Installing CUDA 10.2 on Jetson Orin Nano

Issue Overview

Users are encountering difficulties when attempting to install CUDA 10.2 on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kits. Despite the documentation suggesting support for CUDA 10.2+, users are finding it challenging to locate a version of JetPack that includes this specific version of CUDA.

Specific Symptoms

• Users are unable to find a compatible version of JetPack that includes CUDA 10.2.
• The necessity for CUDA 10.2 stems from third-party library requirements.

Context

The issue arises during the setup process involving the installation of specific software versions required by certain applications.

Relevant Hardware/Software Specifications

• Hardware: Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano Developer Kit
• Software: JetPack SDK (specific version not specified), CUDA 10.2

Frequency of Issue

This issue seems to be specific to users needing to use an older version of CUDA for compatibility purposes with third-party libraries.

Impact on User Experience

The inability to install the required version of CUDA can hinder users’ ability to proceed with their projects, potentially delaying completion dates and increasing frustration.

Possible Causes

1. Compatibility Restrictions: The Jetson Orin Nano does not support rolling back to use CUDA 10.2 due to deeper GPU driver dependencies.

   • Explanation: The hardware and software ecosystem of the Jetson Orin Nano is designed to operate optimally with newer versions of CUDA, making it impractical to revert to an older version.

2. Library Dependency: Third-party libraries often specify the required version of CUDA in their documentation, necessitating adherence to these standards.

   • Explanation: Libraries may not offer alternatives or workarounds beyond supporting the documented version, leaving users reliant on the latest supported versions.

3. Documentation Clarification Needed: There might be misunderstandings regarding the availability of CUDA 10.2+ on the Jetson Orin Nano.

   • Explanation: Documents stating support for CUDA 10.2+ could be misleading or outdated, contributing to user confusion.

Troubleshooting Steps, Solutions & Fixes

1. Confirm Documentation Accuracy:

   • Verify the accuracy of documentation regarding CUDA support on the Jetson Orin Nano.

2. Alternative Solutions Exploration:

   • Investigate whether the third-party library can be modified or replaced with one that supports a newer version of CUDA.

3. Communication with Developers:

   • Reach out to the developers of the third-party library to discuss potential workarounds or updates that could accommodate newer versions of CUDA.

4. Recommended Approach:

   • Highlight the recommendation to use the latest supported version of CUDA (currently CUDA 11+) as it ensures compatibility with the latest JetPack releases and avoids potential issues with deprecated functionalities.

5. Links to Relevant Information:

   • Direct users to relevant pages detailing supported CUDA versions for different Jetson platforms:

     https://developer.nvidia.com/embedded/jetpack-sdk-46
     

6. Best Practices Prevention:

   • Emphasize best practices for avoiding similar issues in the future by regularly checking for updates and maintaining awareness of supported software versions.

7. Code Snippets Terminal Commands Examples Mentioned in Forum Discussion:

   • Include any relevant code snippets or terminal commands mentioned in the forum discussion for clarity and practical application:

     sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
     

8. Unresolved Aspects Areas Where Further Investigation May Be Needed:

   • Note any unresolved aspects of the issue or areas where further investigation may be needed:

     Resolved by confirming that CUDA 10.2 is indeed unsupported on the Jetson Orin Nano.
     

By following these troubleshooting steps, users should be able to effectively navigate challenges related to installing specific versions of CUDA on their Nvidia Jetson Orin Nano devices.