Updating AMD Drivers
Something I find myself scratching my head about constantly is the mis-information in the world of GPU drivers, so I'm going to impart what I know in the hope it helps someone else.
I'm talking purely about AMD, specifically Desktop Radeon, more specifically Catalyst Control Center. No nVidia today folks, sorry.
I've been dancing with CCC for about 12 months now (since CrossfireX 5770's came into my life) and I've learnt ALOT keeping up with AMD in that time
They now release CCC updates and new Application Profiles* (CAPS) updates monthly. It is a pain in the ass to update every month but it's a worthwhile price to pay for remaining bleeding-edge (and having stable games!).
*Application Profiles are for Crossfire only (yes they are) and they configure CCC to get the best out of specific games. CrossfireX uses technology called Alternate Frame Rendering (AFR) to load balance frame production across 2 or more cards. Some game engines really do not like AFR (Crysis 2 on launch, NFS Shift 2 on launch, to name but 2) so AMD have to write specific code for 'as-near-as-makes-no-difference ALL' new AA/AAA PC games released these days. AMD are mostly very good at getting them out in time for launch, but not always, which is frustrating!
Anyway, the latest drivers and latest CAPs are essential, and making sure they are installed perfectly is also important. It saddens me greatly that it is still a massive ball-ache to update drivers.
Removing the previous drivers is the single most important part. Don't do this correctly, and you're goosed. Uninstall everything. EVERYTHING. CCC, CAPs, anything with AMD on it. Delete the AMD folders from programs directories. Whole hog man. Then run a driver sweeper (Driver Sweeper) and registry cleaner (CCleaner). Then reboot twice (once). Then and only then can you start installing new software. It sounds daft but I've had a single registry entry (left by the AMD uninstaller!) cause me a great deal of pain before so take no risks!
If everything is uninstalled then installation should be a breeze. Reinstall CCC, and then CAPs, and reboot.
Check AMD frequently! It's often mid-month for CCC updates and end of month for CAPs. Happy gaming!
mw
Test post 1
As a test post, this is already purposeful, but if you are reading this, it's serving a dual purpose. Excellent.
Category explosion in 3...