News - AMD to deliver driver updates over Steam

[HEXUS]

Valve platform to carry latest ATI Catalyst software for seamless updates.

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[GheeTsar]

Mixed feelings about this. Great for convenience if all goes smoothly, but what if the new driver causes an issue in the system/with a given game - can you roll-back? Is it optional?

[Percy1983]

I have never had problems with an ATI release but still not sure this is a good idea, personally I have always uninstalled and completely removed the old driver before installing the new one, I guess this won't do that.

[saltyzip]

Not sure this is the way to go, why not release via Windows Update instead, this seems a more sensible approach, same goes for all driver updates, whether Microsoft hardware related or not?

I suspect Microsoft can't turn around the installs quick enough for ATI's liking and there is probably a charge involved.

I never did understand why ATI avoided releasing their own auto update software, google, microsoft, apple do it, why not ATI, or should that now be AMD?

[latrosicarius]

Will this conflict with Windows Updates?

Windows Updates in Win7 updates your graphics card drivers as well, but I don't believe it keeps you up to date with the latest. I think it only updates if your current version is considered "too old".

[redddraggon]

That's one less thing to worry about I suppose. I think you should be able to "rollback" older if there is a reason to, I suspect the only people who would ever think of rolling back drivers would be pretty computer literate anyway, and be the type who'd be able to work out how to do it, even if steam doesn't make it easy.

[latrosicarius]

I never did understand why ATI avoided releasing their own auto update software, google, microsoft, apple do it, why not ATI, or should that now be AMD?

I'd prefer getting it from a proven, real no-kidding content delivery system like Steam versus a company rolling their own half-arsed auto-updating solution.

[Biscuit]

As long as its opt in rather than a standard built in automatic feature i think its a pretty good idea myself.

[Mathonar]

why not release via Windows Update instead

That would be the windows update that likes to tell me i need to update my 4xxx drivers because my Catalyst 10.8s are out of date. When i have a 5850...

It's not just an ATI issue though, Windows Update also wants to install older XFI drivers.

I think the thing is lots of people can have ATI cards with no problems and don't need to or know about updating drivers
I keep my desktop machine up to date but am not so keen on my laptop with a mobile 3xxx series card.

Gamers are more interested in updating frequently and Windows Update would alert more users to those drivers being available.

Don't most driver updates come with a generic "don't install this unless you're suffering from the resolved problems" disclaimer anyway?

[Queelis]

Great. How do I opt out of this? No way, I suppose.

I don't want the newest drivers, they'll just make my card idle at higher frequencies and nothing more

[Jimbo75]

I'm pretty sure you wont be forced to update your drivers. Come on people let's think about it.

[Noli]

Great. Now maybe they could concentrate on developing the equivalent to nvidia's Optimus platform for competitive mobile computing. And after that, they'll need to work on their 3D implementation pretty darn quick. I'm not a fanboy to either camp and love my 5850 and 8800GT before it but AMD need to keep things moving along...

[Scott B]

This was offered to me by Steam this morning, decided to go for it.

[Biscuit]

report back if all goes smoothly

[will101]

Doesn't the Windows Update version of the driver go through Microsoft's 'Windows Hardware Quality Labs' testing before it's pushed out? I imagine that adds the to delay in release.

[UrbanMyth]

Tried this for my ATI 4750... XP Pro fully patched.

Downloaded the driver OK, installed it all fine, rebooted.

Into a 640*480 16 colour retro nightmare.

One driver rollback later, and I'm fine.

Total waste...