Dell Official 7970M Driver Released

Dell has launched the official AMD Radeon HD 7970M driver. It mainly addresses Crossfire and general stability issues.

Be sure to provide feedback as we are monitoring the progress.

 

Woot!

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

Awesome! I can hardly wait to try it out. Thanks to all of the Alienware Support Team. Even though I don't know the result yet, I do know the team has pushed AMD hard to get a good reference driver and made this a priority for Alienware customers, and I appreciate that.

 

Awesome indeed!

I hope this does solve our stability issues, as well as any bonus gaming performance would be very welcome indeed!

Cheers.

 

/\/\/\/\/ what he said as im to lazy to say the same things!

 

These are based on the 8.973 catalyst driver so if I recall correctly those are the 12.5 driver. Gonna keep an eye on this thread to get some feedback on those but ATM I'm quite happy with the 12.7 beta.

 

Doesnt work on the R1...how very inconvenient... im am beyond pissed about this..

 

Well, I'm on my fourth attempt to download this driver because the 7970M GPUs or drivers cause random hard freezes on the M18x R1 and M18x R2. To learn that this will not even install is extremely disappointing.

I'm going to try it anyway, assuming I can get my system to function long enough to finish the download without freezing again.

Edit: I installed Standard VGA drivers to get through the download. I'm going to give it a shot so there will be multiple documented posts if it doesn't install.

 

When I try to download the file, it says File not found...

 

Seeing as OpenCL still does not work and now I get an amazing 45-80FPS in Diablo 3...if these are the official drivers I am RMA'ing right now. Drivers were clean installed, after uninstalling and wiping registry in safe mode. etc.

 

How you guys got the driver! I can't even download it!!!

 

OK AFTER REDOWN LOADING ive got it to start to install.. and it doesnt find the cards

 

Guys,let's download this and post real game benchmarks.This is the time to be vocal about these drivers so AMD won't make the same mistake.

Downloading now. I will bench Skyrim,Arkham City,Max Payne 3 and Crysis 2.

If someone have these games mentioned above, please post your findings. We got to help each other out.

Big many thanks to Alienware Luis and Alienware Mark for follow up on these drivers.

 

luck is with me today I got in touch with my rep right before he left and he setup a return label...these drivers ARE OFFICIALLY A JOKE, if I have time I will clean install windows 7 to test them but I don't have fate. If you can't DL clear your browser cache.

 

Howw.. File not Found!!!!!

 

Thanks, we need constructive criticism about the driver to either leave this version or request an update.

 

you want constructive..lol these do not work or install on the R1..

 

I cleared my cache twice and I still get a File Not Found error...

 

Skyrim has good performance but screen flickers when paused. I will do Crysis 2 benchmarks.

Skyrim is 60fps btw.

 

Left for dead 2 no longer sits at a happy 290fps....it is unstable shifting between 70-260fps..Skyrim 22 fps...Dota2 51 fps..bf3 65-70...sc2 165fps done with fraps...all fps were much higher with 12.6 and 12.7b. This is the worst release for my machine yet (fps is closer to stock beta) (12.6/12.7 worked pretty well , except for proper OpenCL support. I would be delighted to drive to Austin to help these folks (I worked with Dell in the very late 90's on a couple contracts)...seeing as I don't know what defective machines they were fixing as they broke a nearly working one...I just wanted openCL dang. 80(...gonna try another clean install before going back to 12.6 in hopes of returning back to beast-mode.

 

eahhh still shows File not found!! tried with different browsers not any luck, please fix link!!!:|

 

Did anyone try to install this driver first and update to 12.7 from it?

 

that's the kinda of driver that dell will be releasing

 

Really, I get 60 fps on Skyrim but the game flickers when it is paused

 

No, is that ideal?

 

I don't know. That's what I used to do on my R3 back when I use 6990M. Was hoping doing that would sort of retain Dell's fix while having 12.7's performance

 

Problems documented are UNDERLINED and ITALICIZED.



Had a great time trying to install these after a clean driver removal (uninstall all AMD, reboot to safe mode, driver cleaner, reboot, used CCleaner on the registry).

After I had these installed and I rebooted, had a BSOD when getting ready to install CAP 12.7. Thought, OK - and waited for the dump to finish and rebooted. BAM! Another BSOD.

Booted into safe mode and used driver sweeper to get rid of them. Rebooted, used the installer to remove the rest of the AMD installs. Then ran CCleaner to remove anything extra in the registry.

Tried installing a second time after all this and a fresh reboot. ONLY installed that new PX thing, Driver, and Control Center. Yellow warning symbol (not the green check mark) after install. Right clicked on desktop, no Catalyst Control Center like there should be as the installer SAID install was successful. Reinstalled AGAIN over top WITHOUT a reboot. Catalyst Control Center actually installed.

Rebooted, installed CAP 12.7.

Rebooted, set triple buffering and set profiles to use CAP by default.



Ran Uniengine 3.0 with ALL settings at max, 60.9 FPS average, 19.1 min, 143.5 max, score 1534, GPU utilization at 98 to 99%. Seems to be right where it should at stock clocks.

EDIT: 3DMark11 9910, 19 points lower than 12.6 WHQL (both stock clocks) - so well within margin of error.

EDIT 2: Adrenaline Crysis 2 benchmark is about 3.2 FPS slower than 12.6 WHQLs at stock clocks, 90.2 FPS vs 93.4 FPS. Min FPS is UP by 0.1 FPS, well within margin for error.

EDIT 3: Alan Wake, every setting maxed with Vysnc, 60 FPS solid. GPU utilization from 58 to 73%, which seems about right. I did noticed some flashing textures here or there in the beginning, the boat scene - mountains in the background (left side) has lengthwise pieces of textures go black and come back every 2 or 3 seconds while looking at them.

EDIT 4: The Witcher 2 STILL has FPS drops, down to 40 - 45 at ultra settings with no Uber sampling and Vsync off (or on). GPU utilization goes from 68/69% for both when still, down to 58% for both when looking around and FPS drops. Beginning of the game, standing looking out at all the tents set up for the siege.

EDIT 5: Rage has HORRIBLE screen tearing, low GPU utilization (55% MAX for both) and 32 to 45 FPS at max settings with vsync off, on, or smart Vsync. Looks and runs like crap.

EDIT 6: Sniper V2 plays just as good, if not a little better than using 12.6 WHQLs, same for Metro 2033.

EDIT 7: Skyrim still buttery smooth at 60 FPS with ~55% GPU utilization on both (tons of texture enhancers installed too). I CAN CONFIRM black flickering in the menu, which IS NOT present with 12.7 desktop betas.

EDIT 8: Max Payne 3 runs perfect and over 110 FPS with max settings (FXAA, but no MLAA). With everything maxed out including MLAA, 88% GPU utilization on both and 45 to 55 FPS.

EDIT 9: Battlefield 3 runs perfect. Even on a 64 player map on Ultra settings, FPS dips down to 45 only occasionally and usually is >75.

EDIT 10: When I opened up my laptop to resume it this morning, apparently instead of sleeping it had a BSOD and shut down.

I'm done with the "Dell official drivers." Going back to AMD's which actually work better, and more stably - but still not perfectly.

Finally got fed up with the random texture flickering/disappearing problem. It's very easy to see in Heaven 3.0 with roofs popping in and out occasionally, and happens with Dell reference drivers and all AMD's BETAs and WHQLs. Replacement cards should be here Tuesday - I'll see then if it is a manufacturing defect or not. Oddly, this problem wasn't apparent to me at first, and has slowly gown WORSE.

 

This driver is unusable because it will not install. In light of the fact that the Catalyst Mobility 12.6 WHQL and desktop Catalyst 12.7 beta install without any effort, I am very puzzled.

 

I can email you the inf i used to do a manual install Fox just send me an email addy.

Then use the other drivers i mentioned in the other thread so you have a CCC to work with .

 

I cant download the file as a single file View image: Capture

I can download it as multiply but it prompts me to install straight away. Not sure if I like that as I usual archive big changes first. Anyone know where this multiply files hide themselves ?

 

Well the unzipped portion will end up in your DELL folder on your C: drive so you can grab it from there to archive it elsewhere. Folder name is N3GM1

 

Thanks for the offer, Brother Quad. I might change my mind later, but I think I am going to pass for now. Doing a manual driver installation, even if it works OK, is sort of a botched solution. AMD needs to fix their product or shutter their operations.

 

well the 680sli system is on the way, makes me feel better.

 

I wonder how much testing Dell even put into this driver for the R2 owners ?.

I love Dell as much as the next guy but based on the current comments it seems like they might just get it working but not really do any extensive game testing etc etc.

Vantage and 3dmark 11 do not count as system stability nor performance overall, so yeah i would really like to know what go's into their testing routines.

Also they left out the ability for R1 owners to install the driver but i really doubt it was going to fix your guys issues anyhow based on the driver build, the bugs are probably still there.

I guess it will be another 2 months before an official driver hits from Dell as Alienware said they still need to ask AMD for another driver if the community feels they need it and then it starts all over with Dell adding their own set of spices to it before they release it.


Im still not sure that there are some bad cards out there either which might explain some of the issues people have while others report they have no issues at all. My card came out of a brand new R2 and it has been perfect.

 

From what I can see on the web, while there are accounts of satisfied users, there are too many examples that indicate the usability problems are similar no matter what system or platform has a 7970 graphics chip. The issues seem to be worse when CrossFire is added to the mix. It remains to be seen whether the issues can be resolved by drivers for anyone experiencing problems.

 

In which case it could be a WHOLE bunch of bad cards .

It is entirely possible and while seemingly unlikely you can never rule anything out entirely.

AMD is always first outta the gate with a new fast product before Nvidia and with that rush to the street mentality things can and do go south.

Really when you look at any computer these days all of them have various issues and alot of unhappy people because the lack of quality control anymore so yeah its possible
AMD built a mega ton of bad cards and shipped them.

Dell is not going to come forward and say anything of the sort, nor AMD, because these things like everything else are handled on a case by case basis .

I think personally if you are going to try and stick with the 7970s for the time being at least ask Dell for a new set to possibly rule out bad hardware. I think you have wasted enough time already .

We know bad cards exist as even 580 owners have bad luck or 6990 owners same thing, so it happens in both camps.


I feel bad for you and Dumbdumb who have been waiting on these drivers as much as the next guy hoping they brought some fixes and then you cant even use them properly. That is not cool and you guys have defended Dell to some extent regardless of your misery . Its time to nip this in the bud or your going to be waiting forever.

 

This is my 2nd attempt to post this information due to a freeze. I've been patient but this freezing has to stop. It's just not good enough for a brand new $3000 computer.
Anyway... moving on for now

Quadzilla, Thanks for you help but no luck.
I started the install so the files should have unzipped to c:\dell\N3Gm1
But no such folder is there.

Im also getting this message now when I click on the DellDriverDownloadManager View image:

"There are no files to download. Please go to the Drivers and Downloads to select files(s)"
Not sure where to go from here ?

 

Btw, Crysis 2 benchmark when low from 93 fps to 87 fps

 

So would you say overall performance is up or down ? Any freezes yet?

 

Use a different browser to grab the file and you should have the ability to chose a single file download instead of that manager . Dont ever use that thing IMHO.

Also if you have your hidden folders unchecked that file is probably in a temp folder on your C: drive so if you search for it then it should show up, but if your temp folder is hidden from Windows the search will yield no results.

 

Hey, if you all are wondering about performance, take a gander at my post on page 3.

 

No such luck downloading in Firefox and IE. The link to the single file seems broken? And
showing hidden folders still doesnt reveal N3Gm1 should i go the other route...

 

Instead of starting with a clean install, how about trying a factory restore? Then apply the new Dell drivers on top of that? My systems seems to be running perfectly and I went directly from the original factory drivers to the new drivers today. I don't think it is fair to compare these new Dell drivers to the latest 12.6 or 12.7 since they are too recent for Dell to have incorporated into their build.

It seems that if you installed a generic driver on top of the original drivers, you may have changed files that weren't expected to be changed. Thus the issues with instability...

 

Ok. So I live in Japan so I ordered my machine through HIDevolution.
I'm fine with the performance of the drivers but I can't have the occasional freezes that I've been having.
I part time DJ and sometimes need to use the computer when I can't travel with Vinyl. But am sh#t scared of freezing during a set..can you imagine the buzz kill?

I am still within my 21 days (just). What do you think I should do. I'm not really too keen on paying to ship this computer back to Dell and I do also need it for my daytime job.
Should I be demanding an upgrade, or transferring the warranty to Japan and getting a tech (then what can he do..really), or asking for a upgrade to 680 sli ?
I personally want to keep it as I'm happy I just can't wear any freezing.

 

Has anyone downloaded a copy of the drivers in a single file ? I can't seem to download them no matter what I do. Anyone feeling like doing Dell's dirty work and emailing them to me or something ?
I would be very appreciative

 

I downloaded them fine... they're just broken. They will not install because they don't have the correct information for the hardware ID in the R1. As they have been tweaked by Dell for the R2, they appear to be unusable for the GPU installed in a different machine.

The last part of the hardware device ID changes when the GPU is installed in different systems.

PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6800&SUBSYS_ 048F1028​

AMD reference drivers only have the first part of the device ID in the INF file, and I believe that is why reference drivers will install and Dell's driver will not.

PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6800&SUBSYS​

 

Honestly, I am not seeing any difference from 12.6 WHQL, as all the problems I've encountered can be replicated on either driver set.

 

I'm interested in trying this. Not much to loose. If only I could download the file.

 

If you want to keep the machine and hope that drivers fix the stability at some point just disable one card when you go to work and test this before because it might bring the stability you need to have it at work without freezing. I have a single card in my R1 and it works flawless no matter what i do. I have never had a single lockup or any other issue since day 1.

Since you are within your 21 day return window and already having this many issues my opinion would be to return and start fresh if you can that is if its not going to break the bank from a restocking fee.

Asking Dell to replace the cards for 680s will probably not yield any results right now and it might be quite sometime before they start handing out cards to unhappy customers especially if they just keep saying they are working on a new driver as a hopeful fix for the problems.

Having Dell Japan fix it ? i have no clue how things are handled there, so it could be a good thing, or a nightmare, so you may want to investigate just how good the service is there first.

But if it were me and my machine was freezing while in the 21 day return period i would not hesitate to box it up and return it. Waiting on eventual hopeful drivers to fix issues like freezing is just too much wishful thinking IMHO.

 

Thanks for you response and advice Quadzilla. I'll try running it on a single card for a couple of days and see how that goes, good idea there.
Hopefully, that will solve the issue. I'm very reluctant to have to box it up and ship it back. I could probably buy a cheap disposable laptop that doesn't freeze for the same price lol.