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
-
Fedora Asahi 40 Remix Available for Macs with Apple Silicon
If you've been anticipating KDE's Plasma 6 for your Apple Silicon-powered Mac, then you're in luck.
-
Red Hat Adds New Deployment Option for Enterprise Linux Platforms
Red Hat has re-imagined enterprise Linux for an AI future with Image Mode.
-
OSJH and LPI Release 2024 Open Source Pros Job Survey Results
See what open source professionals look for in a new role.
-
Proton 9.0-1 Released to Improve Gaming with Steam
The latest release of Proton 9 adds several improvements and fixes an issue that has been problematic for Linux users.
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.