Finally Official 7970M Driver released - AMD Catalyst 12.6 WHQL and 12.7 Beta

It must be your computer. It's supported by my 7970M, but the hardware device ID seems to change depending on what system it is installed in. What is your hardware device ID? Here's the hardware device ID of the 7970M as installed in the Alienware M18x R1 PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6800&SUBSYS_048F1028&REV_00 and that changes when the same GPU is installed in the M18x R2. Check the content of the INF file to see if your hardware ID matches what is in the INF. It is really odd that the device ID is changing among systems. I have not noticed that with happening with prior graphics cards. That seems stupid to me. It is also one of the reasons that Futuremark's database is identifying some 7970M GPUs as a "Generic VGA" adapter but not others.

Yes, that's exactly what you should do. I have never heard of anyone doing what you're describing. That sounds like a recipe for problems. Just uninstall all AMD software using Catalyst Install Manager, boot into safe mode and run DriverSweeper, then reboot into Windows normally and install 12.7 beta. No need to make a driver cocktail, LOL. Get 12.7 beta and CAP1 12.7 from this link: AMD Catalyst Display Driver for Windows Vista/Windows 7 64-bit and CAP1 12.7

 

@DumbDumb

Honestly, ivent changed any settin of both benchmarkin, as run on stock settin, at a bit OC which already i have mentioned. Even tho i have check many benchmarkin over forum, and found that my 7970M X did well their job.

 

So I'm having huge issues with stock drivers.

You're saying if I wipe them all in driver sweeper in safe mode and then reboot and install 12.7 + the CAPs you linked too that is a good stable way of doing it? I haven't gotten anything to work thus far -_-

Am afraid it might be hardware related. But hoping it's not. I have all weekend to check and test it further as I can't RMA it on weekend anyways.

I'm going to try this and if it doesn't work at all I may try a fresh install of win 7 again and then try it.

This won't install the intel 4000 drivers though will it?

Won't that cause issues w/ Enduro / intel 4000 working?

Also should I run ccleaner too?

 

Hi Peter. No need to apologize. I understand being excited... right there with you, buddy. I just needed to have folks pay attention and it was necessary that I say something. A lot of people don't read the forum rules and don't know they are breaking them.

That's a great big maybe, micahmatthew. (I really like that name, BTW.) See my prior post about device IDs (just a few minutes ago). You have a Clevo, and that is most likely the reason you are having problems. If the device ID is not in the INF file, you will not get proper driver support, and the driver will refuse to install normally. We were having problems just like yours for the last 40 to 45 days and it was not until 12.6 WHQL and 12.7 beta that we had official driver support from AMD. Check your device ID. If it is different and not found in the INF file, then mod the INF and change the part of the device ID to match yours as necessary.

Running CCleaner is not a bad idea. I usually do.

Cannot answer your questions about Enduro/Intel HD4000 because those don't apply to the M18x R1 or R2 like they do to your system. Our switchable graphics work completely independently, while the Clevo P150EM and M17x R3/R4 have the hybrid graphics switching. As much as I would like to be able to provide some advice to you on that, I am very glad I don't have that type of setup. Hybrid switchable graphics has never worked that great on any system. From what I have read in the other forum, M17x R3 owners need to totally disable graphics switching in the BIOS in order to run a 7970M GPU.

You might try downloading the Alienware M17x R4 driver from Dell Support to see how that works on your system. I tried Sager and Clevo drivers and they were terrible, so maybe with some good luck the M17x R4 drivers will work nice for you.

 

Thanks for the compliment, it's my real name and I also like it
I have had issues with the device ID's and INF, so basically I go in and copy/paste the device ID of the 7970m and paste it into the INF file?

Where is this INF file? currently my 7970m doesn't even show up in the device manager, and when it does windows auto updates it and then I crash on reboot -_-. My system is being a huge fail when it comes to the 7970m.

and yes; the alienware solution for graphics switching is MUCH better. I wish Clevo BIOS would allow us to just turn the intel 4000 off while plugged in. Why would I need it while plugged in for crying out loud! It should only be on while on battery in my opinion. We should at least have the option to set it up that way if we want [and im sure most people on these forums would prefer it this way, especially to avoid driver issues!]

 

Yes, I think you're right about what most people would prefer. I don't even like graphics switching, really. (It's kind of a novelty joke to me, just like a hybrid automobile... piece of trash IMHO.) They could do away with that in the M18x and I would not even care all that much. It's only decent because it's manual switching and not hybrid, otherwise I would despise it totally. It's "nice" having 4.5 to 5 hours of battery life, but I don't really need it. I only use it in airports and planes and I have other options available that I can use under those circumstances. I never had such a thing as graphics switching in the M17x R2 with CrossFire and don't really give a rat's tail that it has a 45 to 60 minute battery run time. The battery just makes a nice UPS, LOL. Over the course of more than a year, I think I may have used the HD 3000 IGP a cumulative total of possibly 2 months, probably less.

 

Where do I find the INF file? Sorry I'm new to this whole deal, normally I've bought nVidia GPU's for desktops and they are always flawless installs with 0 issues lol.

This 7970m though... man.... -_- haha.

I ned to find the INF file and try this out, does this look lke the device ID?


pci\ven_1002&dev_6800&subsys_51051558

i went to 7970m in device manager, right clicked it, went to properties, went to details, then "matching device ID" and that is what it said, is that where you find that?

now I just need to find the INF and check that; i feel this may be one of my biggest issues

 

Yes, that is your device ID and that is where I got mine to post a bit ago.

The INF file will be in the %\Packages\Drivers\Display\W7_INF folder where the drivers are extracted. You may have two INF files in that folder.

If you haven't already done so, see if this driver will work for your Clevo. LINK

 

That says its for crossfire??

But OK I'll try lol.

And I'm going to try modding the INF to match my device ID first

where do I looke to see the Device ID in there???

edit: I have no clue what im looking for in the INF file Lol

searched for my device ID in that INF file and NOTHING matched it; i'm guessing thats a problem

there is the 6800.1 which says 7970M, but then I go up to the other thing that says 6800 and it doesn't have a device ID like the one I have under device manager, this may be because its not fully installed yet or did it install improperly?

 

Look at the lines with %AMD6800... like this...

"%AMD6800.1%" = ati2mtag_R576B, PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6800​

As a matter of fact, you can try taking that line above and copy and paste it into the INF file at the top or bottom of the section [ATI.Mfg.NTx86.6.0].

Please note that you must also have a corresponding line in the INF with the name of the GPU under the section [Strings]. It will look like...

AMD6800.1 = "AMD Radeon HD 7970M"​

You can also copy and paste that info your INF. It needs to have the same number after the decimal point (i.e. AMD6800 .1).

I might be wrong, but I *think* having a hybrid driver package with an Intel IGP driver integrated is causing major problems. Alienware and Clevo/Sage drivers packages have that for the M17x R4 and P150EM models and those drivers flat-out don't work from what I can tell. The new AMD reference drivers and 12.5 beta modded driver don't have anything built in for the Intel IGP and they work better than any other drivers. I would try separating them completely. Install the Intel HD 4000 driver all by itself and the AMD driver all by itself. Maybe that will help.

 

It does say that same thing, I found both of those, but how can i tell if it matches my device ID in device manager

it wont let me install the 12.7 drivers because it says "other hardware detected"

even after I driver sweep in safe mode etc.

OK I got 12.7 to install but have not restarted yet; usually restarting makes my system BSOD or freeze up and I have to safe mode/driver sweeper AMD drivers to make it work again -_-

I am also installing Direct X, I should do that right? for gaming?

 

Try changing the INF files (both of them if you have two) to look like this:

"%AMD6800.1%" = ati2mtag_R576B, PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_6800&subsys_51051558

It may not work, but it's worth a shot. If not, try the one I linked for you. (It only says CrossFire because I named it that myself.) Or, if you haven't already, try installing this one... M17x R4 7970M Driver after installing this one first... Intel(R) IvyBridge HD Graphics.

Good luck, bro. If these suggestions don't work, I don't know what else to suggest. You may find yourself waiting for AMD to release a working reference driver like we had to. Clevo is in the same boat as Alienware. If AMD does not provide a basic reference driver that works right, there will not be one available that works right. I hope you don't have to wait 40+ days like we had to. It is interesting that Clevo delayed releasing the P150EM with 7970M because it did not work properly, but despite the delay it still doesn't work properly.

 

Cheers buddy!!
I have run again Heaven DX11 with some extra OC, Core 977 Mhz, Mem. 1440Mhz
Settin: Tess. :- Extreme
High Shaders, Anisotropy: 4x

 

The thing is, many people with P150em with 7970m have them working fine on even the stock drivers -_-.

Idk why mine wont.

 

Nice job on the benchmark! Good work on the image size, too.

@micahmatthew - try replacing your 12.7 beta INF files with these modded ones... might not work, but worth a shot. Save/rename your old ones with a .OLD extension first.

 

OK now I tried it and it just says Error 43 in device manager,

Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)

After trying stock drivers again after installing Intel 4000 drivers first.

Same happened with all the other driver s-_-

 

If you keep having issues with drivers that other Clevo owners with the 7970 can install, I'd recommend saving all the data you want to keep and do a from scratch Windows 7 install to clear out any crud that's left.

 

yeahh these card are so great!!! lol Image looks smaller now
Oh yah Mr. I have tried to OC to 1Ghz, then ran Heaven DX11 but im getin error with driver as, driver stop respondin. Im really surprised with temp. while over clockin as it never goes above 74C and at stock clocks it stays below 69C.

 

Don't always think of it as temp holding you back, it can also be voltage not allowing to go forward.

 

Oh yahh thanks for flashin on voltage, But while usin afterburner, im not able to access increase core voltage, so is it not available cosz lack of driver support or afterburner support?

 

The only voltage mod I read to date is flashing vBIOS. I'm not into that myself, I'll wait and see if software can do it down the road. AB had it unlocked for the 5870m, as long as there isn't some complicated hardware hurdle for them, they will likely get it unlocked for 7970m. I haven't tried 2.2.2 on the 7970m yet, but I'm sure if that version unlocked voltage, it would have spread like wildfire here in the forums.

The 680m however, I don't think that will ever be voltage soft unlocked.

 

I can confirm that AB 2.2.2 does not unlock voltage tuning for the 7970M.

 

yeah software would be great, as able to reset it anytime without messin hardware.
Also Guys i would like to ask all of you, Whenever ive install AMD overdrive at boot up ive get memory check error all time, even to system keep restartin at every boot up. So i had to un-install it from safe mode.

 

Use MSI Afterburner to overclock - here is the guide to modifying a .cfg file to allow you to.

I use it, and it works fairly well with the somewhat spotty drivers we have. 12.7 Desktop Beta (29June) being the best I've had yet. I can only guess that they don't install Overdrive by default for a good reason.

 

lol thanks, but im already usin it from a bit long time now, im just curious to know why AMD overdrive is not workin Even afterburner is a great tool to take screenshot while gamin

 

I've tried fresh windows 7 installs and it didn't do me any good; I install the clevo disk driver and BOOM it fails and I can't boot up windows until I clear the drivers -_-

 

That is really not good - there may be an issue with your video card (or possibly something else), have you tried getting a hold of Clevo's tech support?

 

I can't find their support email/link, :/

I've contacted my reseller Eurocom and they aren't giving me any technical support; they just said try reinstalling windows + drivers, which did not help. I don't understand I'm supposed to do.

Tried different drivers, clean windows installs, etc.

I think it might be a faulty card -_-

 

I've got that error before on device manager, error 43 means its a problem from the driver, not necessarily hardware. You are supposed to install the stock GPU driver from the stock DVD drivers disc. It installs amd and intel driver at the same time. When updating drivers from stock you have to only install the driver itself on "custom install" or it will crash/BSOD. (believe me, I've tried it all)

What's funny is I uninstalled all the AMD driver/files and intel driver via device manager. Used driversweeper to delete all the hidden files. Then installed the stock drivers from the stock dvd and then gave me a black screen with a flashing white underscore on the top left, I waited 15 minutes of that before I realized something went wrong, I rebooted and nothing installed. Did the exact same thing and install stock dvd GPU driver and it finally worked. I was confused to how can installing the stock GPU driver make the computer crash?

 

does any one know the limit for voltage on these cards?

 

Does the Catalyst 12.7 official beta drivers have the "Switchable graphics" menu? to choose Max performance on specific games?

If so then i would imagine it would be possible to first install the Intel HD 4000 driver and then after that, install the entire Catalyst 12.7 beta package? and the Clevo P150EM/P170EM would run?

 

Yah I get that same error. Except it happens every time. . I can't get it to worn with any of these Divers

 

I have gone up to 1.175v without problems, but it seems pretty pointless to me. Increasing voltage does not let me overclock higher. I still have the same issues with black screens when overclocking more than just a little bit regardless of voltage.

For now (temporarily), I am just happy to not have any more black screen and flickering issues at stock core and memory speeds with these new Catalyst Mobility 12.6 WHQL and desktop Catalyst 12.7 beta drivers. Everything finally works very well at stock speeds and up to about 925/1300 using Catalyst Mobility 12.6 WHQL or desktop Catalyst 12.7 beta. I was just about ready to raise the white flag and declare 7970M CF as garbage and go back to GTX 580M SLI. If my only option is to stick with a stock configuration, then 7970M CF will not be something I am interested in sticking with long term. There's no fun involved with ownership if stable overclocking is not possible. It is an impressive GPU with these new drivers as far as stock goes. It is very unimpressive for overclocking. I'll wait for 12.7 WHQL before I consider 7970M CF to be a waste of my time. I'm far more encouraged than I was a few days ago, but my optimism is guarded with respect to overclocking.

 

How do I update my AMD drivers... Their drivers suck or I'm just a dunderhead and suck at using them - I presume it's a combination of the 2.

Today I have respawned my system 3 times... All because I was on 12.5 modded, then started sufferinf massive FPS drops on my 7970M at the same settings (we're talking drops from 60 FPS to 20 fps in Just Cause 2) but these drops appeared randomly. I tried removing the driver and reinstalling but that didn't fix it.

I've tried looking for concise ways to update them properly yet every time it is futile (tried both 12.6 and 12.7 BETA).

I have M17x R4... I can't find help for my issue anywhere and this is annoying. And I only use the 7970M I do not use Enduro.

 

Welcome to AMD... feel free to chime in on your driver problems along with the thousands of us on the internet.

 

DJStarscream - AMD drivers have been a joke for a long time in my opinion. Others may have a different opinion.

If you have access to the option, you might want to disable the IGP in your BIOS so that only your 7970M GPU is detected. (If you've already done so, disregard.)

1. Express Uninstall all AMD software using the Catalyst Install Manager.
2. Manually install the Windows Standard VGA driver from within Device Manager.
3. Reboot into Safe Mode
4. Launch DriverSweeper and put a check mark in the box for AMD
5. When asked to reboot, do so and load Windows normally
6. Run CCleaner's registry cleaning tool and choose to fix all errors
7. Repeat the above step until no errors are found to be fixed
8. Install the new Catalyst 12.7 beta (or Mobility 12.6 WHQL if you prefer)
9. Install the new 12.7 CAP1 (fixed a number of broken games for me this time)

​

If it still doesn't work properly at that point, then it's not you; it's AMD drivers.

Good article, murphey. Thanks for the link.

Another good thing about the new drivers is no more crashing and freezing doing ridiculously low-demand tasks such as watching youtube videos. I was about to go cuckoo with the simple tasks that the 7970M was failing at before these Catalyst Mobility 12.6 WHQL and desktop Catalyst 12.7 beta drivers were released.

 

You're right, AMD and their drivers are a joke - why bring out great tech if your proprietary software is a shambles... They can't even decide if they're called AMD or ATI either.

I'm going for a fresh install of windows because even though my 7970M shows as the new driver code - CCC cannot activate as it doesn't see the card or whatnot. Stupid AMD really making me consider selling this machine.

 

I have today install 12.7 beta, well there is not a single problem nor error while installation. So ive give a shot to Crysis 2 but performance was very similar to 12.5 beta as again gettin flash of dark image which totally gone with 12.6, additionally ive ran Heaven DX11, performance were same as 12.5 beta, which is less then 12.6 final.

So again back to 12.6, is stable in game which ive love to play

 

Having you tried totally disabling the IGP within the BIOS? I think drivers have always been a little more challenging with the M17x R3/R4 because of the hybrid switchable graphics. I believe that the legacy m17x and/or M17x R1 had similar problems with drivers not installing properly and the solution has been to disable the hybrid graphics so that only discrete graphics were functional. The beauty of the M18x R1/R2 is that the switchable graphics are not hybrid, meaning you choose which graphic system to use and the other get completely disabled and hidden from view at the BIOS level. I'm so glad the M18x is designed the way it is. It's also nice not having to dink around with whitelisting and other nonsense.

 

Peter,

Wow, you seem to be really sharp when it comes to troubleshooting GPU related problems. People like you, Mr Fox and others throught this thread have really helped a new M18 owner like myself, and for that I say THANK YOU!....

thanks again...

 

I still can't get my P150EM from my Signature to run the 7970m. I have tried all of the drivers, tried doing the install where I install CCC and others from stock and then only display driver from another source like 12.6 / 12.7, none of them are working and I get BSOD's or inability to boot; or it boots up but says it has turned off the device due to driver errors -_-.

Really dissapointing, also my CCC won't even boot up; EVER. It says CLI implementation issues.

I don't know why this is being so difficult. Going to RMA

 

Sorry to hear you'e still having issues, Micah. That takes all the joy out of owning a new system. At this point RMA is probably best. I think what you are experiencing is indicative of a hardware defect.

 

Hi Guys,
I just recently just took delivery on the m18x with 7970m. Lovely Machine!
Most game I've thrown at it run at 60 fps but as we all know. GPU's aren't working their best.
I want to upgrade the drivers to the 12.7beta + 12.7CAP as many (particularly Mr Fox) have recommended and since I'm getting some strange artifacts in Minecraft (using Sonic Ethers Shaders) now is a good time.

Mr Fox or anyone that can help, Apologies for putting you through this frequently revisited topic but...

you have a step by step guide to upgrading/installing a new driver in a few threads. Everything is ready to go but step 1) "Just uninstall all AMD software using Catalyst Install Manager"

I dont believe I have a Catalyst Install Manager to uninstall the Drivers prior to going into Safe mode to do the CC cleaner/Driver Sweeper (step 2). I am I missing something here ?
Is the Catalyst Install Manager a program within the CCC or is it a standalone uninstaller ? Or could I just use the Windows System uninstall all the same ?

EDIT: Dont reply, problem solved

Ok, I'v been a bimbo. So it gathered it was just the regular uninstaller and you have to, right click, then choose change and go through the motions.
Sorry, move along. Iv mainly been using Mac OS x for the past 3 years... At least that's my excuse

 

I did the same; I've installed 12.7 beta (I saw that Mr. Fox is very happy with it) and I thought I should give it a try. I can say that I even had the system 'freeze' at one point for few seconds and flickering in DiRT Showdown (flags and small items you could not see clear, I am talking about full settings enabled).

I reverted to 12.6 and I can say that I couldn't be happier. I hope it stays that way

 

I still have the issue with kdbsync.exe at startup with either 12.6 whql and 12.7 beta. Anybody found a solution for this? I know there was a thread about this, but I didn't find any solution about the issue.

 

can some one upload the vbios for me a post a pick with gpu z so i can see what version it is please.

 

Brother Fox, you my friend are an absolute legend. Your advice was spot on. I'm on 12.6 currently on the single 7970M - although not officially supporting the 7970M (through the notes I saw) it seems to render 3D graphics a lot smoother.

Again, Fox, thanks a million, dude!

 

You're welcome. I'm glad that worked for your M17x. That's awesome.

I spoke to soon on this...

...still having this problem, but it is much improved from what it was. Streaming one video often freezes Windows. If two videos are being streamed it will BSOD almost every time and the stop error is...

And, TDR errors still occur frequently... 29 times in 6 days, to be exact. It seems to be most problematic with DX11. (The screen is usually black when it happens, so you cannot see the system tray pop-up message.) And, yes, this is running at stock speeds and stock voltage.

 

Okay, another issue but I'm sure it's easily fixable. MSI Afterburner are showing my Core and Mem clocks as both being 0 (and not moveable) even after following Slick's OC'ing guide.

 

Yes, that's easily fixable. This is a common AMD issue... has been like that for a number of years. Overclocking is disabled in the registry.

Launch regedit and change all instances of EnableULPS from a DWORD value of 1 to 0 (zero) and reboot. That will fix it. You'll find that in the registry about 21 or 22 places with a dual GPU setup. (I have never had a single GPU AMD setup since the days of the Radeon 9000 series, so it may be 10 or 11 instances if you don't have CrossFire.) Use Edit > Find to get to the first one, then F3 to find next until all of them that need to be changed have a DWORD value of zero. Leave the EnableULPS_NA keys alone... no need to change those.