R9 290 with Arch Linux?

[swiftleeo]

Well, I can't stand Ubuntu. Mint is alright (even though its based on Ubuntu), but it's too easy for me to like. I like Arch because I want to be able to configure my own system the way I want it, along with the latest packages and etc. So anyway, the only problem I am having is getting the proprietary driver for my R9 290 to install. I tried using the installer from the AMD website but that just made a mess and I was stuck in a terminal. I've struggled with this for quite some time and I would like to get some use out of this card. I've been using the xf86-video-ati graphics driver, but is that enough? It runs KDE just fine, but I haven't tested it with any games yet. I am dual booting right now, but I wish to one day go all in on Linux, so I need to figure this stuff out before I do anything like that. Thanks!

I'd also like to point out that even if the open source driver is enough to get around 75% of the same performance in games vs. Windows (let me know if it is), I'd still atleast like to know how to use the proprietary one without screwing up my graphics.

 

[junkeymonkey]

don't that come in with the download and updates from Linux??

 

[junkeymonkey]

well ok I see so its arch with the issue with them??

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=NzEwMg


http://www.neuraladvance.com/installing-amd-catalyst-drivers-on-arch-linux.html

 

[swiftleeo]

Well I found some information on the ArchWiki on how to install the proprietary driver, but when I follow the steps, I just get stuck in a TTY on boot. Then again, maybe that's because I didn't blacklist the open source driver from loading first, and maybe they were fighting and decided to kill each other. Honestly, I don't mind using the open source driver as it is by far much easier to install and use, but I can't seem to find any performance tests on the opensource vs. proprietary drivers for the R9 290, since it's still somewhat of a new card for Linux.

 

[junkeymonkey]

have you looked over at phoronix at all there tests and reviews ?? I guess there the biggest Linux testers I know of for this kind of info may be something in there forum seeing it all Linux guts there

 

[skittle]

http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=amd_290_openclose
http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=amd_radeonsi_cat4k

As you have discovered the open source Radeon(SI) Driver is much easier to get working (ie it just works) than getting catalyst to work. Unfortunately the driver is still new and does not compete with catalyst, performance wise.

Easiest way to get catalyst working is to use the unofficial repository:
https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/AMD_Catalyst#Installing_from_the_unofficial_repository

Follow directions in wiki exactly, and check your logs if things still are not working.

BTW ArchLinux has an IRC channel where you can get more direct help. Probably get better help in their forum too.