cchtml.com - User contributions [en]

Features

2011-01-24T14:49:44Z

AlexAD: /* Switchable Graphic Chips Warning */

= Open Source Drivers =
NOTE: The features listed are based off of the development repository at the time of this writing (1/17/11). This does not mean that every Linux distribution will have the same capabilities. More than likely, major distributions will have an older, better-tested version of the graphics stack as a default and offer bleeding-edge versions of the driver in a repository. For a concise chart of features supported by the open source radeon drivers, see: http://www.x.org/wiki/RadeonFeature
Here are the highlights:
* Kernel Mode-Setting (KMS)
* 2D Acceleration (EXA)
* DRI2
* OpenGL 2.x, GLSL 1.2
* Textured Video Acceleration (Xv)
* Power Management
* HDMI Audio
* XRandR 1.3
* AIGLX (desktop effects)
The developers also have a frequently updated list of 3D applications which they use to mark their progress: http://www.x.org/wiki/RadeonProgram

== Switchable Graphic Chips Status==

Some laptops (and other systems) are now being sold with both an integrated, low power GPU, and a discrete, high performance GPU [http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/switchable-graphics/Pages/switchable-graphics.aspx AMD Switchable Graphics Technology] Open source drivers support switching from integrated to discrete graphics cards using vga_switcheroo. However, the performance of the chips with the switchable open source drivers may not be optimized. For example, with the open source driver on the HP DV7-4045ea you can switch between the 4200 and 5650; the 4200 works okay, but although the 5650 does work, it does not perform well.

== Video Decode Acceleration Status ==
While the video quality of the open source drivers is now in an excellent state as of kernel 2.6.38, we are still anticipating development of video acceleration code (using shader hardware).

= ATI Catalyst/fglrx =
ATI also offers a proprietary driver for RadeonHD chips based off of their Windows code (a legacy proprietary driver is offered for older cards, but it will not run on modern kernels/X servers)
* OpenGL 3.3/4.1 (dependent on the latest version your card supports)
* XvBA video decode acceleration (through VA-API and only for RadeonHD 4x00 cards and later): http://www.splitted-desktop.com/~gbeauchesne/
* Direct2D acceleration
* Catalyst Control Center
* aticonfig CLI tool
* OverDrive (power management, overclocking)

== Video Acceleration (VA) API Status ==
Work has been underway to support VA API under in Linux. Video acceleration can be achieved through drivers supplied at [http://www.splitted-desktop.com/~gbeauchesne/ gbeauchesne]

However, the drivers do not appear to have been included in the mainline distributions and there is a certain degree of incompatibility. The distribution drivers and dependencies need to be removed and reinstalled with the older patched drivers.

For example vainfo on a clean Ubuntu 10.10 install for a 4200 shows the following:

* libva: libva version 0.31.0
* Xlib: extension "XFree86-DRI" missing on display ":0.0".
* libva: va_getDriverName() returns -1
* vaInitialize failed with error code -1 (unknown libva error),exit

The drivers in Ubuntu 10.10 are of a latter versions, but do not support VA API for ATI.

A bug against the libva has been submitted see [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/libva/+bug/642907 Bug 642907]

== Switchable Graphic Chips Warning==
{| WIDTH="650" cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 style="background-color: red; border: solid 1px #666666; color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"
| style="background-color: #666666; border: solid 1px #666666; border-bottom: 1px solid #888;" | '''WARNING'''
|-
| 
As of AMD Catalyst™ 10.12, there is no support for switchable graphics chips in Linux. This means you cannot switch between the low power consumption of the integrated graphics chip and the high performance of the discrete graphics chip. Some manufactures allow the IGP to be turned off in the BIOS and use the discrete card only (but this is not good for battery life). Otherwise, you are stuck with both GPU's turned on and draining the battery while only being able to use the IGP. Carefully research before purchasing a laptop, or you may not be able to fully use the hardware you pay for. 
|}

There is a bug raised against the inability to [http://ati.cchtml.com/show_bug.cgi?id=16 switch between integrated and discrete graphics cards]

== EyeFinity ==
Catalyst supports more than two simultaneous outputs on RadeonHD5xxx cards having more than two physical independent out. Default settings starts every monitors in a cloned stage, but you can switch to a multiple display desktop via the Catalyst Control Center. Be aware that the ATI Catalyst Control Center does not let you fix arbitrary position settings : it only lets you approximately place your monitors on a virtual desktop. It's often best to adjust screen alignment using the "Position +x +y" option in xorg.conf.'''

'''EyeFinity support is still messy''' : As of 10.12, Five display setup on a HD5770 Eyefinity5 edition cannot be used. In any case, at least one display out show a scrambled image (with a neat cursor and correct placement).

Features

2011-01-24T14:49:16Z

AlexAD: /* Switchable Graphic Chips Warning */

= Open Source Drivers =
NOTE: The features listed are based off of the development repository at the time of this writing (1/17/11). This does not mean that every Linux distribution will have the same capabilities. More than likely, major distributions will have an older, better-tested version of the graphics stack as a default and offer bleeding-edge versions of the driver in a repository. For a concise chart of features supported by the open source radeon drivers, see: http://www.x.org/wiki/RadeonFeature
Here are the highlights:
* Kernel Mode-Setting (KMS)
* 2D Acceleration (EXA)
* DRI2
* OpenGL 2.x, GLSL 1.2
* Textured Video Acceleration (Xv)
* Power Management
* HDMI Audio
* XRandR 1.3
* AIGLX (desktop effects)
The developers also have a frequently updated list of 3D applications which they use to mark their progress: http://www.x.org/wiki/RadeonProgram

== Switchable Graphic Chips Status==

Some laptops (and other systems) are now being sold with both an integrated, low power GPU, and a discrete, high performance GPU [http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/switchable-graphics/Pages/switchable-graphics.aspx AMD Switchable Graphics Technology] Open source drivers support switching from integrated to discrete graphics cards using vga_switcheroo. However, the performance of the chips with the switchable open source drivers may not be optimized. For example, with the open source driver on the HP DV7-4045ea you can switch between the 4200 and 5650; the 4200 works okay, but although the 5650 does work, it does not perform well.

== Video Decode Acceleration Status ==
While the video quality of the open source drivers is now in an excellent state as of kernel 2.6.38, we are still anticipating development of video acceleration code (using shader hardware).

= ATI Catalyst/fglrx =
ATI also offers a proprietary driver for RadeonHD chips based off of their Windows code (a legacy proprietary driver is offered for older cards, but it will not run on modern kernels/X servers)
* OpenGL 3.3/4.1 (dependent on the latest version your card supports)
* XvBA video decode acceleration (through VA-API and only for RadeonHD 4x00 cards and later): http://www.splitted-desktop.com/~gbeauchesne/
* Direct2D acceleration
* Catalyst Control Center
* aticonfig CLI tool
* OverDrive (power management, overclocking)

== Video Acceleration (VA) API Status ==
Work has been underway to support VA API under in Linux. Video acceleration can be achieved through drivers supplied at [http://www.splitted-desktop.com/~gbeauchesne/ gbeauchesne]

However, the drivers do not appear to have been included in the mainline distributions and there is a certain degree of incompatibility. The distribution drivers and dependencies need to be removed and reinstalled with the older patched drivers.

For example vainfo on a clean Ubuntu 10.10 install for a 4200 shows the following:

* libva: libva version 0.31.0
* Xlib: extension "XFree86-DRI" missing on display ":0.0".
* libva: va_getDriverName() returns -1
* vaInitialize failed with error code -1 (unknown libva error),exit

The drivers in Ubuntu 10.10 are of a latter versions, but do not support VA API for ATI.

A bug against the libva has been submitted see [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/libva/+bug/642907 Bug 642907]

== Switchable Graphic Chips Warning==
{| WIDTH="650" cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 style="background-color: red; border: solid 1px #666666; color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"
| style="background-color: #666666; border: solid 1px #666666; border-bottom: 1px solid #888;" | '''WARNING'''
|-
| 
As of AMD Catalyst™ 10.12, there is no support for switchable graphics chips in Linux. This means you cannot switch between the low power consumption of the integrated graphics chip and the high performance of the discrete graphics chip. Some manufactures allow the IGP to be turned off in the BIOS and use the discrete card only (but this is not good for battery life). Otherwise, you are stuck with both GPU's turned on and draining the battery while only being able to use the IGP. Carefully research before purchasing a laptop, or you may not be able to fully use the hardware you pay for. 
|}

There is a bug raised against the inability to [http://ati.cchtml.com/show_bug.cgi?id=16 Switch between integrated and discrete graphics cards]

== EyeFinity ==
Catalyst supports more than two simultaneous outputs on RadeonHD5xxx cards having more than two physical independent out. Default settings starts every monitors in a cloned stage, but you can switch to a multiple display desktop via the Catalyst Control Center. Be aware that the ATI Catalyst Control Center does not let you fix arbitrary position settings : it only lets you approximately place your monitors on a virtual desktop. It's often best to adjust screen alignment using the "Position +x +y" option in xorg.conf.'''

'''EyeFinity support is still messy''' : As of 10.12, Five display setup on a HD5770 Eyefinity5 edition cannot be used. In any case, at least one display out show a scrambled image (with a neat cursor and correct placement).

Features

2011-01-24T13:30:57Z

AlexAD:

= Open Source Drivers =
NOTE: The features listed are based off of the development repository at the time of this writing (1/17/11). This does not mean that every Linux distribution will have the same capabilities. More than likely, major distributions will have an older, better-tested version of the graphics stack as a default and offer bleeding-edge versions of the driver in a repository. For a concise chart of features supported by the open source radeon drivers, see: http://www.x.org/wiki/RadeonFeature
Here are the highlights:
* Kernel Mode-Setting (KMS)
* 2D Acceleration (EXA)
* DRI2
* OpenGL 2.x, GLSL 1.2
* Textured Video Acceleration (Xv)
* Power Management
* HDMI Audio
* XRandR 1.3
* AIGLX (desktop effects)
The developers also have a frequently updated list of 3D applications which they use to mark their progress: http://www.x.org/wiki/RadeonProgram

== Switchable Graphic Chips Status==

Some laptops (and other systems) are now being sold with both an integrated, low power GPU, and a discrete, high performance GPU [http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/switchable-graphics/Pages/switchable-graphics.aspx AMD Switchable Graphics Technology] Open source drivers support switching from integrated to discrete graphics cards using vga_switcheroo. However, the performance of the chips with the switchable open source drivers may not be optimized. For example, with the open source driver on the HP DV7-4045ea you can switch between the 4200 and 5650; the 4200 works okay, but although the 5650 does work, it does not perform well.

== Video Decode Acceleration Status ==
While the video quality of the open source drivers is now in an excellent state as of kernel 2.6.38, we are still anticipating development of video acceleration code (using shader hardware).

= ATI Catalyst/fglrx =
ATI also offers a proprietary driver for RadeonHD chips based off of their Windows code (a legacy proprietary driver is offered for older cards, but it will not run on modern kernels/X servers)
* OpenGL 3.3/4.1 (dependent on the latest version your card supports)
* XvBA video decode acceleration (through VA-API and only for RadeonHD 4x00 cards and later): http://www.splitted-desktop.com/~gbeauchesne/
* Direct2D acceleration
* Catalyst Control Center
* aticonfig CLI tool
* OverDrive (power management, overclocking)

== Video Acceleration (VA) API Status ==
Work has been underway to support VA API under in Linux. Video acceleration can be achieved through drivers supplied at [http://www.splitted-desktop.com/~gbeauchesne/ gbeauchesne]

However, the drivers do not appear to have been included in the mainline distributions and there is a certain degree of incompatibility. The distribution drivers and dependencies need to be removed and reinstalled with the older patched drivers.

For example vainfo on a clean Ubuntu 10.10 install for a 4200 shows the following:

* libva: libva version 0.31.0
* Xlib: extension "XFree86-DRI" missing on display ":0.0".
* libva: va_getDriverName() returns -1
* vaInitialize failed with error code -1 (unknown libva error),exit

The drivers in Ubuntu 10.10 are of a latter versions, but do not support VA API for ATI.

A bug against the libva has been submitted see [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/libva/+bug/642907 Bug 642907]

== Switchable Graphic Chips Warning==
{| WIDTH="650" cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 style="background-color: red; border: solid 1px #666666; color: #ffffff; text-align: center;"
| style="background-color: #666666; border: solid 1px #666666; border-bottom: 1px solid #888;" | '''WARNING'''
|-
| 
As of AMD Catalyst™ 10.12, there is no support for switchable graphics chips in Linux. This means you cannot switch between the low power consumption of the integrated graphics chip and the high performance of the discrete graphics chip. Some manufactures allow the IGP to be turned off in the BIOS and use the discrete card only (but this is not good for battery life). Otherwise, you are stuck with both GPU's turned on and draining the battery while only being able to use the IGP. Carefully research before purchasing a laptop, or you may not be able to fully use the hardware you pay for. 
|}

== EyeFinity ==
Catalyst supports more than two simultaneous outputs on RadeonHD5xxx cards having more than two physical independent out. Default settings starts every monitors in a cloned stage, but you can switch to a multiple display desktop via the Catalyst Control Center. Be aware that the ATI Catalyst Control Center does not let you fix arbitrary position settings : it only lets you approximately place your monitors on a virtual desktop. It's often best to adjust screen alignment using the "Position +x +y" option in xorg.conf.'''

'''EyeFinity support is still messy''' : As of 10.12, Five display setup on a HD5770 Eyefinity5 edition cannot be used. In any case, at least one display out show a scrambled image (with a neat cursor and correct placement).

Features

2011-01-17T17:09:45Z

AlexAD: /* Switching Graphic Chips */

== Screen Rotation ==
On Catalyst 8.9 and later ATI drivers now support RandR rotation. After configuring your ati card as usual enter the following command:
<pre>
aticonfig --set-pcs-str="DDX,EnableRandr12,TRUE"
</pre>

Then restart X11. Your xrandr should work.

2010-10-27: xrandr works on my Mobility Radeon HD 5730 with Catalyst 10.9 driver without needing to run the command above. I just tried <pre>xrandr --orientation left</pre> and the screen rotated onto its side.

Note: Using this command on a Radeon Xpress 200M made Xorg unable to start with some weird error in the amdxmm module. Using this command with FALSE instead of TRUE helped afterward.
Note: I also had a problem with that option with a 4850, I couldn't get Xorg to start after setting that option.

Q: Is rotation hardware accelerated? How does performance compare to non-rotated?

R: On 10.12 (probably sooner), rotation is fully hardware accelerated. Either video buffering or 3d rendering show no slowdonws even across rotated and non-rotated screens.

== Open Source Drivers ==

ATI Radeon cards 8500,9000,9200 and 9250 working with [[open source drivers]] provide OpenGL 3D graphics acceleration.

== Proprietary Drivers ==

Proprietary drivers can be used instead, if so desired, although it is not necessary to use these for the cards listed above.

== Switching Graphic Chips ==

Basically two graphics chips on, often on a laptop see [http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/switchable-graphics/Pages/switchable-graphics.aspx AMD Switchable Graphics Technology]

Open source drivers support switching from integrated to discrete graphics cards using vga_switcheroo. However, the performance of the chips with the switchable open source drivers may not be desirable.

For example, with the open source driver on the HP DV7-4045ea you can switch between the 4200 and 5650; the 4200 works okay, but although the 5650 does work it does not perform well.

Proprietary AMD ATI drivers (AMD Catalyst™ 10.12) do not support switching of graphics drivers in Linux. This mean you cannot switch between the low power consumption of the integrated graphics chip and the high performance of the discrete graphics chip. Some manufactures do not allow switching in the bios. Carefully investigate before purchase otherwise you will not be able to leverage your purchase.

==2D==
===X server===
*XFree86 and X.org support
====Xaa====
*X Acceleration Architecture
====Xv====
* One Hardware or OpenGL overlay

===TV Out===
*NTSC and PAL support

==TV In==
*No support for the built in tuner in "All-in-Wonder" cards.

==3D==
===OpenGL===
*Provides some OpenGL 2.0 commands
BUT NOT
the OpenGL 2.0 version of the shading language.

The ATI driver uses a version of the shading language called
the ARB extension. The ARB extension was used before
OpenGL 2.0 was finished.

== EyeFinity ==

The proprietary driver supports more than two simultaneous outputs on HD5xxx cards having more than two physical independant out.

Default settings starts every monitors in a cloned stage, but you can switch to a multiple display desktop via the Catalyst Control Center.

Be aware that the ATI Catalyst Control Center does not let you fix arbitrary position settings : it only lets you approximately place your monitors on a virtual desktop. It's often best to adjust screen alignement using the "Position +x +y" option in xorg.conf.'''

'''EyeFinity support is still messy''' : As of 10.12, Five display setup on a HD5770 Eyefinity5 edition cannot be used. In any case, at least one display out show a scrambled image (with a neat cursor and correct placement).

[[Category:NeedsUpdating]]

Features

2011-01-17T16:45:06Z

AlexAD:

== Screen Rotation ==
On Catalyst 8.9 and later ATI drivers now support RandR rotation. After configuring your ati card as usual enter the following command:
<pre>
aticonfig --set-pcs-str="DDX,EnableRandr12,TRUE"
</pre>

Then restart X11. Your xrandr should work.

2010-10-27: xrandr works on my Mobility Radeon HD 5730 with Catalyst 10.9 driver without needing to run the command above. I just tried <pre>xrandr --orientation left</pre> and the screen rotated onto its side.

Note: Using this command on a Radeon Xpress 200M made Xorg unable to start with some weird error in the amdxmm module. Using this command with FALSE instead of TRUE helped afterward.
Note: I also had a problem with that option with a 4850, I couldn't get Xorg to start after setting that option.

Q: Is rotation hardware accelerated? How does performance compare to non-rotated?

R: On 10.12 (probably sooner), rotation is fully hardware accelerated. Either video buffering or 3d rendering show no slowdonws even across rotated and non-rotated screens.

== Open Source Drivers ==

ATI Radeon cards 8500,9000,9200 and 9250 working with [[open source drivers]] provide OpenGL 3D graphics acceleration.

== Proprietary Drivers ==

Proprietary drivers can be used instead, if so desired, although it is not necessary to use these for the cards listed above.

== Switching Graphic Chips ==

Basically two graphics chips on, often on a laptop see [http://www.amd.com/us/products/technologies/switchable-graphics/Pages/switchable-graphics.aspx AMD Switchable Graphics Technology]

Open source drivers support switching from integrated to discrete graphics cards using vga_switcheroo. However, the performance of the chips with the switchable open source drivers may not be desirable.

For example, with the open source driver on the HP DV7-4045ea you can switch between the 4200 and 5650; the 4200 works okay, but although the 5650 does work it does not perform well.

Proprietary AMD ATI drivers do not support switching of graphics drivers in Linux. This mean you cannot switch between the low power consumption of the integrated graphics chip and the high performance of the discrete graphics chip. Some manufactures do not allow switching in the bios. Carefully investigate before purchase otherwise you will not be able to leverage your purchase.

==2D==
===X server===
*XFree86 and X.org support
====Xaa====
*X Acceleration Architecture
====Xv====
* One Hardware or OpenGL overlay

===TV Out===
*NTSC and PAL support

==TV In==
*No support for the built in tuner in "All-in-Wonder" cards.

==3D==
===OpenGL===
*Provides some OpenGL 2.0 commands
BUT NOT
the OpenGL 2.0 version of the shading language.

The ATI driver uses a version of the shading language called
the ARB extension. The ARB extension was used before
OpenGL 2.0 was finished.

== EyeFinity ==

The proprietary driver supports more than two simultaneous outputs on HD5xxx cards having more than two physical independant out.

Default settings starts every monitors in a cloned stage, but you can switch to a multiple display desktop via the Catalyst Control Center.

Be aware that the ATI Catalyst Control Center does not let you fix arbitrary position settings : it only lets you approximately place your monitors on a virtual desktop. It's often best to adjust screen alignement using the "Position +x +y" option in xorg.conf.'''

'''EyeFinity support is still messy''' : As of 10.12, Five display setup on a HD5770 Eyefinity5 edition cannot be used. In any case, at least one display out show a scrambled image (with a neat cursor and correct placement).

[[Category:NeedsUpdating]]