Configuring

aticonfig
Since version 8.18.6 the fglrx driver includes the aticonfig tool which simplifies xorg.conf editing. Here are some useful commands this tool offers (for a complete list see aticonfig --help).

Changes taking effect on startup
Changes will change the config file!


 * Initial setup (creates device section using fglrx):
 * sudo aticonfig --initial


 * Enable Video acceleration (Xv Overlay):
 * sudo aticonfig --overlay-type=Xv


 * Force fglrx to use kernel's AGP driver instead of own implementation (only use when internal agpgart doesn't work):
 * sudo aticonfig --internal-agp=off


 * Note: Newer fglrx driver versions do not include an internal AGPGART so the kernel agpgart is used no matter what.


 * Use extended desktop with two monitors (dual-head and big desktop):

Assuming you successfully completed the 'Ubuntu Gutsy Installation Guide' with two monitors connected:


 * sudo aticonfig --initial=dual-head --screen-layout=right

This command will generate a dual head configuration file with the second screen located to the right of the first screen.


 * sudo aticonfig --dtop=horizontal --overlay-on=1

This command will set up big desktop to horizontal and set overlay on the secondary display.

Changes taking effect immediately
Changes will not change the config file.


 * Print information about power states.
 * aticonfig --list-powerstates

Or, for us lazy folk, the shorter version is aticonfig --lsp


 * Set a power state to the lowest (battery friendly):
 * aticonfig --set-powerstate=1


 * Note: check out available power states using aticonfig --list-powerstates
 * Note: this option does not work when an external monitor is connected


 * Print information about connected and enabled monitors:
 * aticonfig --query-monitor


 * Examples how to enable two monitors on the fly:
 * Assume you have two monitors already setup correctly (Dual monitor support at Ubuntuforums)
 * This example enable laptop internal monitor (lvds) and external monitor (crt1)
 * aticonfig --enable-monitor=lvds,crt1 --effective=now


 * Note: aticonfig --enable-monitor=STRING,STRING where STRING can be one of the following set, separated by commas: none,crt1,crt2,lvds,tv,tmds1,tmds2,auto. Only 2 displays can be enabled at the same time. Any displays that are not on the list will be disabled.
 * Note: check out connected and enabled monitors using aticonfig --query-monitor


 * Turn off the second monitor on the fly and start to use only laptop internal monitor (lvds)
 * aticonfig --enable-monitor=lvds --effective=now


 * Swap monitors on the fly when using big desktop mode
 * Assume you have two monitors already setup correctly (Dual monitor support at Ubuntuforums)
 * aticonfig --swap-monitor --effective=now


 * Note: This only works for big desktop setup. This will swap the contents on the two monitors.

Troubleshooting
Still not working? Go to the Troubleshooting page.

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