How to Install Mesa Graphics Driver 18.3.3 in Ubuntu 18.04

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The latest Mesa 3D graphics driver now is available to install via PPA in Ubuntu 18.04, and Ubuntu 18.10.

Mesa 18.3.3 was released a week ago with some bug-fixes that include:

  • OpenGL CTS gl43 test cases were interrupted due to segment fault
  • error: inlining failed in call to always_inline ‘__m512 _mm512_and_ps(__m512, __m512)’: target specific option mismatch
  • format_types.h:1220: undefined reference to `_mm256_cvtps_ph’
  • glLinkProgram locks up for ~30 seconds
  • [RADV] The Witcher 3 system freeze
  • Mesa 18.3.2 crash on a specific fragment shader (assert triggered).

Install Mesa 18.3.3 in Ubuntu via PPA:

For those sticking to the open-source graphics drivers, and want to play games on Ubuntu desktop, you can install the new driver via Ubuntu-X team PPA.

1. Open terminal via Ctrl+Alt+T keyboard shotcut and run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-x-swat/updates

Input your password (no visual feedback while typing) when it prompts and hit Enter.

ubuntu-x-ppa-bionic

2. Then upgrade your system either via “Software Updater” utility or by running commands:

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get dist-upgrade

To check out the result, simply run command:

glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version"

Uninstall:

To uninstall Mesa 18.3.3 and restore to the original 3D graphics library in your Ubuntu, simply run command to purge the PPA:

sudo apt install ppa-purge && sudo ppa-purge ppa:ubuntu-x-swat/updates

About ml

ml is a part time stay-at-home dad who've been using Ubuntu Desktop for a few years. He writes in the free time and wishes to share some useful tips with Ubuntu beginners and lovers.