New Catalyst Drivers (4.8)

[$h@d0w]

http://www2.ati.com/drivers/Catalyst...ase_notes.html

Full package: http://www2.ati.com/drivers/wxp-w2k-...3a-016701c.exe

This release of CATALYST introduces the support of Geometry Instancing. This new feature provides assistance when a game has to render many objects where the geometry is highly similar. Geometry Instancing allows the VPU to create multiple objects from a single geometric model, rather than passing an entire new model for each item on the screen. This increases the rendering speed of images such as leaves, or grass.

Direct3D driver efficiency has improved considerably. Significant performance gains are noted in multiple "CPU-bound" cases, including 3DMark2001, Aquamark 3, Comanche4, Dungeon Siege, and Unreal Tournament 2003 and 2004. Typical improvements are in the 1-5% range.

OpenGL driver efficiency is also improved. Older OpenGL games such as Quake III Arena and Wolfenstein - Enemy Territory show small improvement (1-2%) at low resolutions. Call of Duty framerates are up approximately 4%. Doom3 improves considerably more (as much as 12% on some product configurations) as a result of the same software efficiency improvements.

[myth]

http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.p...st+Drivers+4.8

Some one already beat you to it!

[Spud1]

cool =O i'll be awaiting the omega drivers tho as per usual

[Firebar]

Will download once I get my 3700+ back.

[dozer]

im using the 4.9betas and they seem ok

[TheBuZZard]

Yup Im using the 4.9betas seem good, hopefully even better when my x800xt arrives tomorrow

[sja360]

so nothing really new then?

[Reaper]

4.8 is an improvement over 4.7 for most users but the 4.9betas are only worth it for x800 card owners in doom3.