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AMD's New Card Supports Linux From the Get-Go

Posted by timothy on from the no-present-like-the-time dept.

Michael writes "Back in September AMD had announced a new ATI Linux driver as well as opening up their GPU specifications, and today they have taken an additional step to better support the Linux OS. With the just-announced Radeon HD 4850 RV770 they have provided same-day Linux support, and the Linux driver is now shipping alongside the Windows driver on their product CDs. In addition, they are encouraging their AIB partners to showcase Tux on the product packaging as a sign of Linux support. Last but certainly not least, AMD is committed from top-to-bottom product support on Linux and they will be introducing high-end features in their Linux driver such as MultiGPU CrossFire technology. Phoronix has a run-down on AMD's evolutionary leap in Linux support along with information on the open-source support for the RV770 GPU."

7 of 352 comments (clear)

  1. It's Already Working With Open-Source Driver Too by twljagflba · · Score: 5, Informative

    Phoronix already got the Radeon HD 4850 working with the open-source "Radeon" driver too: http://www.phoronix.com/vr.php?view=12503

  2. Waiting for a supported TV card by bogaboga · · Score: 5, Informative
    While I applaud AMD with this development, I am still waiting for a [fully] supported TV card on the Linux platform. That is 100% supported.

    Hauppauge cards are supported to some extent but getting their remote controls to work is a pain in the butt, even on MythTV based distros!

    In fact, getting the remote control to work is more of an exercise in frustration than anything else.

  3. Re:But is this open? by oddfox · · Score: 5, Informative

    Dude, the card already works with the open-source xf86-driver-ati thanks to the code-sharing and documentation provided by ATI. Pretty soon the R6xx series (The generation I've got) will have 3D hardware acceleration as the R5xx series has now. It's not perfect and complete support, but it's getting there and progress has been excellent. If you really want to support a company that's supporting Linux, you would buy an ATI (Or Intel?) card. NVidia sure as hell isn't talking about any F/OSS drivers.

    --
    "We invented personal computing." - Bill Gates
  4. Not a slacker when it comes to Windows either... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative
    It's worth noting that the 4850 is apparently quite the speed demon when it comes to Windows games too, and a very good choice at $199 (for reference, the GTX 260 and GTX 280 are the brand new $400/$649 nvidia cards).

    Anandtech
    Tech Report

  5. Re:losing strategy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Name me one hardware vendor in the consumer sector of the market that has significantly increased market share and profits by developing for linux. Asus.
  6. Arrrgh, Swedish chef destroyed my post! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Bork bork bork!

    Don't forget Savage, worth a mention as they've been supporting Linux for years. They're Indy too, no DRM bullshit, just good games.

  7. Re:It isn't just games by tor528 · · Score: 5, Informative

    Any scripts in /etc/acpi/battery.d will run when the laptop is unplugged. You could create a script in this directory that kills compiz, and also create a script in /etc/acpi/ac.d to start compiz when you plug it in.

    --
    If I think something is funny, I will probably mod it +1 Insightful. "It's funny because it's true."