Cats 9.8 preview/launch? at Quakecon

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08-12-2009, 09:09 AM
informal

Cats 9.8 preview/launch? at Quakecon

Terry Catalyst-Maker Makedon posted an interesting post @ twitter:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catalyst maker

If you want to be the first in the world to try Catalyst 9.8 and are at #quakecon, follow me for info!

If we are lucky maybe we will see the new DX11 GPUs in action in Phenom II 965BE powered rigs :).
08-12-2009, 09:14 AM
perkam

Quote:

Originally Posted by informal

Terry Catalyst-Maker Makedon posted an interesting post @ twitter:

If we are lucky maybe we will see the new DX11 GPUs in action in Phenom II 965BE powered rigs :).

Unlikely. I don't think ATI has RV870 final silicon ready yet.

Anything they show at QuakeCon will probably be as relevant as showing a thousand hello kitty dolls on screen using Dx11 :stick:

Perkam
08-12-2009, 09:32 AM
Helloworld_98

I hope it's better than 9.7
08-12-2009, 09:36 AM
informal

Quote:

Originally Posted by perkam

Unlikely. I don't think ATI has RV870 final silicon ready yet.

Anything they show at QuakeCon will probably be as relevant as showing a thousand hello kitty dolls on screen using Dx11 :stick:

Perkam

"In action" was meant as previewing the DX11 GPU based cards,not RV870 specific... I never said launch RV870 or similar.
The Catalyst 9.8 are being launched at the event(as things stand right now). If cats 9.8 are not launched at the event,then they will be soon after since the preview will be on the 15th.
08-12-2009, 09:36 AM
Toysoldier

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helloworld_98

I hope it's better than 9.7

What wrong with that ?

Works pretty well here.
08-12-2009, 09:37 AM
ripken204

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helloworld_98

I hope it's better than 9.7

heh, hope, that's all we have now
08-12-2009, 09:49 AM
Smartidiot89

Quote:

Originally Posted by perkam

Unlikely. I don't think ATI has RV870 final silicon ready yet.

Anything they show at QuakeCon will probably be as relevant as showing a thousand hello kitty dolls on screen using Dx11 :stick:

Perkam

Final silicon should tape out anytime/has taped out. AMD have promised a release together with Windows 7 and they need those ships ATLEAST 1 month before sent to manufacturers for massproduction, if not a week or 2 more.
08-12-2009, 12:04 PM
Humminn55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toysoldier

What wrong with that ?

Works pretty well here.

Because making random derisive comments without anything to back it up is the way of the internet, don't you know?
08-12-2009, 12:18 PM
K404

I took the comment in a different way- 9.7 could be a minor update- expanded .inf for DX11 cards and generally tread water OR... they could be another set of noticeable steps to fix known bugs and actively increase performance.
08-12-2009, 12:26 PM
STaRGaZeR

Do 9.8's have something special? If not, who cares...
08-12-2009, 12:42 PM
Helloworld_98

^ lets just hope they put the GUI back, and ideally they come closer to perfecting Crossfire scaling.
08-12-2009, 12:53 PM
STaRGaZeR

They have to cook a proper GUI, both are crap. NVIDIA's control panel is way better.
08-12-2009, 12:58 PM
Jamesrt2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smartidiot89

Final silicon should tape out anytime/has taped out. AMD have promised a release together with Windows 7 and they need those ships ATLEAST 1 month before sent to manufacturers for massproduction, if not a week or 2 more.

+1 and even then thats assuming it was perfect first time :)
08-12-2009, 03:31 PM
zanzabar

Quote:

Originally Posted by STaRGaZeR

They have to cook a proper GUI, both are crap. NVIDIA's control panel is way better.

NV's control panel is the same as old CCC except for the initial load time. and i want my old gui back
08-12-2009, 04:36 PM
situman

Its just a horse and pony show, trying to hype up a driver that will offer nothing new like the previous million or so updates. What's important is to not have people ask about the next gen stuff but to focus on something so irrelevant as a new driver.
08-12-2009, 09:09 PM
STEvil

I want the original Control Panel.

To heck with CCC.
08-12-2009, 10:01 PM
Overfiend

Seconded :up:
08-12-2009, 10:31 PM
dinos22

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEvil

I want the original Control Panel.

To heck with CCC.

LOL i was thinking the same thing :rofl:
08-13-2009, 02:17 AM
informal

Interesting comment from the neoseeker's 965BE review regarding the Cats 9.8 performance on Dragon platform(AMD CPU/mobo specific):

Quote:

Originally Posted by neoseeker

ATI Catalyst 9.8:

The next ATI graphics cards drivers will also get released on August 17th. It includes some enhancements specific to performance platforms which are meant to improve system performance in CPU bound situations. It is said that at 1680x1050 and higher, crossfire setups benefit considerably when used as part of the Dragon Platform. This means the AMD platform is more effective as a whole. Titles such as Far Cry 2, H.A.W.X., Battleforge, Stalker Clear Sky, Crysis, Company of Heroes, and World in Conflict show the largest gains, with Far Cry 2 getting up to approximately 50% more performance. Intel based computers featuring an ATI graphics solution will also see some increases, although they will be much less important.

50% more performance is a bit unrealistic IMO,but let's wait and see. The author mentions intel platform will benefit also from 9.8 Cats,but much less than the Dragon platform. Finally,AMD driver team found a time to optimize graphic drivers for a "domestic" platform.
08-13-2009, 02:27 AM
Lightman

Quote:

Originally Posted by informal

Interesting comment from the neoseeker's 965BE review regarding the Cats 9.8 performance on Dragon platform(AMD CPU/mobo specific):

50% more performance is a bit unrealistic IMO,but let's wait and see. The author mentions intel platform will benefit also from 9.8 Cats,but much less than the Dragon platform. Finally,AMD driver team found a time to optimize graphic drivers for a "domestic" platform.

I think that the driver is already well optimized for Intel but weirdly enough not for AMD own CPUs. The other explanation is that I7 is so fast that it's maxing out CF rigs in more scenarios than Phenom rigs. Improving CPU bound situations in driver will result in bigger gains for AMD rigs.
Time will tell :D
08-13-2009, 04:52 AM
Helloworld_98

AMD, stop trying to make me regret getting an i7 rig!
08-13-2009, 05:00 AM
Smartidiot89

Quote:

Originally Posted by informal

50% more performance is a bit unrealistic IMO,but let's wait and see. The author mentions intel platform will benefit also from 9.8 Cats,but much less than the Dragon platform. Finally,AMD driver team found a time to optimize graphic drivers for a "domestic" platform.

So AMDs claims that you will get better performance with a "Complete" platform is true?
08-13-2009, 05:59 AM
RejZoR

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helloworld_98

AMD, stop trying to make me regret getting an i7 rig!

I see no reason to regret i7 system.
08-13-2009, 06:33 AM
Oberon

Quote:

Originally Posted by RejZoR

I see no reason to regret i7 system.

Heat, cost, similar gaming performance.

I've considered getting rid of my 920 for a 955BE and I got the 920 for free =P
08-13-2009, 06:40 AM
perkam

I don't see any Quakecon Info?

Perkam
08-13-2009, 06:40 AM
stangracin3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oberon

Heat, cost, similar gaming performance.

I've considered getting rid of my 920 for a 955BE and I got the 920 for free =P

now i like that idea.
08-13-2009, 06:43 AM
perkam

Quote:

Originally Posted by RejZoR

I see no reason to regret i7 system.

Tell that to someone in Houston with 89F outside.

The last thing they need is heat from the processor counteracting the A/C system 0_o

Perkam
08-13-2009, 07:27 AM
Rommsey

Quote:

Originally Posted by perkam

I don't see any Quakecon Info?

Perkam

Nor do I but that's more of a statement and not a question.
08-13-2009, 07:47 AM
bingo13

Quote:

Originally Posted by perkam

Unlikely. I don't think ATI has RV870 final silicon ready yet.

Perkam

Damn, I wonder what that thing on my desk is then.... :D
08-13-2009, 07:48 AM
Helloworld_98

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingo13

Damn, I wonder what that thing on my desk is then.... :D

Please tell
08-13-2009, 07:58 AM
Lightman

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingo13

Damn, I wonder what that thing on my desk is then.... :D

And I was going to ask you about this in the other thread :p:

Thanks for this very vague info!

BTW can you slip a tad bit more info and say if we need to wait weeks or months for your review?
08-13-2009, 08:08 AM
informal

If AT staff has the HW in hands,then the cards are pretty much ready.But in reality the chip may need another stepping,so nothing is definite. But the info is welcome,thanks bingo13!
08-13-2009, 08:22 AM
w0mbat

@bingo13: I have to reminde u bout ur NDA (im very shure u signed one) :D
08-13-2009, 09:38 AM
marten_larsson

Quote:

Originally Posted by w0mbat

@bingo13: I have to reminde u bout ur NDA (im very shure u signed one) :D

Why did you have to do that? ;)
08-13-2009, 12:54 PM
Bhairava

Wonderful disclosure.
08-13-2009, 01:04 PM
Mechromancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by perkam

Tell that to someone in Houston with 89F outside.

The last thing they need is heat from the processor counteracting the A/C system 0_o

Perkam

89F? Try 92F and 50+% humidity daily. The low today is 74F AT NIGHT! A Core i7 would catch fire down here LOL.
08-13-2009, 01:12 PM
Jamesrt2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mechromancer

89F? Try 92F and 50+% humidity daily. The low today is 74F AT NIGHT! A Core i7 would catch fire down here LOL.

its 82F in my room atm and its 10pm :( sucks, still not as humid atall that would suck haha :( :p:
08-13-2009, 05:03 PM
SamHughe

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingo13

Damn, I wonder what that thing on my desk is then.... :D

Well it can't be a RV870 since Perkam loudly denied its existence so I'm guessing a half-eaten donut :cool:
08-14-2009, 12:11 AM
bill_d

hmm

Quote:

AMD has shipped the first samples of the Evergreen family to selected partners and reviewers

http://www.nordichardware.com/news,9783.html
08-14-2009, 12:43 AM
PoppaGeek

Quote:

Originally Posted by perkam

Tell that to someone in Houston with 89F outside.

The last thing they need is heat from the processor counteracting the A/C system 0_o

Perkam

wut? A cold front go thru? :rofl:
08-14-2009, 12:49 AM
Soultaker52

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoppaGeek

wut? A cold front go thru? :rofl:

No no, I think he's talking about during the winter. :rofl:

On topic though, any sight of the 9.8 cats? I'm bored and feel like updating my drivers. Lol.
08-14-2009, 01:52 AM
Calmatory

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill_d

hmm

http://www.nordichardware.com/news,9783.html

Frankly I suspect that the news is due to bingo13's post. So yeah. :shrug:
08-14-2009, 02:17 AM
trinibwoy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calmatory

Frankly I suspect that the news is due to bingo13's post. So yeah. :shrug:

Yep, everything in that article is a summary of this week's forum chatter.
08-14-2009, 02:33 AM
Lightman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calmatory

Frankly I suspect that the news is due to bingo13's post. So yeah. :shrug:

Most likely, but we all know he was talking about half eaten donut ;)
08-14-2009, 08:28 AM
bill_d

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightman

Most likely, but we all know he was talking about half eaten donut ;)

but who keeps half eaten donuts on their desks unless you like watching them turn into chia pets :D
08-14-2009, 08:51 AM
Helloworld_98

^ someone who is eating the donut?
08-14-2009, 08:57 AM
Pyr0

still no leaks/uploads? :(
08-14-2009, 09:56 AM
w0mbat

Wait a bit...

http://img5.imagebanana.com/img/gexufiid/amd.jpg
08-14-2009, 10:06 AM
STaRGaZeR

Teasing is bad... it can lead to deception... you better show us the real deal or GTFO :D
08-14-2009, 10:11 AM
w0mbat

Its has been know quiet a while that there will be a pr event on sep 10th. So no teasing @ all.

http://www.nordichardware.com/news,9672.html

Quote:

As you may have heard AMD is planning a launch in September, with a pre-launch event on September 10th.
08-14-2009, 10:12 AM
STaRGaZeR

Pre-launch, PR event... that's teasing ;)
08-14-2009, 10:41 AM
w0mbat

Maybe theres something even earlier ;)
08-14-2009, 10:47 AM
Eastcoasthandle

Odd that cat 9.8 hasn't been leaked yet.
08-14-2009, 11:21 AM
informal

Mr. Makedon posted this in his latest message:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry Makedon

Finally at the amd booth at #quakecon. Catalyst 9.8 ready for anyone wanting it
08-14-2009, 11:43 AM
J.D.

:D

http://www.computerbase.de/downloads...komplettpaket/
08-14-2009, 11:45 AM
STaRGaZeR

Quote:

Originally Posted by w0mbat

Maybe theres something even earlier ;)

I hope "something" means some gaming results of certain new chip :fact:
08-14-2009, 11:45 AM
Pyr0

and
http://blogs.amd.com/play/2009/08/14...quakecon-blog/
08-14-2009, 11:49 AM
Loque

anyone tested those 9.8 divers from the link above ?
08-14-2009, 12:31 PM
Helloworld_98

^ they look like they're about the right size, I'll try them out tomorrow if there aren't any complaints by then.
08-14-2009, 12:31 PM
Soultaker52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loque

anyone tested those 9.8 divers from the link above ?

They're on an official AMD blog and from an AMD server. I'd imagine they're trustable, lol.

Edit:
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7458/cat98.png
Seems to be working.
08-14-2009, 02:34 PM
Aerou

no change in GUI, so no rush from me :p:
08-14-2009, 05:33 PM
Final8ty

Quote:

With five months of ATI Catalyst driver blogs under our belt, we are seeing a growing engagement from the community via this blog site. Please keep up the great comments and suggestions and we will endeavor to answer as many as we can. So, without further ado – let me introduce the ATI Catalyst 9.8 Driver Release!

Game Optimizations: ATI Catalyst™ 9.8 Driver

Our test system configuration is: AMD Phenom II 940 (3.0GHz) processor Asus M3A79-T(790) motherboard 4GB DDR2-800 5-5-5-18 memory Windows VISTA Ultimate SP1 64bit

This month we are seeing a massive performance increase with a whole host of games as compared to the ATI Catalyst 9.7 driver. Detailed release notes are available for most of the game optimizations; here are the highlights:

* Battleforge DirectX 10/DirectX 10.1 performance improves of up to 50% with the largest gains in configurations using ATI CrossFireX™ technology.
* Company of Heroes DirectX 10 performance improves of up to 77%.
* Crysis DirectX 10 performance of ATI CrossFireX technology in dual mode improves of up to 10% and quad mode performance improves of up to 34%.
* Crysis Warhead DirectX 10 performance of ATI CrossFireX technology in dual mode improves of up to 7% and quad mode performance improves of up to 69%.
* Far Cry 2 DirectX 10 performance of ATI CrossFireX technology in dual mode improves of up to 50% and quad mode performance improves of up to 88%.
* Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. DirectX 10/DirectX 10.1 performance of ATI CrossFireX technology in dual mode improves of up to 40% and with quad mode performance improving of up to 60%.
* UnigineTropics OpenGL performance improvements of up to 20%.
* UnigineTropics DirectX 10 performance of ATI CrossFireX technology in quad mode improvements of up to 20%.
* World in Conflict DirectX 10 performance improvements of up to by 10%.

It’s fitting that last weekend AMD was in attendance at Quakecon 2009 in Dallas,Texas where the world’s most prolific OpenGLsupporters gathered for 4 days of ‘peace, love and rockets,’ that we are announcing support for OpenGL 3.1 and the following details:

This release of the ATI Catalyst driver provides OpenGL 3.1 extension support. The following is a list of OpenGL 3.1 features and extensions added in ATI Catalyst 9.8:

* Support for OpenGL Shading Language 1.30 and 1.40.
* Instanced rendering with a per-instance counter accessible to vertex shaders (GL ARB draw instanced).
* Data copying between buffer objects (GL EXT copy buffer).
* Primitive restart (NV primitive restart). Because client enable/disable no longer exists in OpenGL 3.1, the PRIMITIVE RESTART state has become server state, unlike the Nvidia extension where it is client state. As a result, the numeric values assigned to PRIMITIVE RESTART and PRIMITIVE RESTART INDEX differ from the NV versions of those tokens. o At least 16 texture image units must be accessible to vertex shaders, in addition to the 16 already guaranteed to be accessible to fragment shaders.
* Texture buffer objects (GL ARB texture buffer object).
* Rectangular textures (GL ARB texture rectangle). o Uniform buffer objects (GL ARB uniform buffer object).
* SNORM texture component formats.

And last but surely not least, my favorite community: ATI Catalyst™ 9.8 driver for Linux!

Support for new Linux operating systems
This release of ATI Catalyst driver for Linux introduces support for the following new operating systems:

* RHEL 4.8 production support
* Ubuntu 9.04 production support

ATI Catalyst™ Control Center - Linux Edition support for RandR 1.2 This release of the ATI Catalyst driver for Linux introduces ATI Catalyst Control Center - Linux Edition support for the RandR 1.2 extension API. The following new features are now available in the ATI Catalyst Control Center - Linux Edition Display Manager:

* Display rotation
* Multiple display arrangement and desktop sizing

Looking good.
08-14-2009, 11:38 PM
Lightman

Soon I will try them!
I can test FC2 improvement and Crysis, for the rest I don't have these games.

Sound unreal, lets see it in practise :D
08-14-2009, 11:52 PM
clayton

Nice to hear Crossfire getting improvements!
08-15-2009, 01:41 AM
Lightman

OK I have some numbers ....

Quake III - no improvement :p:
Crysis Warhead - visible improvement! It feels much smoother without hiccups when textures are loaded.
Old Cat 9.7 at this spot was 42-44 FPS (forgot to take sceen)
http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9...sisiicat98.jpg
Cat 9.8 :rolleyes: 48-51 FPS

Another spot:
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/5789/crysiscat97.png
Cat. 9.7

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/9807/crysiscat98.png
Cat. 9.8 :rolleyes: