AMD releases Catalyst 12.2 "pre-certified" driver

[Matthew DeCarlo]

If you can't wait until the next official Catalyst build clears Microsoft's testing phase, AMD is offering a "pre-certified" version. Pre-release drivers are usually labeled as "preview," "beta" or  even "hotfix" but apparently the "pre-certified" build is 100% final and merely awaiting Redmond's nod of approval.

As if things needed to be any more convoluted, a "Catalyst 12.3 release candidate" hit the Web earlier this week, which appears to contain the same driver (v8.95) as the 12.2 pre-certified version. We're not sure what to make of all that, but the bottom line is: there's a new early build for you to test drive:

Download Catalyst 12.2 Pre-Certified (release notes)
Desktop: Windows XP 32/64-bit | Windows Vista/7 32-bit | Windows Vista/7 64-bit

AMD's release notes for the 12.2 pre-certified package mentions support for the Radeon HD 7700 and 7900 series on Windows Vista and 7, while Windows XP will receive support in Catalyst 12.4 (presumably April's official build, but we'd expect pre-release versions to arrive long before then). You'll also find:

Super Sampling Anti-Aliasing is now available for DirectX® 10 and DirectX 11 applications

• Supported on the AMD Radeon HD 7900 and AMD Radeon HD 7700 Series.
• Users can now enable Super Sample Anti-Aliasing and Adaptive Anti-Aliasing through the AMD Catalyst Control Center for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 applications.
• Applications must support in game Anti-Aliasing for the feature to work (Forced on Anti-Aliasing through the Catalyst Control Center is not supported for DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 applications). 

AMD Eyefinity 2.1 technology enhancements

• Custom resolutions – users can now choose from a much larger set of display resolutions for their AMD Eyefinity configurations.
• Dynamic Configuration Changes:  Switching between different display configurations (when physically plugging/un-plugging displays) will occur automatically by loading the appropriate profile.
• HydraVision enhancements:  The Windows Task bar can now be moved and resized based on users preference.
• Profile Manager improvements:  Users can now create multiple Display profiles, enabling users to seamlessly switch between various AMD Eyefinity and Display Configurations.

The update includes tons of bug fixes for games including Tom Clancy's HAWX, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Dragon Age 2, Battleforge, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, StarCraft II, Batman: Arkham City, Crysis Warhead, and Dirt 3. Various bugs involving Blu-ray playback have also been squashed.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/47501-amd-releases-catalyst-122-pre-certified-driver.html

 

[oldikes]

Good they are getting their game together. I can just now (downloaded 12.1 earlier) play skyrim in fullscreen.

 

[Arizonian]

Since the 7970 release they just came out with an official 7900 series driver a couple days ago finally.

Pushed to get out a card where the software was actually unfinished to support their hardware released. Though why break their lousy driver streak?

I'm not sure having to disable ULPS, then juggle between Powertune, CCC and MSI Beta Afterburner to over clock is any success.

I gave some thought in upgrading but immediately after release the issues cropped up and I decide to hold off. Glad I did.

Technically the launch should have been two days ago for AMD. Give them kudos though because this time around they had beta testers give $570 to do it for them.

Great card, sweet performance when working, but terrible way to start off a flagship card immaturely. Turns people off. I wouldn't down load any 'per-certified' driver from AMD.

 

[Darth Shiv]

Had to use a rc driver before and had no major issues apart from power management but no problems in game. Very happy new drivers are finally here.

 

[theruck]

certified or not. there will be issues anyway...

 

[hahahanoobs]

Sapphire Trixx does not like this driver. Had to go back to the 12.2 Previews.

 

[Darth Shiv]

Currently using the driver and haven't encountered issues but yet to try Trixx.

 

[Darth Shiv]

hahahanoobs said:
Sapphire Trixx does not like this driver. Had to go back to the 12.2 Previews.

What about Trixx didn't work for you?

 

[Ranger1st]

does this driver solve the hydra issue with full screen flash not staying in the predefined borders?

 

[Guest]

I've had problems with the HIS 6670 using new AMD/ATI drivers, works best just using the release from the HIS site.

 

[Renrew]

Great, I downloaded this update and now I get pixellated shadows in Skyrim.

 

[hahahanoobs]

The core and memory slider were missing.