Open GPU Documentation by AMD
Chip manufacturer AMD has released documentation for its ATI graphics chips on the "Open GPU Documentation" website.
The website, which was set up just recently, is part of the AMD homepage. AMD uses it to provide comprehensive documentation at register level for AMD graphics chips. Thus far, documentation for the AMD R5xx, AMD R6xx and AMD RS6xx series chips has been published. According to AMD this includes both information on chips for both desktops and mobile devices. As the website says: "Documents for mobile chips are a superset of the desktop chip documentation; they contain all the desktop chip information as well as any relevant mobile additions." On top of this, AMD has set up a separate email address for queries from developers.
The published documents, titled M56, M76, RV630 and RS690, have been publically available since September 2007 via the X.Org website. Documentation for the 3D and R600 2D is likely to follow in the near future.
The "Open GPU Documentation" label implies that the documentation does not bind developers to any further commitments, however, this has not always been the case. In the period leading up to the release, there were contradictory reports stating that the documentation would only be made available to developers after signing a confidentiality agreement (see the Linux Magazine report here).
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.