[Ubuntu] XFX R5 230 HDMI doubt Drivers

AchefXA

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Nov 25, 2015
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Greetings!

My question regarding this GPU on Ubuntu is if I'll be able to use the GPU's HDMI connection right away as soon as I install the OS.

I'm currently planning to migrate from Windows 7 (Never liked Windows but I had it's DVD at hand) to Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, but I've read a few articles about it not being a good idea for AMD/ATI users.

Right now I'm running Windows 7 connected to a 24" TV/Monitor using an XFX R5 230 Black Edition (2GB) GPU HDMI, so I'm curious if I'll be able to use the GPUs HDMI as soon as I finish the install or there will be some issues.

Also curious about the Catalyst driver for the GPU.

I hope my questions were clear as I was pretty confused on how to state them or where to state them at all.

Extra note: Ubuntu 14.04.5 LTS would work as it's the last officialy supported by Catalyst for Ubuntu, yet I'm still unsure about using the HDMI as it's the only screen I got.
 
Solution
Yes you can use the HDMI output with the default free opensource drivers right after you install it. Catalyst is deprecated it is now called crimson. Use the latest Ubuntu to get the latest drivers for your hardware.
Yes you can use the HDMI output with the default free opensource drivers right after you install it. Catalyst is deprecated it is now called crimson. Use the latest Ubuntu to get the latest drivers for your hardware.
 
Solution

AchefXA

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Nov 25, 2015
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So there shouldn't be a problem aswell in using the GPU just like in Windows? As the rig new objective is to function for me to study (I study at distance so video classes are a thing I need the GPU for) and play a game or two like War Thunder or classic Counter-Strike so with this:
http://support.amd.com/en-us/kb-articles/Pages/AMDRadeonSoftwareCrimsonEdition15-11LINReleaseNotes.aspx
Should be more than enough in case I don't want to use the default open source drivers?

I'm still wondering as I've seen around that Xorg 1.18 was causing a problem for users of fglrx (Catalyst) that made performance poorer, unless I go for Ubuntu 14.04.5 LTS and downgrade Xorg to 1.16 but after testing it on a Virtual Machine and getting stuck in an infinite login loop I'm afraid of getting into the same loop as I can't lose much time but I want to get rid of Windows as fast as possible without having to upgrade my hardware (As it's not possible in the time being).

But thanks for the reply skittle! At least I won't have to get a classic monitor now
 


The chipset for that card is very old (it's pre-GCN) and very well supported by the open source drivers that are bundled with all releases of Ubuntu; if you decide on Ubuntu 16.04 for example, you'll get complete support. You're right in thinking Crimson/Catalyst would work with it, but you shouldn't downgrade just to make use of these drivers: even AMD consider them as poor quality.

Use the latest spin for Ubuntu LTS (16.04.3), you should be good to go. As for the HDMI problem, it's not the video that's impacted: it's sound over HDMI, and this is only a matter with GCN 1.2+ cards that make use of the newer AMDGPU kernel module; the older radeon kernel module has complete support for sound over HDMI for your hardware.