Hey OldFlak - Fancy meeting you here. :slight_smile
I presume this is a full install, and not a dual boot install with Windows. If that is correct, then here are some suggestions (provided with the assistance of Google Gemini AI)
Before you begin the install, go into your system BIOS/UEFI settings, and disable Secure Boot . (If left on, it can prevent the NVIDIA driver from loading, forcing the system back to the generic "Nouveau" driver, with a significant performance hit.)
While you are in the BIOS, check to ensure Above 4G Decoding is enabled (helps with VRAM management).
Now, boot from your USB installation drive, and Please don't hit Enter on the first option. Instead:
- Select this option:
Try or Install Zorin OS (modern NVIDIA drivers).
- Reason: This boots the live environment using the official NVIDIA drivers
During the install wizard, watch for the section labeled "Updates and other software."
- Check the box next to: "Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware..."
- Reason: This ensures that the NVIDIA 580 (or newer) driver series is automatically pulled and configured for your 3070 Ti card during the install, so you don't have to mess with the terminal later.
When the install has finished and once youβve logged in for the first time, you will want to verify that everything is running on the GPU, (rather than the onboard graphics). To do so:
- Open the Zorin Menu β System Tools β Software Updater β Settings .
- Go to the Additional Drivers tab.
- Ensure that the radio button for NVIDIA driver (proprietary, tested) is selected.
- Now open a terminal (Default key combo is Ctrl-Alt-t), and run the command
nvidia-smi ... you will be shown your GPU usage and driver version (e.g., v580+).
One more thing: ** Zorin 18.1 defaults to the Wayland compositor for its display protocol. While NVIDIA support on Wayland has improved, you may notice flickering in apps like Discord or Steam. If you do, log out and before logging back in, click in the box for entering your password and you will see a Gear Icon at the lower right corner of the login screen. Click this icon and then on "Zorin Desktop on Xorg" . (Xorg is still the "rock solid" choice for NVIDIA gaming.) Your system will then remain on Xorg through system boots and reboots, until and unless is for reason changed back to Wayland again.
Good luck!
P.S. Just saw the addition of your monitor info. Here are a few points to check over before you begin your install.
Triple-monitor setups on Linux can be a dream or a headache depending on how you plug them in. With three Lenovo R27qe monitors (1440p @ 180Hz) and an RTX 3070 Ti, here is exactly what you need to watch out for:
1. Cable Strategy (The Port Problem)
The RTX 3070 Ti typically has 3x DisplayPort and 1x HDMI ports.
- Recommendation: Use 3x DisplayPort cables .
- Why: To get the full 180Hz refresh rate on all three monitors, DisplayPort 1.4 is your best friend. While the monitor supports HDMI 2.1, many NVIDIA 30-series cards only have one HDMI port. Mixing HDMI and DisplayPort can sometimes lead to slight color profile mismatches or "handshake" delays when waking the PC from sleep.
2. VRAM Limitations (8GB is Tight)
Your 3070 Ti is a powerhouse, but it only has 8GB of VRAM .
- The Math: Driving three 1440p displays at 180Hz uses a significant chunk of memory just for the desktop environment and browser tabs.
- Gaming: If you plan to play across all three screens (7680x1440 resolution), you will almost certainly hit a "VRAM wall" in modern AAA games.
- Fix: Use DLSS whenever possible. In Zorin, ensure you've enabled "NVIDIA Settings" to manage how the card handles this massive pixel real estate.
3. Wayland vs. X11 (The "Flicker" Factor)
Zorin 18.1 might default to Wayland. While Wayland handles "mixed refresh rates" better than the older X11, it can sometimes cause flickering in certain apps on NVIDIA cards.
- Watch out for: If your windows feel "stuttery" or you see strange flickering, log out and switch to Zorin Desktop on Xorg at the login screen. X11 is still the gold standard for stable triple-monitor management on NVIDIA, though it's less "modern."
4. Refresh Rate Sync
By default, Zorin might set all three monitors to 60Hz.
- Action: Go to Settings β Displays. You will need to manually click each of the three monitors and set the refresh rate to 180Hz.
- Note: If the option for 180Hz doesn't appear on all three, itβs likely a cable bandwidth issue. Ensure you are using DP 1.4 rated cables.
5. Alignment and Bezel Correction
The Lenovo R27qe has very thin bezels, but in a triple setup, they still exist.
- Zorin doesn't have a "Bezel Correction" tool built-in like NVIDIA Surround on Windows.
- If you're doing "Sim Racing" or immersive gaming, you may need to use a tool like Gamescope to manage the span across three monitors properly.