ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux 64bit

The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux 64bit represents a significant iteration in AMD’s (formerly ATI) graphics driver offerings for the Linux operating system. This release focuses on providing support and optimizations for a range of ATI Radeon graphics cards on 64-bit Linux distributions. It’s crucial to understand the changes and requirements introduced with this driver to ensure a smooth and functional installation.

Key Changes and Requirements

A major shift in the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux 64bit release is the removal of precompiled kernel modules. This means that users are now required to compile the kernel module themselves during the installation process. This necessitates having a GCC compiler and either kernel headers or the full kernel source code installed on the system. This requirement is essential for enabling both 2D and 3D acceleration for your graphics card.

AMD recommends the following for optimal performance and a streamlined installation experience:

• Kernel Module Build Environment: This includes the necessary tools to compile the driver’s kernel module. You’ll need either the kernel source code or the kernel headers package that corresponds to your running kernel.
• RPM Utility: If you intend to install the driver using RPM packages (a common package format on many Linux distributions like Red Hat and SUSE), the rpm utility must be installed and configured correctly.

Essential Package Dependencies

The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux 64bit relies on several core system libraries to function correctly. Before attempting to install the driver, ensure the following packages are present on your system:

• XFree86-Mesa-libGL: This package provides the OpenGL implementation necessary for 3D graphics rendering.
• libstdc++: The standard C++ library, essential for many applications and drivers.
• libgcc: The GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) support library.
• XFree86-libs: A collection of essential X Window System libraries.
• fontconfig: A library for configuring and customizing font access.
• freetype: A library for rendering fonts.
• zlib: A library for data compression.

New Operating System Support

This release expands compatibility by introducing "early-look" support for several Linux distributions:

• 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)

It’s important to note the "early-look" designation. This implies that while the driver is intended to function on these distributions, it may not be fully optimized or thoroughly tested. Users on these systems may encounter unforeseen issues.

Resolved Issues

The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux 64bit addresses several previously reported issues:

• RHEL5 32-bit Terminal Background Color Issue: Launching a new terminal in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 (32-bit version) no longer results in inconsistent background colors appearing after minimizing and maximizing the window.
• Kernel Module Compatibility: The kernel module is now confirmed to be working correctly with kernel version 2.6.23.
• Installation Error with dash: An error message that previously appeared during installation when dash was used as the system’s /bin/sh interpreter has been resolved.

Known Issues

Despite the resolved issues, several known problems persist in this release:

• Dual Head Video Playback: There is no support for video playback on the second monitor when using dual-head mode. Refer to topic number 737-26985 for further details.
• Desktop Corruption in Dual-Display Mode: Users may experience desktop corruption when dragging overlays or videos while using dual-display mode. More information can be found in topic number 737-29578.
• Black Screen on Console Switch: A black screen may appear on some hardware configurations when switching to the console or exiting the X Window System if a VESA framebuffer console driver is in use. See topic number 737-30687 for more details.
• Installation Error with dash (Duplicate): This issue, although listed as resolved, is also listed as a known issue, suggesting it may not be completely fixed in all scenarios. No topic number is available for this particular listing.
• Outdated Distribution-Specific Packaging Scripts: Several distribution-specific packaging scripts are not up-to-date in this release. The packaging for 64-bit Ubuntu versions is specifically known to be broken. No topic number is available for this issue. This is a significant concern for Ubuntu 64-bit users.

System Requirements

To ensure compatibility and proper functionality, the following software components are required:

• XOrg: Versions 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, or 7.3 of the XOrg X Window System.
• Linux Kernel: Version 2.6 or higher of the Linux kernel.
• glibc: Version 2.2 or 2.3 of the glibc C standard library.
• POSIX Shared Memory: Support for POSIX Shared Memory (/dev/shm) is mandatory for 3D applications to function correctly.

Supported ATI Products

The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux 64bit is designed to support a wide range of ATI Mobility Radeon and desktop Radeon graphics cards.

ATI Mobility Radeon Support:

The driver supports various Mobility Radeon models, including (but not limited to):

• X1800, X600, X1600, X300, X1400, X200, X1300, 9800, X1200, 9600, X1100, 9550, X800, 9500, X700, Xpress 1100 series, Xpress 1200 series, and Xpress 200 series.

ATI Desktop Radeon Support:

The driver supports various desktop Radeon models, including (but not limited to):

• HD 2900 series, Xpress1200 series, HD 2400 series, Xpress 200 series, HD 2600 series, X600 series, X1900 series, X550/X300 series, X1800 series, 9800 series, X1600 series, 9700 series, X1300 series, 9600 series, X850 series, 9550 series, X800 series, 9500 series, X700 series, and Xpress 1100 series.

Download Links

You can download the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.11 for Linux 64bit from the following locations:

• TechSpot: https://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/9797/

Alternative Download Links (Unofficial):

• Softpedia: (Often hosts older drivers, search for "ATI Catalyst Linux 7.11 64bit")
• DriverGuide: (Requires registration, but may have archived drivers)
• Linux Driver Project Archives: (If available, often a good source for older drivers)
• Guru3D: (Check their forums, users may have archived copies)
• AMD Legacy Driver Archive: (AMD’s official site, though older drivers can be difficult to find)

Important Considerations

Given the age of this driver, it’s crucial to consider the following before installing it:

• Modern Hardware: This driver is designed for older hardware. It’s unlikely to provide optimal performance or even function correctly with newer AMD Radeon graphics cards.
• Security Risks: Older drivers may contain security vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer versions. Using this driver could expose your system to potential risks.
• Compatibility Issues: Modern Linux distributions may have undergone significant changes since this driver was released. Compatibility issues are highly likely.
• Alternatives: If you have a newer AMD Radeon graphics card, it’s highly recommended to use the latest open-source drivers included with your Linux distribution (usually Mesa). These drivers are typically better supported and more optimized for modern hardware.