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AMD Radeon Adrenalin 2019 Edition 19.6.2 available

AMD

AMD has released a new batch of software updates for their various supported GPU SKUs. With the AMD Radeon Adrenalin 2019 Edition 19.6.2 driver, gamers can expect a little more stability, depending on their setup. No game-based optimizations were included in this release, although it’s possible the changes to the Vulkan API could be integrated in future game updates for better performance.

And although it’s usually a good idea to update GPU drivers for best compatibility with new games, things can go wrong. As such, it’s advisable to make sure to backup your files ahead of installing the new driver, especially on older hardware.

The big new addition with this patch relates to the Vulkan graphics API. Vulkan allows game developers to create a series of software applications based around a standardized set of tools and integrated libraries. Not only does this improve development speed by allowing code to easily be compiled from standard functions and calls, it also makes for better performance as the approach of using an API is less prone to bugs and can easily be optimized for. With 19.6.2 software developers will have a bit more flexibility with some functions, as well as improved support for HDR and other forms of GPU rendering.

Also integrated in this driver release is a series of bug fixes for VR setups on some older GPUs, like the RX 400 and 500 SKUs. Some hangs and crashes related to DirectX12 APIs are also addressed in this patch. Finally, a handful of bugs with certain applications, like Crackdown 3, have been fixed.

AMD Radeon Adrenalin 2019 Edition 19.6.2 Patch Notes

Added Vulkan Support

  • VK_EXT_host_query_reset
    • Allows resets of queries from the host, rather than on the GPU.
  • VK_EXT_full_screen_exclusive
    • Gives applications explicit control over exclusive full-screen modes (this is for instance useful for HDR support).
  • VK_AMD_display_native_hdr
    • Exposes FreeSync2 capabilities for improved HDR support.
  • VK_EXT_separate_stencil_usage
    • Separates the usage flags for depth/stencil aspects of a depth/stencil image making it possible to restrict/expand the usage relative to the depth aspect.
  • VK_KHR_uniform_buffer_standard_layout
    • Provides more flexible alignment for uniform buffers, enabling among other things, the usage of std430 layouts in Vulkan.

Fixed Issues

  • Wireless VR may experience performance drops across multiple game titles on some Radeon RX 400 and Radeon RX 500 series graphics products.
  • Performance Metrics Overlay may fail to enable or may be disabled when toggling Radeon Overlay while in game.
  • A TDR may occur when exiting some gaming applications that are using DirectX®12 API when multiple displays are connected and in clone mode.
  • Microsoft® PIX tool may fail when a GPU is connected using AMD XConnect™ Technology.
  • Crackdown™3 may experience an application or game hang on Radeon R7 370 series graphics products.

Known Issues

  • Radeon ReLive streaming and uploading of videos and other content to Facebook™ is currently unavailable.
  • ASUS TUF Gaming FX505 may experience discrete GPU connection issues with devices disappearing from device manager when the system is idle.
  • Performance Metrics Overlay and Radeon WattMan gauges may experience inaccurate fluctuating readings on AMD Radeon VII.
  • ACER Swift 3 with AMD Ryzen Processor may experience system instability when upgrading to Radeon Software Adrenalin 2019 Edition 19.6.2 using the Custom Clean Installation option.
  • Graphics driver may not uninstall correctly when using the express uninstall option on some Ryzen APUs.
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