This article provides information regarding the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit, a software release that delivers crucial updates and enhancements for users of ATI (now AMD) graphics cards on Linux operating systems. This driver package, while not the latest available today, holds significance for users with older hardware or specific system configurations where newer drivers might introduce compatibility issues. Understanding the features, resolved issues, known limitations, and system requirements of this particular release is essential for a smooth and optimized user experience.
Overview of the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit
The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit is a driver package designed to enable and optimize the performance of ATI graphics cards on 64-bit Linux distributions. Drivers act as the bridge between the operating system and the hardware, allowing the system to properly utilize the capabilities of the graphics card for tasks such as displaying graphics, running applications, and playing videos. This specific version includes support for certain Linux distributions, addresses specific bugs present in previous releases, and outlines known issues that users may encounter.
New Features in Version 7.12
This release of the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit focused primarily on expanding operating system compatibility. The key new features included:
- Red Flag DT 6.0 Support: This version adds support for the Red Flag DT 6.0 Linux distribution, enabling users of this operating system to leverage the full potential of their ATI graphics cards.
- OpenSUSE 10.3 Support: The driver also introduces compatibility with OpenSUSE 10.3, another popular Linux distribution. This ensures that users on OpenSUSE 10.3 can install and use the driver without encountering compatibility issues.
Resolved Issues
The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit addressed several known issues present in previous versions. These fixes improved the stability and reliability of the driver. Some of the key resolved issues included:
- OpenGL Memory Leak: A memory leak that occurred when running OpenGL applications was fixed. This prevents the system from running out of memory over time, leading to improved performance and stability when using OpenGL-based software.
- Segmentation Fault with X -configure: The issue of running
X -configureresulting in a segmentation fault within thefglrxdriver was resolved. This allows users to properly configure their X server without encountering crashes. - Incorrect OpenGL Renderer String: The driver was updated to correctly report the OpenGL renderer string on systems containing an ATI Rialto AGP series of products. Previously,
fglrxinfowould incorrectly report "Mesa GLX Indirect" as the OpenGL renderer, which was misleading.
Known Issues
Despite the improvements, the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit still had some known limitations. These issues were documented to help users understand potential problems and find workarounds if possible. Here’s a summary of the known issues:
- No Second Head Video Playback in Dual Head Mode: Video playback on the second monitor in a dual-display setup was not supported. (Further details available in topic number 737-26985).
- Desktop Corruption in Dual-Display Mode: Dragging overlay or video windows in dual-display mode could lead to desktop corruption. (Further details available in topic number 737-29578).
- Black Screen on Console/X Exit: A black screen could occur when switching to the console or leaving the X window system when using a Vesa framebuffer console driver. (Further details available in topic number 737-30687).
- Display Corruption in Lower Right Corner: After extended system uptime, corruption might appear in the lower right corner of the display.
- Gnome Screen-Saver Flicker: Display flicker might be observed when the Gnome screen-saver starts.
- Diagonal Tearing with XVideo: Diagonal tearing could occur when playing video files using video players that utilize the XVideo extension.
- Blocky Video Playback with XVideo: Video playback might appear blocky when using video players that rely on the XVideo extension.
- Incorrect Video Colors and Shadow Images with XVideo: Cropping or expanding video files using video players that use the XVideo extension might result in incorrect colors and additional shadow images.
- Limited Resolution with 1680×1050 Displays: Connecting a display device that supports 1680×1050 might result in a maximum display resolution of only 1280×1024 being available.
- Ignored Custom Mode Lines: Custom mode lines specified in the
xorg.conffile might be ignored by thefglrxdriver. - RPM Package Build Failure on Mandriva: Building RPM packages for Mandriva might fail.
Supported Operating Systems
The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit was specifically designed to support the following Linux distributions:
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux suite
- Novell/SuSE product suite
It is crucial to ensure that your operating system is one of the supported distributions before attempting to install the driver.
System Requirements
Before installing the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit, ensure that your system meets the following minimum requirements:
- XOrg: Version 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, or 7.3
- Linux Kernel: Version 2.6 and above
- glibc: Version 2.2 or 2.3
- POSIX Shared Memory: POSIX Shared Memory (/dev/shm) support is required for 3D applications.
Meeting these system requirements is essential for the driver to function correctly and prevent compatibility issues.
Download Links
You can download the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit from the following sources:
Alternative Download Links: (Please use caution and verify the integrity of files downloaded from unofficial sources)
- Softpedia: (Search for "ATI Catalyst 7.12 Linux 64-bit" on Softpedia)
- DriverGuide: (Search for "ATI Catalyst 7.12 Linux 64-bit" on DriverGuide)
- Guru3D: (Check their older driver archives for the ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit)
- LinuxQuestions.org: (Sometimes links are shared in forum discussions, but verify their legitimacy)
- Archive.org (Wayback Machine): (You might find archived pages with download links, but functionality is not guaranteed)
Disclaimer: Always exercise caution when downloading drivers from unofficial sources. Ensure that the files are legitimate and free from malware before installing them on your system. It is recommended to verify the file’s checksum against a known good value if available.
Conclusion
The ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.12 for Linux 64bit represents an important update for users of ATI graphics cards on Linux systems. While newer drivers exist, this version offers compatibility and stability for specific operating systems and hardware configurations. By understanding the new features, resolved issues, known limitations, and system requirements outlined in this article, users can make informed decisions about whether this driver is appropriate for their needs. Remember to download the driver from a trusted source and follow the installation instructions carefully.