This article provides information about the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux, a software suite designed to enable and enhance the performance of ATI (now AMD) graphics cards on Linux operating systems. This version represents a specific point in the evolution of AMD’s Linux drivers, and it’s crucial to understand its features, requirements, and limitations.
Key Changes: Kernel Module Compilation
A significant change in the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux, and subsequent versions, is the removal of pre-compiled kernel modules. This means that users are now required to compile the kernel module themselves during the installation process. This necessitates the presence of a GCC compiler and either kernel headers or kernel source on the target system. This shift places a greater emphasis on user technical knowledge, as successful installation now depends on a properly configured build environment.
AMD recommends the following for a smoother installation experience:
- Kernel Module Build Environment: This encompasses the tools and files necessary to compile the kernel module. Crucially, this includes:
- Kernel Source Code or Kernel Headers: These provide the necessary interface definitions for the driver to interact with the kernel.
- RPM Utility: If installing via RPM packages (a common method on many Linux distributions), the
rpmutility must be installed and configured correctly.
Essential Packages for Installation
The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux relies on several core packages for proper installation and functionality. These packages provide critical libraries and dependencies:
- XFree86-Mesa-libGL: This package provides the OpenGL library, essential for 3D graphics rendering.
- libstdc++: The standard C++ library, offering fundamental functionalities for C++ applications.
- libgcc: The GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) support library, required for programs compiled with GCC.
- XFree86-libs: A collection of libraries used by the X Window System, providing essential functionalities for graphical environments.
- fontconfig: A library for configuring and customizing fonts.
- freetype: A library for rendering fonts.
- zlib: A library for data compression.
New Operating System Support
The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux introduced early support for several Linux distributions and versions, reflecting the driver’s ongoing adaptation to the evolving Linux landscape:
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.6 (tested with Snapshot 6)
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.1 (tested with Snapshot 7)
- Ubuntu 7.10
- RedFlag 6.0 DT (tested with RC)
- OpenSUSE 10.3 (tested with RC1)
This "early-look" support indicates that while the driver may function on these systems, it may not be fully optimized or thoroughly tested, and some issues may be encountered.
Resolved Issues
This release of the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux addressed several specific issues reported by users:
- RHEL5 32-bit Terminal Issue: Resolved an issue where launching a new terminal in RHEL5 32-bit would result in inconsistent background colors when minimizing and maximizing the window.
- Kernel Module Compatibility: The kernel module is now compatible with kernel version 2.6.23.
- Installation Error with
dash: Addressed an error message that appeared during installation whendashwas used as the system’s/bin/sh.
Known Issues
Despite the fixes, several known issues persisted in the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux:
- Dual-Head Video Playback: No support for video playback on the second monitor in dual-head mode (Topic 737-26985).
- Dual-Display Corruption: Desktop corruption might occur when dragging overlay/video content in dual-display mode (Topic 737-29578).
- Black Screen on Console Switch: A black screen could be observed on some hardware when switching to the console or leaving the X Window System with a VESA framebuffer console driver (Topic 737-30687).
- Installation Error with
dash(Duplicate): Although listed as resolved, the error message during installation when usingdashas/bin/shwas also listed as a known issue. This suggests a potential incomplete fix or specific circumstances where the issue still arose. - Outdated Packaging Scripts: Distribution-specific packaging scripts were not up-to-date, particularly for 64-bit Ubuntu versions, leading to broken packages.
System Requirements
Before attempting to install the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux, ensure the following system requirements are met:
- XOrg: XOrg versions 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, or 7.3
- Linux Kernel: Linux Kernel 2.6 and above
- glibc: glibc version 2.2 or 2.3
- POSIX Shared Memory: POSIX Shared Memory (/dev/shm) support is required for 3D applications.
Supported ATI Mobility Products
The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux supported a range of ATI Mobility Radeon products, primarily designed for laptops:
- Mobility Radeon X1800
- Mobility Radeon X600
- Mobility Radeon X1600
- Mobility Radeon X300
- Mobility Radeon X1400
- Mobility Radeon X200
- Mobility Radeon X1300
- Mobility Radeon 9800
- Mobility Radeon X1200
- Mobility Radeon 9600
- Mobility Radeon X1100
- Mobility Radeon 9550
- Mobility Radeon X800
- Mobility Radeon 9500
- Mobility Radeon X700
- Mobility Radeon Xpress 1100 series
- Mobility Radeon Xpress 1200 series
- Mobility Radeon Xpress 200 series
Supported ATI Desktop Products
The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux also provided support for various ATI desktop graphics cards:
- Radeon HD 2900 series
- Radeon Xpress1200 series
- Radeon HD 2400 series
- Radeon Xpress 200 series
- Radeon HD 2600 series
- Radeon X600 series
- Radeon X1900 series
- Radeon X550/X300 series
- Radeon X1800 series
- Radeon 9800 series
- Radeon X1600 series
- Radeon 9700 series
- Radeon X1300 series
- Radeon 9600 series
- Radeon X850 series
- Radeon 9550 series
- Radeon X800 series
- Radeon 9500 series
- Radeon X700 series
- Radeon Xpress 1100 series
Driver Download Links
Due to the age of this driver, finding direct downloads can be challenging. Always exercise caution when downloading from third-party sources.
Here are a few links where you might find the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux:
- TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/9796/
- Softpedia: (Consider searching Softpedia’s driver archive, but verify the file integrity)
- Guru3D: (Guru3D may have archived drivers; again, verify the file integrity)
- DriverGuide: (DriverGuide is another potential source, but requires registration and careful file selection)
- Linux Driver Project Archives: (Some Linux driver project archives might contain older Catalyst drivers, but this requires more in-depth searching)
Important Note: Before installing any driver, especially older ones, it is highly recommended to create a system backup or restore point. This allows you to easily revert to your previous configuration if the installation causes issues. Also, thoroughly scan any downloaded files with a reputable antivirus program.
This information should provide a comprehensive overview of the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux, its features, requirements, and potential issues.