AMDVLK 2023.Q3.1 with Phoenix APU support and performance tuning released

AMDVLK 2023.Q3.1 was released this morning as the latest update for AMD’s official open-source Radeon Vulkan Linux driver. This represents the first update since mid-June and brings several new features and improvements. One of the significant changes in AMDVLK 2023.Q3.1 is the integration of support for Phoenix APUs. This will enable smooth integration of the latest AMD Ryzen 7040 Series Mobile/Laptop SoCs, resulting in optimized Vulkan performance on these specific devices. In addition, an update to the Vulkan 1.3.257 header has been performed. This update ensures improved compatibility and interoperability with other Vulkan applications and drivers, which can support smoother operation.

Another notable addition in this release is the implementation of support for the Vulkan EXT_image_drm_format_modifier extension. This extension opens up advanced capabilities for modifying and manipulating image formats, which is especially useful for applications that process complex graphics or images. Furthermore, AMDVLK 2023.Q3.1 also includes optimizations related to the performance of the popular game “Wolfenstein Youngblood”. These adjustments are aimed at improving the game’s graphics and overall performance on systems with AMD graphics cards, which can ultimately lead to a smoother and more engaging gaming experience.

The AMDVLK 2023.Q3.1 update also brings several bug fixes and improvements aimed at optimizing the driver’s performance and stability. Among the issues fixed were corruption issues in the games “Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus” and “Shadow of the Tomb Raider”. These fixes will improve the gaming experience by preventing graphics errors and artifacts in these games.

Another issue fixed in this version of the AMDVLK driver was related to incorrect UV coordinates in the “X-Plane 12” flight simulator. UV coordinates are critical for correct texturing of 3D models, and incorrect coordinates can cause visual errors and distortions. Correcting these incorrect UV coordinates ensures a more accurate rendering of textures in the “X-Plane 12” game. The new AMDVLK 2023.Q3.1 Vulkan driver is available on GitHub. However, it should be noted that Linux gamers and enthusiasts often benefit from improved support and performance from the Mesa RADV Vulkan driver. This is supported by a coalition of companies including Valve and Red Hat, as well as other developers. This collaboration allows the driver to be continuously optimized and adapted to the specific requirements of the Linux platform.

Source: Phoronix