AMD Publishes R600 and R700 3D Code
Close to year's end, U.S. chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has released the Linux code for its ATI R600 and R700 microprocessors.
As the Phoronix hardware portal announces, AMD is delivering to open source developers, through the release of the code, the tools to support 3D for all ATI graphics processors, even for the newest cards. Per the announcement, "For end-users, today's releases are a significant milestone in the step towards open-source ATI 3D support on the Linux desktop." Also, "there is a chance" that the Linux distro will be available the second quarter of 2009 and include the 3D support.
Developers having been waiting for AMD's announcement since the ATI graphics processors first started to appear on the market. The California chipmaker acquired the ATI graphics specialists in October 2006 and adopted a strategy in September 2007 to release documentation for its ATI drivers under Open Source licensing. The first free drivers in cooperation with Novell appeared shortly thereafter and AMD released documentation for further processors in February 2008, albeit under a non-disclosure agreement.
Phoronix explained why it took almost 15 months to release the R600 documentation: "[AMD coworkers] John Bridgman and Alex Deucher have been working on deciding what code or documentation is needed for programming, sanitize it of any information not relevant to bringing up the 3D engine, remove any details concerning future ATI hardware, and then getting all of this work cleared by AMD's lead software and hardware architects so that it can be publicly released without any NDAs or other string attached."
The currently released documentation focuses solely on the 3D engine, but AMD promises further specifications, such as for the Unified Video Decoder. The code has been available up to now for free in various git repositories at the freedesktop.org website.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.