AMD RDNA4 Linux GPU Driver Support Now Enabled by Default

AMD Prepares RDNA4 Linux GPU Drivers Ahead of Launch

AMD is gearing up for the release of its next-gen RDNA4 GPUs by enabling Linux driver support by default. While the exact release date remains unknown, AMD has made significant strides in preparing its drivers.

Final Patches Released

Last week, AMD released the final patches for the AMDGPU driver featuring the RDNA4 architecture, just before the Linux 6.11 merge window. According to AMD engineers, these patches primarily addressed bug fixes. Today, AMD posted another update, enabling RDNA4 support by default.

Understanding RDNA4 Architecture

The RDNA4 architecture, also known as GFX12, GF_V12, or GFX120x in Linux patches, represents the 12th generation of AMD’s GPU technology. Although AMD has not publicly mentioned these GPU codenames, indirect confirmations suggest that GFX12 refers to the Navi 4X series. This series is expected to include two GPUs: Navi 44 and Navi 48, which will likely power the Radeon RX 8000 series.

AMD GPU Architectures Overview

Here’s a brief overview of AMD’s GPU architectures and where the 12th generation fits:

GFX1: R100, RV100, RV200, RS100, RS200
GFX2: R300, R350, RV350, RV380, RS400, RS480
GFX3: R600, RV610, RV630, RV620, RV635, RV670, RS780, RS880
GFX4: CEDAR, REDWOOD, JUNIPER, CYPRESS, PALM, SUMO, BARTS, TURKS, CAICOS
GFX5: CAYMAN, ARUBA
GFX6: CAPE VERDE, PITCAIRN, TAHITI, OLAND, HAINAN
GFX7: BONAIRE, KABINI, MULLINS, KAVERI, HAWAII
GFX8: TONGA, ICELAND, CARRIZO, FIJI, STONEY, POLARIS10, POLARIS11, POLARIS12, VEGAM
GFX9: VEGA10, VEGA12, VEGA20, RAVEN, RENOIR
GFX10: NAVI10, NAVI12, NAVI14
GFX11: NAVI31, NAVI32, NAVI33, PHOENIX
GFX12: NAVI44, NAVI48

Driver Support and Future Expectations

According to Phoronix, the GFX12.0.0 and GFX12.01 drivers are now enabled by default, indicating their readiness for upcoming RDNA4 hardware. This means the driver will load unless a special flag is overridden.

Rumored Release Timeline

Rumors suggest that the first RDNA4 GPUs may debut in early 2025. While AMD has not officially commented on its plans or mentioned RDNA4 in its latest roadmaps, the company has hinted at a possible Zen6 launch in late 2025 or 2026. The exact launch date for RDNA4 remains a closely guarded secret.

Stay tuned for more updates as AMD continues to refine its RDNA4 drivers and prepares for the official launch.