Wednesday, June 16th 2010

AMD Unveils ATI Catalyst 10.6 WHQL Software Suite

AMD released the latest version of its ATI Catalyst software suite, version 10.6 WHQL, which provides drivers and system software for ATI Radeon GPUs (HD 2000 series and above), AMD 7-series and 8-series chipsets, and ATI Theater multimedia processors. The new version packs pays attention to video-acceleration, and packs two new features that improve video output quality, official support for Adobe Flash 10.1 GPU acceleration, official support for OpenGL 4.0 and GL 3.3, a wide range of game-specific performance increments, and the usual load of bug fixes.

To begin with, Catalyst 10.6 adds GPU-accelerated video de-blocking (a feature that helps improve quality of upscaled videos), and mosquito-noise reduction, which helps improve quality of lossy video formats. Although ATI was first to be out with a GPU driver that packs OpenGL 4.0 ICD, it was only in the form of preview drivers. Catalyst 10.3 provides official support for OpenGL 4.0, a graphics API technologically comparable to DirectX 11, compatible with Radeon HD 5000 series GPUs. It also adds OpenGL 3.3 support.

DOWNLOAD: ATI Catalyst 10.6 WHQL for Windows 7/Vista 64-bit, Windows 7/Vista 32-bit, Windows XP 32-bit, Windows XP 64-bit

Details about game-specific improvements follow.

  • 3DMark Vantage
    o Overall scores improve up to 5% on a single ATI Radeon HD 5970
  • Batman: Arkham Asylum
    o Performance improves up to 5% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series products
    o Performance improves up to 10% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5970 configurations
  • Aliens vs. Predator DirectX 11 Benchmark
    o Performance improves up to 4% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series products
    o Performance improves up to 10% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5970 configurations
    o Performance improves up to 3% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series products
  • Company of Heroes - DX10
    o Performance improves up to 7% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series products
    o Performance improves up to 5% with single card and CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5970 configurations
  • DiRT 2 - DX9
    o Performance improves up to 10% on single card ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series products
    o Performance improves up to 10% on single card ATI Radeon HD 5970 configurations
    o Performance improves up to 4% on single card ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series products
  • The Chronicles of Riddick - Assault on Dark Athena
    o Performance improves up to 15% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series products
    o Performance improves up to 13% on CrossFire and single card ATI Radeon HD 5970 configurations
    o Performance improves up to 8% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series products
  • World in Conflict
    o Performance improves up to 6% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series products
    o Performance improves up to 8% on CrossFire and single card ATI Radeon HD 5970 configurations
  • Wolfenstein
    o Performance improves up to 18% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5800 Series products
    o Performance improves up to 18% on CrossFire and single card ATI Radeon HD 5970 configurations
    o Performance improves up to 11% on CrossFire ATI Radeon HD 5700 Series products
For more details, please refer to the Release Notes document.
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154 Comments on AMD Unveils ATI Catalyst 10.6 WHQL Software Suite

#51
Formula350
EastCoasthandleI see, you don't understand my post but that didn't stop you from saying that information is incorrect? This is rich indeed, thanks for the laugh. As for the "source", it was already provided. Just scroll up a bit. :p
I was referring to the reason why the clocks were changed, for what was "incorrect". Me having no clue what you are referring to in regards to the metal plate is a moot point in this instance. And since you read the page where the Catalyst guy spoke about that, you could more readily find the link than I could. As I'm not sure when you found it, how you found it or if it was searched what the parameters were.
The truth of the matter remains the same, it was done for a dual card according to what he provided. :D
And again, as I run a dual card configuration, I am baffled as to why the clocks needed to be increased... I saw no benefit to them being increased. If it is JUST for those with 120Hz displays, then I think it would've been better to issue a HotFix so anyone who has 120Hz display, they can download it. Not punish EVERYONE by raising the clocks... And coincidentally, they are now 157/300 again with 10.6s.
If you are not able to find it why are you arguing with me? You don't know what the metal plate on the card is nor can you find voltage, gpu/memory information in the xml file.

I believe you are only frustrating yourself here as your knowledge on what was provided does show to be limited I'm afraid.
Clearly your grasp on the English language, even if it is your native language, is quite little. I wasn't arguing with you about the XML, I was agreeing with you and then while I was on that topic, ranting about the lack of software (or ability in available software) that can do what I'm after :rolleyes:

Similarly I'm not frustrated, so how you are figuring that I am is beyond me! But yes my knowledge of 5000 series cards and AM2/3 setups is quite limited. I only recently had the money for a computer upgrade and had been previously using a S939 A64 X2 and x1950 Pro. So forgive me if I haven't heard of a metal plate that when coming out of 3D clocks manages to generate heat, throwing the GPU into a clock throttling mode which degrades performance, causing issues for users with multiple cards and 120Hz display... :rolleyes:

--------------------------------------- (Had to make this line to let EastCoast know that anything beyond it, isn't in reply to anything he has said)

My original intent of this post was to mention that for me, Cat 10.6s are allowing my 5770s to run at 157/300 again. Although I've also had some stability issues as well... When I first installed the drivers, the multiple screen flickers ended up with one of them staying heh The PC wasn't frozen, as I was able to initiate a restart via keyboard shortcuts. Almost immediatly after Windows loads, the computer randomly restarted. Thinking perhaps in relation to me lowering some voltages earlier today, I brought them back up again; however, upon Windows loading again, random restart. I must admit though, both happens when I had opened up Afterburner to check what the clocks were. This last time I hadn't and so far it is OK. So we'll see how long that lasts... :ohwell:
Posted on Reply
#52
trt740
way to go ati nice improvements
Posted on Reply
#53
EastCoasthandle
Formula350I was referring to the reason why the clocks were changed, for what was "incorrect". Me having no clue what you are referring to in regards to the metal plate is a moot point in this instance. And since you read the page where the Catalyst guy spoke about that, you could more readily find the link than I could. As I'm not sure when you found it, how you found it or if it was searched what the parameters were.
That is because you want to replace the dual card tweeted by him for dual monitors. Perhaps both maybe included (although I found no information regarding dual monitors) but I cannot agree it's the only reason based on the information I have (it's in one of my earlier posts in this thread). If you haven't a clue then it would be better for you to ask then become long winded and defensive. Furthermore, in order to find those quotes I informed you to scroll up :p.
Formula350And again, as I run a dual card configuration, I am baffled as to why the clocks needed to be increased... I saw no benefit to them being increased. If it is JUST for those with 120Hz displays, then I think it would've been better to issue a HotFix so anyone who has 120Hz display, they can download it. Not punish EVERYONE by raising the clocks... And coincidentally, they are now 157/300 again with 10.6s.
Then there is no need to be so upset at me about. I'm only bringing for the information I have regarding the issue. If you stop being so defensive this would/should have been your post to begin with.
Formula350Clearly your grasp on the English language, even if it is your native language, is quite little. I wasn't arguing with you about the XML, I was agreeing with you and then while I was on that topic, ranting about the lack of software (or ability in available software) that can do what I'm after :rolleyes:
See, another defensive reply but this time ad hominem in nature. Did you not read my edit inwhich I tried to re-explain the situation? If so, it's clear that I wanted to make sure you understood the situation without having to resort to throwing insults.
Formula350Similarly I'm not frustrated, so how you are figuring that I am is beyond me! But yes my knowledge of 5000 series cards and AM2/3 setups is quite limited. I only recently had the money for a computer upgrade and had been previously using a S939 A64 X2 and x1950 Pro. So forgive me if I haven't heard of a metal plate that when coming out of 3D clocks manages to generate heat, throwing the GPU into a clock throttling mode which degrades performance, causing issues for users with multiple cards and 120Hz display... :rolleyes:

--------------------------------------- (Had to make this line to let EastCoast know that anything beyond it, isn't in reply to anything he has said)
Perhaps it's the rolling eyes icon, the ad hominem response, etc which all indicate frustration.
Formula350My original intent of this post was to mention that for me, Cat 10.6s are allowing my 5770s to run at 157/300 again. Although I've also had some stability issues as well... When I first installed the drivers, the multiple screen flickers ended up with one of them staying heh The PC wasn't frozen, as I was able to initiate a restart via keyboard shortcuts. Almost immediatly after Windows loads, the computer randomly restarted. Thinking perhaps in relation to me lowering some voltages earlier today, I brought them back up again; however, upon Windows loading again, random restart. I must admit though, both happens when I had opened up Afterburner to check what the clocks were. This last time I hadn't and so far it is OK. So we'll see how long that lasts... :ohwell:
That's fine but you mingled your reply with the drivers with some the examples I mentioned earlier (IE: your frustration, etc). Perhaps you should in the future separate your post regarding the issue without having to quote the user. Not that I didn't understand your reply but I clearly see you post wondering in different directions.
-replying to me
-discussing the drivers
That way when I reply to you, separating the 2, the conversation flows better.
Posted on Reply
#54
v12dock
Block Caption of Rainey Street
Woot my 4850x2's crossfire finally works! Excellent drivers
Posted on Reply
#55
Hockster
So Vantage is improved. Have any games people actually play gotten any improvements?
Posted on Reply
#56
jlewis02
BC2 is alittle bit better and it still loads fast.
Posted on Reply
#57
EastCoasthandle
According to the release notes most of the improvements are for CF. Other then that the video portion should offer better IQ.
Posted on Reply
#58
Formula350
EastCoasthandleDid you not read my edit inwhich I tried to re-explain the situation? If so, it's clear that I wanted to make sure you understood the situation without having to resort to throwing insults.
No, I had not seen that. I went back and read it now. So yes, a truce :toast: :laugh:

Yes a fin-less piece of metal as a heatsink, while is fitting of the definition, does not work very well as one in most cases :ohwell: What I'm finding strange about these cards, or at least my 5770s, is the voltage they are supplying them with for stable operation. I don't know if when I was going through my overclocks, if it was a coincidence it was stable based on what I was told by someone in another thread who has their 3D voltage for 925MHz at 1.088v since for me low voltage isn't stable now, but I was able to drop my 1.2Vcore down to 1.088 as well and it had been FurMark stable for 20mins... Either way the point is that I think these cards are able to run at a substantially lower voltage than they currently are. I believe they are running 1.1v for 400/1200 right? Which is below 1/2 of their 3D clocks and only .1V more, yet the old 2D clocks (157/300 for my 5770s) is less than 400 yet not 1.0v but .950v :confused: Anyways I found that just by dropping the voltage down from 1.2 to 1.167v (was just a random click really) the load temps dropped a full 3C! That is pretty substantial IMO, for such a little drop in voltage. Point of that rambling is that AMD could've gone a whole number of different routes with the clocks/voltages etc, since they deemed it necessary to go and change the settings for everyone, which clearly had a negative impact for quite a number of people. I too noticed the increase in temperature, which for me is low 30sC with 157/300 clocks (I don't know if it is .950v or 1v right now though), as it at 400/1200 sits around 42-44C :S Again a seemingly low bump in clocks and voltage for a large jump in temps! My 5770s are only GPU cooled, everything else is convection cooled. Which sucks and I had no intent on getting the CUcore cards, but for $120/ea I couldn't complain :p The cooler sucks too, especially at the default voltage, which is why I your pain when it comes to temps.

I'd like to find out what the Mobility HD5870 runs for voltages, since they are quite literally a 5770, except they run at lower MHz!
Posted on Reply
#59
EastCoasthandle
Formula350No, I had not seen that. I went back and read it now. So yes, a truce :toast: :laugh:

Yes a fin-less piece of metal as a heatsink, while is fitting of the definition, does not work very well as one in most cases :ohwell: What I'm finding strange about these cards, or at least my 5770s, is the voltage they are supplying them with for stable operation. I don't know if when I was going through my overclocks, if it was a coincidence it was stable based on what I was told by someone in another thread who has their 3D voltage for 925MHz at 1.088v since for me low voltage isn't stable now, but I was able to drop my 1.2Vcore down to 1.088 as well and it had been FurMark stable for 20mins... Either way the point is that I think these cards are able to run at a substantially lower voltage than they currently are. I believe they are running 1.1v for 400/1200 right? Which is below 1/2 of their 3D clocks and only .1V more, yet the old 2D clocks (157/300 for my 5770s) is less than 400 yet not 1.0v but .950v :confused: Anyways I found that just by dropping the voltage down from 1.2 to 1.167v (was just a random click really) the load temps dropped a full 3C! That is pretty substantial IMO, for such a little drop in voltage. Point of that rambling is that AMD could've gone a whole number of different routes with the clocks/voltages etc, since they deemed it necessary to go and change the settings for everyone, which clearly had a negative impact for quite a number of people. I too noticed the increase in temperature, which for me is low 30sC with 157/300 clocks (I don't know if it is .950v or 1v right now though), as it at 400/1200 sits around 42-44C :S Again a seemingly low bump in clocks and voltage for a large jump in temps! My 5770s are only GPU cooled, everything else is convection cooled. Which sucks and I had no intent on getting the CUcore cards, but for $120/ea I couldn't complain :p The cooler sucks too, especially at the default voltage, which is why I your pain when it comes to temps.

I'd like to find out what the Mobility HD5870 runs for voltages, since they are quite literally a 5770, except they run at lower MHz!
It's .950V for me at 2D 157/300 but at 400/1200 it's around 1.066V which increases temps considerably. I can easily go from 35C to well over 55C. Or barely see the temps drop after gaming which is IMO completely unacceptable. How it works (from what I read) they "scale the voltage based on leakage, so the higher leakage parts use lower voltage and the lower leakage parts use a higher voltage.
source

There were a few specific voltages used but I no longer have that thread (perhaps someone will find it). But the end result for users was the ability to overclock slightly higher without having to bump up voltages. This would result in relatively lower temps. But that was all last year and I'm going on memory. So I don't recall all of it. Although I'm only taking a guess those who had problems may have had high leakage GPUs. In which some were able to fix their GSOD, etc with higher voltage, etc. If that's remotely true that would explain this fix for "everyone".
Posted on Reply
#60
theubersmurf
Black Panther:twitch:

Dirt2 - DX9 - HD5970
Those words repel like similar polarized magnets in that sentence.

Who would own a Dx11 card and a Dx11 game yet play it not in DX11, not even in Dx10 but Dx9 ? :wtf:

Barely any purpose to increase Dx9 performance :shadedshu
I'm sure somebody's using it with XP.

-----------------------------------------------------

Wish they included OpenCL support in this version.
Posted on Reply
#61
n-ster
I'm confused with all this rambling about the drivers with big fancy words to impress the other lol

I have a 5850 and another on the way... also an x58 setup on the way. So my question is this:

Can I OC my cards a little, say staying at stock voltages (both are ref cards btw), and keep the 2D clocks at 157/300 and 0.950V? Can I, if I wish, downclock it even further if its stable? From what I understand, I can't, but I'm not sure lol :roll:
Posted on Reply
#62
CrackerJack
Woot I can finally get into BF2 match before it's almost done... Huge increase here!!!
Posted on Reply
#63
mdsx1950
Nice! Lot of 5970 improvements :D
Posted on Reply
#64
alexsubri
:shadedshu:shadedshu my FPS is BFBC2 is having some problems, I am getting around 32-40 FPS and I should be getting around 70-120 , anybody else have this problem?? All other games are fine, I will check to make sure my cards are in fine...(L4D2 I get almost 300 FPS)
Posted on Reply
#65
Mussels
Freshwater Moderator
To begin with, Catalyst 10.6 adds GPU-accelerated video de-blocking (a feature that helps improve quality of upscaled videos), and mosquito-noise reduction, which helps improve quality of lossy video formats. Although ATI was first to be out with a GPU driver that packs OpenGL 4.0 ICD, it was only in the form of preview drivers. Catalyst 10.3 provides official support for OpenGL 4.0,
10.3 now?
Posted on Reply
#67
Mussels
Freshwater Moderator
these are likely new drivers for 5K cards, and older (10.3/4?) for the 4K and below.
Posted on Reply
#68
TRIPTEX_CAN
alexsubri:shadedshu:shadedshu my FPS is BFBC2 is having some problems, I am getting around 32-40 FPS and I should be getting around 70-120 , anybody else have this problem?? All other games are fine, I will check to make sure my cards are in fine...(L4D2 I get almost 300 FPS)
Yeah, make sure you install the 10.6 application profiles and reboot after installing the drivers. My performance in BC2 tanked hard after installing 10.6 but I missed the application profiles because I was in a rush. I'm back on 10.5 for now but I will try again tonight.
Posted on Reply
#69
ariff_tech
10.6 still didn't fix issue with eyefinity 6 card,
they still recommended 10.3b,

i have to mod gpu bios to save energy,
max 300gpu-300mem-(---)v,
mid 300gpu-300mem-0.95v,
low 300gpu-300mem-0.95v, (most stable when using 6 display)

and using catalyst profile overdrive when i playing game.

i also notice in windows vista and 7, when u just right click on your desktop, gpu go to max mode. voltage increase to 1.12v.

i have to use MSI after burner to prevent voltage rise above 1v,

but still didnt test yet if this driver capable to drive 5x1 portrait group,
gonna test it now.......
Posted on Reply
#70
erocker
*
ariff_tech10.6 still didn't fix issue with eyefinity 6 card,
they still recommended 10.3b,

i have to mod gpu bios to save energy,
max 300gpu-300mem-(---)v,
mid 300gpu-300mem-0.95v,
low 300gpu-300mem-0.95v, (most stable when using 6 display)

and using catalyst profile overdrive when i playing game.

i also notice in windows vista and 7, when u just right click on your desktop, gpu go to max mode. voltage increase to 1.12v.

i have to use MSI after burner to prevent voltage rise above 1v,

but still didnt test yet if this driver capable to drive 5x1 portrait group,
gonna test it now.......
Yeah, the Eyefinity 6 card is still listed separately. I'll have to try my memory (2d clocks) at 300. I've been doing 300/575 and it's worked well. :toast:
Posted on Reply
#71
Delta6326
so i just updated to these drivers from 10.3 and im having some trouble, everything went perfect but i now have a 1" gap of black going around my whole screen when at 1920 x 1080p ive tried to to change settings but can't get it to work:banghead:
Posted on Reply
#72
erocker
*
You need to find the scaling option in CCC and move the slider so it fills the screen.
Posted on Reply
#74
bogie
SapientwolfI think I'm going to have to switch back to 10.4a... They keep saying they fixed the loading times for BFBC2 but they're still worse when compared to 10.4. Also BFBC2 was running buttery smooth under 2 HD 4870s, and now it runs like crap... What the hell ATI, get your crap together and get all your fixes implemented into one driver, not scattered about 10 versions...
I think i will stay on cat 10.4a as well if you are having problems. I also have a 4870x2 and 10.5's screwed my computer. I can see 10.6 doing exactly the same. :banghead:

Anyone tried Cat 10.6's with a HD4870x2?
Posted on Reply
#75
pjladyfox
cadavecaThe cursor thing...happens on both the DP and the standard connectors. If you move the cursor to another screen, it will be fine, but go back to the one that showed the corrupt cursor in the first place, and it will still be corrupt.

Before the "fix", the cursor would be screwed on that monitor until reboot, and now, it goes away as randomly as it appears...so while they've partially fixed it, it;s realyl annoying in-game...it;'s not something that is confined to 2D rendering.

Monitor flicker, for the most part, was fixed with bios editing, so this crap about the higher clock speeds being a fix for that issue is not true at all. It also has NO EFFECT in how the card here clock...so I have no idea why Terry would even say that, except to shut people up.

Mine are high 24/7. The only thing here that causes it is multi-monitor, as I do not clock using software...I will edit the bios to prevent such issues from occuring.
Interesting. I thought I was the only one that was seeing this issue on a dual-monitor setup. The odd thing is that, from what I remember, the issue only seems to affect Vista or Windows 7 systems and appears to be fixed on those running XP. After getting tired of it I put an NVIDIA card in my workstation in the Lab *shudder* which I hated to do but had no other choice. That and I was doing some troubleshooting for a Mechwarrior 3 issue for another forum related to NVIDIA cards going to a black screen when using newer drivers. :banghead:

Honestly, I'm not sure what the heck is going on with all of these odd display-related issues on the 5-series cards. I've been a die-hard ATI/AMD user ever since the early Pentium days but when this gets to a point where even I have to put an NVIDIA GPU in my system to work normally something is seriously rotten in Denmark. :wtf:
Posted on Reply
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