Developers have introduced new code that allows VCE 1.0 video acceleration to function on the AMDGPU driver for GCN 1.0 GPUs. This update targets older AMD graphics hardware in the Linux environment. The patches aim to enhance video encoding capabilities for these legacy cards.
The Phoronix report highlights patches that bring VCE 1.0 support to the AMDGPU open-source Linux driver, specifically for first-generation Graphics Core Next (GCN 1.0) GPUs. These GPUs, part of AMD's earlier Radeon lineup, previously lacked native VCE acceleration in the modern AMDGPU driver, which succeeded the older Radeon driver.
VCE, or Video Coding Engine, is AMD's hardware-based video encoding technology. Enabling VCE 1.0 on AMDGPU means users with GCN 1.0 cards—such as the Radeon HD 7000 series—can now leverage hardware acceleration for video tasks without relying on software encoding, potentially improving performance in applications like video streaming and editing on Linux systems.
The development focuses on open-source graphics drivers, aligning with Phoronix's coverage of Linux hardware benchmarks and performance. No specific timeline for upstream integration into the Linux kernel is mentioned, but the patches represent a step toward broader compatibility for aging AMD hardware in the open-source ecosystem.
This update benefits enthusiasts and professionals using older GPUs on desktop Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, by reducing CPU load during video processing. It underscores ongoing efforts to maintain support for legacy hardware amid evolving graphics technologies.