How to install NVIDIA OpenCL on RHEL

To install OpenCL support for NVIDIA GPUs on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), follow the steps below. Note that the instructions are based on installing the NVIDIA driver, which includes OpenCL support.

Step 1: Install Required Dependencies

Before installing the NVIDIA driver, ensure that your system has the necessary development tools and kernel headers:

bash
sudo yum groupinstall "Development Tools" sudo yum install kernel-devel epel-release

Step 2: Disable the Nouveau Driver

The Nouveau open-source driver for NVIDIA graphics cards should be disabled to prevent conflicts:

1. Create a file at /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-nouveau.conf with the following content:

blacklist nouveau
blacklist nouveau  nouveau modeset=0

2. Regenerate the kernel initramfs:

sudo dracut --force

3. Reboot your system:

sudo reboot

Step 3: Download the NVIDIA Driver

1. Download the latest NVIDIA driver for your GPU from the NVIDIA website: NVIDIA Driver Downloads.
2. Ensure you select the appropriate GPU model and operating system version.

Step 4: Install the NVIDIA Driver

1. Switch to a terminal mode by pressing Ctrl + Alt + F3 (GUI may cause issues during installation).
2. Log in with your username and password.
3. Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the NVIDIA driver, e.g., your Downloads directory:

cd ~/Downloads

4. Make the driver file executable:

chmod +x NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-<version>.run

5. Stop the graphical target:

sudo systemctl isolate multi-user.target

6. Run the NVIDIA driver installation:

sudo ./NVIDIA-Linux-x86_64-<version>.run

7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 5: Verify OpenCL Installation

1. After the driver installation, verify that OpenCL is working properly.
2. Install the clinfo tool to display OpenCL information:

sudo yum install clinfo

3. Run clinfo and ensure your NVIDIA GPU is listed as an OpenCL device:

clinfo

Step 6: Restart the System

Finally, restart your system to ensure all changes take effect:

sudo reboot

This guide should assist you in installing NVIDIA OpenCL support on RHEL. If you face issues, refer to the NVIDIA driver installation guide and troubleshooting documentation.