?
Nope. Anything that I look for assumes you have your GPU in the system so the package manager recognizes it and gives the proper GPU version.
Well I just got home, what would be the optimal path?
So... you have the card and internet now?
I will in like 5 minutes
Then just install the drivers?
https://mintguide.org/system/479-install-the-nvidia-driver-352-30-on-linux-mint.html
obviously replace it with the newer drivers
Just put your 980Ti in, and nouveau or whatever that driver is should detect it on boot. Unless your running a ultra old linux install that has not included maxwell support then you should be ok.
I got it figured out, thanks though.