Tuesday, October 28th 2008

AMD Posts ATI Catalyst Windows 7 Preview Driver Suite

Windows 7 is Microsoft's next major PC operating system. Early non-retail versions of this OS may have already made it to certain sections of the industry, and this calls for hardware support. AMD is ready with its ATI Catalyst driver suite for Windows 7. The driver itself is titled ATI Catalyst Windows 7 Preview Driver Package. As the name suggests, it is at an experimental/early stage, much like the OS itself. Use of it is not covered by any warranty. It provides support for ATI Radeon HD 2000 series, HD 3000 series, HD 4000 series, derived mobile GPUs, and AMD 7 series chipsets with integrated graphics.

The 32-bit version of the driver can be downloaded from here, and the 64-bit version here.
Add your own comment

63 Comments on AMD Posts ATI Catalyst Windows 7 Preview Driver Suite

#26
niko084
BrooksyXIf your running software that refuses to run in a 64 bit OS then its time to upgrade. Software makers are going to continue to be lazy and not take full advantage of x64 architecute until Microsoft takes a stand. All new computers should have 4+ gbs of ram. This will not work in most 32 bit Operating systems. So basically Microsoft is going to stop the PC world from advancing. 2gb may have been the standard for this generation of computers but all next gen computers should have at least 4gbs of ram too keep up with the crazy fast CPUs that Intel (and hopefully AMD) is coming out with.

Its time to move on people who are buying 32 bit operating systems are just holding the rest of the computer industry back.
So you are going to be the person to fork out shooting random numbers 25 billion dollars to upgrade every single public paid for computer that doesn't fit the new needs? Hm you would think we have enough financial issues..

Your comments are pure illogical and naive to the rest of the world around you.

I can agree that the computers and people falling behind are holding up progression, but that's the way it works. We can't cut home telephone lines just because cell phones are superior. We don't knock off un intelligent children at birth because they wont make a world difference.... I mean I'm shooting off some pretty obscure analogies here but they fit.

Whenever you make a huge move and do it world wide it takes time and things need to be done smoothly.
What if your bank decided to migrate from Windows to Linux to stop Microsoft from taking their money and taking a little away from them so they didn't have so much power and they lost your account and said opps sorry.... Guess it should have been done properly :)
Posted on Reply
#27
Analog_Manner
TRIPTEX_MTLI'm really very excited to see the Catalyst Crew working so hard on an OS that DOESNT EXIST TO THE CONSUMER. Hey ATI the 4800 series is still F'd how about you work on that this year instead.

k. Thx

PS: your 4850 HDMI gaming support blows. ;)
Yes, god-forbid that they actually make drivers for an operating system so that when it goes live there won't be anything for you to complain about.
Posted on Reply
#28
TRIPTEX_CAN
Analog_MannerYes, god-forbid that they actually make drivers for an operating system so that when it goes live there won't be anything for you to complain about.
Yeah..... where's the no thanks button?
Posted on Reply
#29
oli_ramsay
I think 32 bit is pointless because by the time Windows 7 is launched, Nehalem will be out and 6GB of RAM will pretty much be the norm.
Posted on Reply
#30
TRIPTEX_CAN
Maybe Windows 7 won't idle with 1.3Gb used and many workstations and office desktops will be quite usable with 2-3Gb of RAM.
Posted on Reply
#31
niko084
oli_ramsayI think 32 bit is pointless because by the time Windows 7 is launched, Nehalem will be out and 6GB of RAM will pretty much be the norm.
Is not replacing standard systems, look at intels website, they are marketed to high end workstations and servers.

Although DDR3 may become more popular, its got some time left..
Posted on Reply
#32
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
Thanks to W1zzard, fixed the links. Fixed links in the first post as well as Today's Files :toast:
Posted on Reply
#33
mdm-adph
BrooksyXIs windows 7 seriously going to support 32-bit. Why?

That is really sad, can understand Vista supporting it but if Windows 7 is supposed to be so great it really needs to just cut out 32bit support so we can move into the future of computing.
Windows 7, from everything I've heard, looks to be a well-tweaked and "fixed" version of Vista. If that's the case, there's no reason for them not to keep making a 32-bit version, since one for Vista already exists.
Posted on Reply
#34
BrooksyX
niko084So you are going to be the person to fork out shooting random numbers 25 billion dollars to upgrade every single public paid for computer that doesn't fit the new needs? Hm you would think we have enough financial issues..

Your comments are pure illogical and naive to the rest of the world around you.

I can agree that the computers and people falling behind are holding up progression, but that's the way it works. We can't cut home telephone lines just because cell phones are superior. We don't knock off un intelligent children at birth because they wont make a world difference.... I mean I'm shooting off some pretty obscure analogies here but they fit.

Whenever you make a huge move and do it world wide it takes time and things need to be done smoothly.
What if your bank decided to migrate from Windows to Linux to stop Microsoft from taking their money and taking a little away from them so they didn't have so much power and they lost your account and said opps sorry.... Guess it should have been done properly :)
Im not saying every single computer in the world should have a 64 bit OS on it. I am saying that all PC manufacturs should stop selling computers with 32 bit Operating systems. People can hang on to 32 bit all they want. But 64 bit is here to stay and has been here for almost 8 years. I just time to embrace it.

Oh and PS my bank doesn't really even exist anymore, I have Washington Mutual and they are basically dead. Now part of JP morgan or whatever. Kind of kills your little analogy there! lol
Posted on Reply
#35
niko084
BrooksyXIm not saying every single computer in the world should have a 64 bit OS on it. I am saying that all PC manufacturs should stop selling computers with 32 bit Operating systems. People can hang on to 32 bit all they want. But 64 bit is here to stay and has been here for almost 8 years. I just time to embrace it.

Oh and PS my bank doesn't really even exist anymore, I have Washington Mutual and they are basically dead. Now part of JP morgan or whatever. Kind of kills your little analogy there! lol
They wont for the same reason... If they stop selling and someones computer breaks they have to upgrade all their hardware and software? This is exactly the reason stuff like this can't be forced...

What I honestly would be happy to see is better virtualization of a 32bit os so the old 32bit programs would run so people can migrate safely to 64bit. Companies will start to make their programs 64bit simply to allow the increase in performance, its simply good marketing at that point.
Posted on Reply
#36
zithe
BrooksyXIf your running software that refuses to run in a 64 bit OS then its time to upgrade. Software makers are going to continue to be lazy and not take full advantage of x64 architecute until Microsoft takes a stand. All new computers should have 4+ gbs of ram. This will not work in most 32 bit Operating systems. So basically Microsoft is going to stop the PC world from advancing. 2gb may have been the standard for this generation of computers but all next gen computers should have at least 4gbs of ram too keep up with the crazy fast CPUs that Intel (and hopefully AMD) will be coming out with.

Its time to move on people who are buying 32 bit operating systems are just holding the rest of the computer industry back.
Games that are a few years old. Some of them won't even run on vista in general. People aren't going to upgrade if they're favorite games might not work.
Posted on Reply
#37
Valdez
BrooksyXIs windows 7 seriously going to support 32-bit. Why?

That is really sad, can understand Vista supporting it but if Windows 7 is supposed to be so great it really needs to just cut out 32bit support so we can move into the future of computing.

Anyways glad to see AMD is releasing drivers for a young OS. Should help Windows 7 be good from the start and not like Vista with horrible driver support from manufactures.
Win7 is not a new OS, it's based on vista. And i think the drivers are compatible more or less.
Posted on Reply
#38
Dehx
TRIPTEX_MTLThere are still widespread issues with the 4850s (cant comment on 4870 or x2) losing sync with monitors and crashing when games are launched. These problems are happening even with the cards at stock settings. I found this happens even more when I try to use HDMI output with crossfire to play a game.
I have two rigs, xfire 4870 and xfire 4850, both sapphire and runs smooth with all the games my wife and I play. Your probably doing something non standard and thats the nail in the heel so to speak.

Both of my setups have large DVI monitors and there is no "black screen of death". Also, neither of my setups have a modded bios. because I was patient and waited for the CCC fan speed setting and I use the AMD GPU clock tool to overclock. Being a hardware enthusiast is fine, as I am one... but when you start messing around with the bios and using wierd configurations, and being french, the blame finger points straight back to you.

You cant expect ATI to cater to every single wierd situation, and in alot of cases their drivers work perfectly in a standard configuration (i.e. No hamsters running alongside the top of your crossfire bridge to help cool the card, No mayonnaise used as thermal conductor with your new non-stock liquid cooling heatsink, etc.)
Posted on Reply
#39
Scyphe
ValdezWin7 is not a new OS, it's based on vista. And i think the drivers are compatible more or less.
Win7 is Vista as much as XP was 2K.
Posted on Reply
#40
niko084
ScypheWin7 is Vista as much as XP was 2K.
In reality it was..

Microsoft builds on top of their previous OS, they don't start from a clean board.
Win7 alpha is taking at least a decent amount of vista drivers for hardware.
Posted on Reply
#41
BrooksyX
zitheGames that are a few years old. Some of them won't even run on vista in general. People aren't going to upgrade if they're favorite games might not work.
Really? I have yet to find a game or program that does not work on Vista 64. I think people just enjoy bashing vista so much. Well many would agree that now Vista 64 is the most stable windows operating system ever made. (of course some would disagree)
ValdezWin7 is not a new OS, it's based on vista. And i think the drivers are compatible more or less.
Actually Windows 7 is a new OS thats why its called Windows 7 and not Windows Vista. Windows 7 is going to have a brand new kernel built from the ground up. It just looks like vista because it is using the Aero theme.
Posted on Reply
#42
Scyphe
niko084In reality it was..

Microsoft builds on top of their previous OS, they don't start from a clean board.
Win7 alpha is taking at least a decent amount of vista drivers for hardware.
Oh, Win7 can definitely use most if not all drivers that worked on Vista, they haven't changed any of the basic underlying foundations, they're just taking it to the next level, learning from the experiences with Vista.
Posted on Reply
#43
Scyphe
BrooksyXActually Windows 7 is a new OS thats why its called Windows 7 and not Windows Vista. Windows 7 is going to have a brand new kernel built from the ground up. It just looks like vista because it is using the Aero theme.
Do you really believe that or are you just being sarcastic? :twitch:
Posted on Reply
#44
Valdez
BrooksyXActually Windows 7 is a new OS thats why its called Windows 7 and not Windows Vista. Windows 7 is going to have a brand new kernel built from the ground up. It just looks like vista because it is using the Aero theme.
Check the version numbers. Vista: 6.0, Windows 7: 6.1 (just like previous gen: win2000: 5.0, Xp: 5.1, 2003: 5.2). So i think Win7 is not a brand new OS with a brand new kernel, it is an improved vista.
Posted on Reply
#45
BrooksyX
ValdezCheck the version numbers. Vista: 6.0, Windows 7: 6.1 (just like previous gen: win2000: 5.0, Xp: 5.1, 2003: 5.2). So i think Win7 is not a brand new OS with a brand new kernel, it is an improved vista.
Thats kind of an Ironic statement right there "Windows 7" is really windows 6.1...

I just read up and it looks like windows 7 will not have huge kernel changes. Originally that plan was that it would have a brand new kernel from the ground up. Doesn't look like that is the case anymore. Probably the main reason why windows 7 ship date was bumped up three years. Looks like Microsoft is basically just rereleasing vista with a new name to combat all the negative Pr that vista is facing.
Posted on Reply
#46
Fitseries3
Eleet Hardware Junkie
look at all you selfish people bitching about your 64bit needs. i myself love 64bit oses but i dont sit around bitching about the lack of them. WTF is you damn problem anyway? Windows 7 hasnt even made it to beta yet and you are already on your high horse bitching about shit you have no knowledge of 7 other than the name itself.

heres an idea, get off your ass and try 7 MS1 that you can get via torrent and then tell me what problems you have with it.

i have been playing with 7 for months behind your backs and i have grown to love it. VISTA is total CRAP compared to 7. in fact, my vista 64 disk is in the landfill somewhere about now.

if you still must bitch about no 64bit version... go to college and become a windows developer and then you can decide which verison goes out first for testing. the whole reason 32bit is released first is because of the fact that you have to get 32bit apps to work because believe it or not A LOT OF APPS ARE STILL DEPENDENT OF 32BIT SUPPORT.

the rest of you... sorry to waste your time reading my post. i will give this a try tonight and see how she fairs. im out.

EDIT: if you want to report my post go ahead. someone had to come out and say the truth. no harm done it that.
Posted on Reply
#47
TRIPTEX_CAN
DehxI have two rigs, xfire 4870 and xfire 4850, both sapphire and runs smooth with all the games my wife and I play. Your probably doing something non standard and thats the nail in the heel so to speak.

Both of my setups have large DVI monitors and there is no "black screen of death". Also, neither of my setups have a modded bios. because I was patient and waited for the CCC fan speed setting and I use the AMD GPU clock tool to overclock. Being a hardware enthusiast is fine, as I am one... but when you start messing around with the bios and using wierd configurations, and being french, the blame finger points straight back to you.

You cant expect ATI to cater to every single wierd situation, and in alot of cases their drivers work perfectly in a standard configuration (i.e. No hamsters running alongside the top of your crossfire bridge to help cool the card, No mayonnaise used as thermal conductor with your new non-stock liquid cooling heatsink, etc.)
Standard configuration is kind of a blanket statement. Once you give them the benefit of the doubt and carte blanch to decide what a "standard configuration" is you end up with Microsoft quality support. If you have a chance to use HDMI with crossfire and extended desktops (and switching primary and extended between the two) let me know how that works for you. HDMI isnt weird in fact it's one of the main selling features of the cards.

So you think because I might be french that my configuration must have mayonnaiseitis in my system..... :wtf:

Back up ATI's support all you want ask dual 4870x2 owners how easy it was to get everything uo and running. By the time they have full support the 5800 series will be released. I've been a longtime user of ATI.. I just state the obvious.
Posted on Reply
#48
zithe
BrooksyXReally? I have yet to find a game or program that does not work on Vista 64. I think people just enjoy bashing vista so much. Well many would agree that now Vista 64 is the most stable windows operating system ever made. (of course some would disagree)



Actually Windows 7 is a new OS thats why its called Windows 7 and not Windows Vista. Windows 7 is going to have a brand new kernel built from the ground up. It just looks like vista because it is using the Aero theme.
Several of my brother's games won't run on Vista, but he tends to pick somewhat older games. (2000-2006)
Posted on Reply
#49
philbrown23
im with fits on this one bahahahahaaaaaahaa
Posted on Reply
#50
WarEagleAU
Bird of Prey
Me too, so I second the motion. Thanks Fits, I didnt know they had released this on a torrent somewhere. Maybe I can VM it.
Posted on Reply
Add your own comment
Jan 10th, 2025 08:38 EST change timezone

New Forum Posts

Popular Reviews

Controversial News Posts