14 DAY TRIAL // AMD may have released the 11.10 Catalyst preview driver, but the most recent WHQL suite is the 11.9 version and has finally been released to the public.
The newest WHQL-certified driver release for Radeon graphics cards has finally been launched by Advanced Micro Devices.
With the full name of Catalyst 11.9 WHQL, it does several things, from game performance and stability improvements to adding all-new features.
The element some may see as most relevant is the fact that displays with DisplayPort connectors (Samsung's 750 and 950 3D models are specifically mentioned) will now handle the HD 3D technology (enables and enhances 3D visuals in games, movies and photos).
True, only high-end users actually have the 3D panels needed to use stereoscopic 3D, so the list of game fixes and improvements is probably more relevant to the masses.
One thing the driver fixes is random hangs during the gameplay of Borderlands, Dead Rising 2 and Battlefield - Bad Company 2.
Another sort of hangs, during game loading, was dealt with in Dungeon Siege 3, F1 2010 and Call of Call of Duty – Black Ops.
Benchmark fixes were also provided, so that Serious Sam 2, HAWX 2 (which no longer shows random flashing black pixels) and Resident Evil 5 don't hang anymore.
These all, as well as other fixes to other games, apply to Windows 7, but Windows Vista and XP were not forgotten.
The issues resolved relate to both games and other things and are described in detail on the download pages linked below.
Of course, there are some things that may still crop up, like display freezes after playing HD videos for too long in Windows Media Center, random screen tearing or corruption and Windows Aero issues in Windows Vista.
AMD Catalyst Display Driver 11.9 for XP
AMD Catalyst Display Driver 11.9 for XP64
AMD Catalyst Display Driver 11.9 for Vista/Windows 7
AMD Catalyst Display Driver 11.9 for Vista64/Windows 7 x64 ATI Mobility Catalyst Display Driver 11.9 for Vista/Windows 7
ATI Mobility Catalyst Display Driver 11.9 for Vista64/Windows 7 x64