AMD has fired a volley of updates at Radeon owners, including a new Microsoft-certified build (12.1), a preview of the next official release (12.2) and an early driver for the HD 7900 series (8.21.2 RC11). The WHQL-stamped Catalyst 12.1 is likely what you'll want to download if you just want to play it safe with AMD's mainline offering. Version 12.1 contains all the goodies found in the 12.1 and 12.1a previews, including:

  • A 10-15% boost (over Catalyst 11.12) in Skyrim for certain HD 6900 setups
  • Support for 1080p@30Hz displays via HD3D over HDMI 1.4 (up from 24Hz)
  • Improved UI for adjusting video quality and color settings in the control panel
  • A new control panel feature that lets you create application-specific profiles

Download Catalyst 12.1 (release notes)
Desktop: Windows XP 32-bit | Windows XP 64-bit | Windows Vista/7 32-bit | Windows Vista/7 64-bit
Mobile: Windows Vista/7 32-bit | Windows Vista/7 64-bit

As usual, AMD has prepared a special non-WHQL release for thrill-seekers. The unofficial Catalyst 12.2 preview packs everything you'll find in 12.1 but adds half a dozen more improvements. Most notably, the release touts a larger range of resolutions for Eyefinity users and dynamic configuration changes, which automatically changes your configuration when plugging/unplugging a screen. There are also HydraVision enhancements (the Windows task bar can now be moved and resized) as well as Profile Manager improvements.

Download Catalyst 12.2 Preview (release notes)
Desktop: Windows Vista/7 32 and 64-bit

Radeon HD 7900 owners are strongly cautioned against installing 12.1 and the 12.2 preview as neither build supports the latest-generation cards. Instead, you want 8.921.2 RC11, which provides the proper support and delivers relevant enhancements. HD 7900 users can expect anywhere from 8% to 250% more performance in games and benchmarks including AvP, BF3, Crysis 2 and TessMark (OpenGL). The build also adds super sample and adaptive AA for DX10 and DX11 applications along with six bug fixes (mostly for games).

Download Catalyst 8.921.2 RC11 (release notes)
Desktop: Windows 7 64-bit