AMD has recently launched the Radeon Software for Linux version 25.20.3, marking a significant shift towards open-source graphics solutions. The key update is that AMD will no longer provide proprietary OpenGL and Vulkan drivers for Linux; instead, these functionalities will now be managed by the community-driven Mesa project. This transition will impact users who had been utilizing the proprietary AMD Media Framework (AMF) for acceleration, as they will need to switch to VA-API and Mesa Multimedia integration for optimal performance.

This new release also officially supports Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 10.0, while discontinuing support for RHEL 8.10, prompting users on the latter version to reconsider their options.

To facilitate the transition to the new software, AMD provides command line examples for common tasks using FFmpeg, such as decoding and encoding videos with VA-API support, showcasing how the updated integration can be utilized effectively.

For users looking to maximize their experience with the AMD Radeon Software for Linux, it is recommended to utilize the drivers that come pre-installed with popular Linux distributions. This approach generally yields better compatibility, especially for AMD APU products and discrete GPUs in systems where the distribution manages driver updates. However, users may face challenges if their systems do not align with these built-in drivers, as the new software may not work seamlessly with certain distributions like Fedora 43, Pop!_OS, Linux Mint 22, or Arch.

For those interested in exploring this update further or seeking assistance, AMD encourages reaching out through their Online Service Request portal.

In summary, the AMD Radeon Software for Linux 25.20.3 release underscores a significant commitment to open-source development by transitioning vital driver responsibilities to the Mesa project, which could enhance overall community collaboration and innovation in Linux graphics solutions. As the landscape of open-source software continues to evolve, this move may pave the way for improved performance and support for AMD graphics hardware across various Linux distributions

AMD Radeon Software for Linux 25.20.3 released

AMD has released its latest Radeon Software update for Linux, which indicates a major move towards open-source graphics solutions. The core change revolves around AMD no longer distributing proprietary OpenGL and Vulkan drivers on Linux, instead relying on the community-driven Mesa project to handle these components. Users who previously relied on the proprietary AMF acceleration system will need to transition to VA-API and Mesa Multimedia integration for high performance. This update also brings official support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10.0 while dropping support for RHEL 8.10, so users should examine their options carefully if they're still running on that distribution.

AMD Radeon Software for Linux 25.20.3 released @ Linux Compatible