[How-To] Linux ATI driver installation - Overclock.net

Melcar · 05-19-09

This is a short guide on how to install the Linux ATI proprietary driver (fglrx). This guide targets Ubuntu, but it should also work on other Debian based distros. I have had success with OpenSuse as well using a similar method.

Method 1

1.- Got to ATI's website and donwload the driver. The same installer works for both 32bit and 64bit systems.

2.- Open a terminal and move into the directory where you saved the driver in:

Code:

cd /<location of driver>

3.- Install needed dependancies:

Code:

sudo apt-get install build-essential cdbs fakeroot dh-make debhelper debconf libstdc++5 dkms  

#install ia32-libs if on a 64bit system

4.- Run the installer:

Code:

sudo sh <name of .run file>.run

#alternatively, you can simply run ati*.run

5.- A graphical interface should pop up. Just accept the defaults and let it finish. Once dropped back into the terminal (make sure no errors where given during the process):

Code:

cd
sudo aticonfig --initial

6.- Reboot

You should now have a working driver. To confirm everything went well, in a terminal type fglrxinfo and you should get something like this:

Code:

principe@magicbox:~$ fglrxinfo
display: :0.0  screen: 0
OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
OpenGL version string: 2.1.8673

If you ever need to update drivers (new ones come out every month or so) you first need to uninstall the one you have:

Code:

cd /usr/share/ati
sudo sh ./fglrx-uninstall.sh

Let the script finish; it will generate a fresh xorg.conf for you. Once this is done, you can proceed to install the new driver following the same steps in this guide (no need to restart X or reboot).

Method 2

*Note that this method involves distro specific package building. ATI's installer supports package building for several distros and the commands to accomplish this vary between distros. The following steps are for Ubuntu specificaly (it should be the same for any Debian based distro as well); if you use some other distro best you learn how to manipulate packages on that particular platform before proceeding.

1.- Got to ATI's website and donwload the driver. The same installer works for both 32bit and 64bit systems.

2.- Open a terminal and move into the directory where you saved the driver in:

Code:

cd /<location of driver>

3.- Install needed dependancies:

Code:

sudo apt-get install build-essential cdbs fakeroot dh-make debhelper debconf libstdc++5 dkms  

#install ia32-libs if on a 64bit system

4.- Build packages:

Code:

sudo sh <name of .run file> --buildpkg

#this will generate several packages inside the source directory

5.- Install packages:

Code:

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

#this will install ALL .deb files inside the directory, so make sure you don't have anything else aside from the driver
#if you are then asked about overwriting files, just tell it to go ahead (type "Y" when prompted)

6.- Initialize the driver:

Code:

cd
sudo aticonfig --initial

7.- Reboot

You should now have a working driver. To confirm everything went well, in a terminal type fglrxinfo and you should get something like this:

Code:

principe@magicbox:~$ fglrxinfo
display: :0.0  screen: 0
OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: ATI Radeon HD 4800 Series
OpenGL version string: 2.1.8673

If you install this way, uninstallation is different. Just go to Synaptic and uninstall all the packages you installed with this method; do a search for fglrx and remove all packages related to it. You can then proceed to update to the latest version of the driver if you want.

Notes:

* Besides the above given dependencies, the driver itself needs additional ones (these are specified in the driver's release notes). Most distros that I have dealt with already have all of them installed by default, but it doesn't hurt to check, specially if your installation fails.

* The driver does not support pre-release software (kernels, xservers, etc.). If you're using a distro with any of these, don't expect it to work. Once a particular kernel (or xserver) is finalized, support for it usually comes within 1-3 releases (1-3 months). This is ATI policy.

* Starting from the 9.4 diver, support for pre r6xx cards (cards earlier than HD2K) has been dropped. If you have one of these cards, you need to change to one of the open source drivers.

Links of interest:
FGLRX lookout thread

GodofGrunts · 05-20-09

You could also mention that Ubuntu has prebuilt ones that you can download via the Hardware Drivers app.

Or, you can use Envy.

legoman786 · 05-20-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melcar

Code:

sudo apt-get install build-essential cdbs fakeroot dh-make debhelper debconf libstdc++5 dkms  

#install ia32-libs if on a 64bit system

What do you mean by this? Where am I supposed to type in ia32-libs in the command?

EDIT: I got it

GodofGrunts · 05-21-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by legoman786

What do you mean by this? Where am I supposed to type in ia32-libs in the command?

EDIT: I got it

Just for those that didn't get it.

Code:

sudo apt-get ia32-libs

Gill.. · 06-04-09

Do I follow uninstall directions for the crappy ATI drivers I installed after I installed Ubuntu - they're WAY behind what ATI is telling me I should use.

I heard that if I followed your directions, the previous install would fail everything (unlike if I tried the same in Windows)..

I'm relatively confident I could do it if you all can confirm the uninstall first is the appropriate approach. Also, so would normal VGA drivers be powering the system in the interim?

Melcar · 06-04-09

If you installed the Ubuntu provided drivers, simply go back to System>Administration>Hardware Drivers and uncheck the applicable box. Another approach is to go to Synaptic and do a search for fglrx; remove all the packages containing the name (there should be at least 3).
You can then proceed with the install method outlined here (no need to reboot or restart X). However, to avoid possible complications, I would generate a new xorg.conf file and use the open source driver (follow my other guide in my sig); if you don't load the open source driver, next time you try to log-in you will get a black screen. After that reboot and then proceed with the installation

Gill.. · 06-04-09

Thanks Melcar, a very thoughtful response and great guides from such an "Angry Linux Gamer". I got here by clicking on a link in your sig - so great work bro, thanks. (gotta get outta work before I go wrecking my home machine)

Gill.. · 06-04-09

going for the install via your method in this thread - uninstalled previous driver. Not going with the open source though, just want all or nothing - even though I see you have a 4850...if I fail, I'll try the open source too - goal here is no conflict between the two.

Melcar · 06-04-09

If you're using Jaunty, the version of "radeon" provided only has 2D acceleration and TexturedVideo (for accelerating video playback) for r6xx/r7xx clas hardware, while the "radeonhd" version only has very basic support. The proprietary driver is the only real choice right now for these cards. You can still try them, if only to experiment and as a fallback driver in case you run into problems with fglrx.

Gill.. · 06-04-09

I thought this was for the propietary....the one I downloaded... now I don't have effects....but it's running fast as hell...

so...did the fglrxinfo...wasn't installed, (didn't I uninstall before?)....and now I'm reinstalling fglrx...display config works (didn't before) - and now I'm reinstalling the Prop drivers...

here goes..

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[How-To] Linux ATI driver installation

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