Zirconium provides two variants optimized for different GPU types. Choosing the correct variant ensures optimal performance and driver support for your system.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/zirconium-dev/zirconium/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Available variants
Standard variant
Image reference:ghcr.io/zirconium-dev/zirconium:latest
The standard variant is designed for:
- AMD GPUs
- Intel integrated graphics
- Systems without dedicated GPUs
- Uses open-source Mesa drivers
- Full Secure Boot support
- Wayland acceleration via Niri window manager
- Optimized for container-focused development and daily use
NVIDIA variant
Image reference:ghcr.io/zirconium-dev/zirconium-nvidia:latest
The NVIDIA variant includes proprietary drivers for:
- NVIDIA GTX 16xx series (GTX 1650, 1660, etc.)
- NVIDIA RTX series (RTX 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 series)
- Proprietary NVIDIA kernel modules
- CUDA support
- Wayland support via Niri
- Gaming and compute workload optimization
How to choose the right variant
Use this guide to determine which variant is right for you:- I have AMD/Intel GPU
- I have NVIDIA GPU
- I'm not sure
Use the standard variant
- Download: ISO installation page
- Rebase command:
sudo bootc switch ghcr.io/zirconium-dev/zirconium:latest
Switching between variants
You can switch between variants at any time using thebootc switch command:
Switch to standard variant
If you’re currently running the NVIDIA variant and want to switch to the standard variant:Switch to NVIDIA variant
If you’re currently running the standard variant and want to switch to the NVIDIA variant:Disable Secure Boot
- Reboot into BIOS/UEFI settings (usually F2, F12, Del, or Esc during boot)
- Disable Secure Boot
- Save changes and reboot into your system
Thanks to bootc’s transactional update system, you can always roll back to your previous variant if something goes wrong:
Performance considerations
Standard variant
- Excellent performance for desktop compositing and video playback
- Full Wayland support with hardware acceleration
- Great for development, browsing, and general productivity
- Good for gaming on AMD GPUs (native driver performance)
NVIDIA variant
- Best performance for NVIDIA GPU compute workloads
- CUDA support for machine learning and scientific computing
- Optimal gaming performance on NVIDIA hardware
- Wayland support through the proprietary driver
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the standard variant with an NVIDIA GPU?
Can I use the standard variant with an NVIDIA GPU?
Yes, but you’ll be using the open-source Nouveau drivers, which have significantly limited performance compared to the proprietary drivers. Gaming and compute workloads will be severely impacted.
Why doesn't the NVIDIA variant support Secure Boot?
Why doesn't the NVIDIA variant support Secure Boot?
The NVIDIA kernel module is currently unsigned, which prevents it from loading when Secure Boot is enabled. This is a known limitation being tracked in issue #108.
Will my GTX 1080 work with the NVIDIA variant?
Will my GTX 1080 work with the NVIDIA variant?
The NVIDIA variant officially supports GTX 16xx series and newer. GTX 10xx series (like the 1080) may work but are not officially supported. Test at your own discretion.
Can I switch variants without reinstalling?
Can I switch variants without reinstalling?
Yes! Use the
bootc switch command to change variants. See the “Switching between variants” section above.