If you have an ATI card and it runs compiz very smooth and plays videos, what model do you have? Please comment below with the fglrx_info output and which distribution you run.
I have an ATI 3870 that when compiz is enabled gets all choppy, and I am having a hard time believing I am the only one, but I need to do something about it so I would love to hear some success stories and maybe its just my specific model.
I have tested it in Windows and everything works, including a bunch of games games at 1680×1050, so I have to believe its purely my driver version (using the one shipped in Intrepid) that is causing this.
Related posts:
#1 by Vladimir Mikhailichenko on November 9, 2008 - 2:03 pm
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OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: ATI Mobility Radeon X1400
OpenGL version string: 1.4 (2.1.7412 Release)
And all ok
#2 by Mike on November 9, 2008 - 2:07 pm
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No dude, I don’t think you are alone. I have an HP Pavilion dv5 laptop with ATI Radeon chipset. Even though most Compiz features work enough, I do notice some flickers and hic-ups here and there. I’ve not tested the rotating cube desktop or many of the advanced features, but most seem to work fair. Nothing to write home about.
I have noticed some problems in other areas. One issue is most of the GL screensavers tend to be choppy. Using Virtualbox is also very picky and difficult to get working properly. I’ve even had issues in WINE programs not refreshing the screen properly.
On a note I’m not sure is related, Firefox crashes so much more when dealing with Flash and Java content.
Ubuntu 8.04
Mike
#3 by Nathanie on November 9, 2008 - 2:13 pm
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Hey there, sorry, I can’t help with your Compiz issues (I have a Radeon 4850) and have no acceleration at all with the radeonHD driver. Though, according to the driver guys, the tech specs should be given by AMD for the atombios capable cards by the end of the year. Good luck and happy waiting!
Nathan
#4 by pint2stone on November 9, 2008 - 2:24 pm
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display: :20.0 screen: 0
OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT
OpenGL version string: 2.1.8087 Release
(Fresh Ubuntu 8.10 install)
compiz seems to work fine (haven’t finished testing yet but cube + reflections + inside gears + open / close animations work fine)
i have flashing videos though but ok if I change the output to X11 in the video player (used in VLC as a workaround).
I seem to have less firefox crashez than in Hardy but I haven’t finished installing all my plugins yet !!
Stone
#5 by Jonathan Carter on November 9, 2008 - 2:31 pm
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I have a Radeon Xpress 1250. It’s a completely horrible card. I can’t get 3D to work in Intrepid
#6 by Daniel on November 9, 2008 - 3:02 pm
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OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: ATI Mobility Radeon HD 2300
OpenGL version string: 2.1.7659 Release
I also have this problem. Interesting fact: it didn’t start until I upgraded to Hardy. Compiz and video were perfect on Gutsy.
To fix it, do these:
GSTREAMER (TOTEM):
For Totem with the gstreamer backend (totem-gstreamer) open a terminal and type gstreamer-properties
Then click the Video tab and under Default Output select “X Window System (No Xv)” for the plugin. then restart totem. this will work for any video app that uses gstreamer
MPLAYER:
If you use mplayer (gmplayer) right-click on the screen and select Preferences then select the Video tab and under Available Drivers select “X11 (XImage/Shm)”
then restart mplayer. The issue here is that it won’t go fullscreen with the video. I suggest using VLC or totem-gstreamer.
XINE:
if you use xine then click File>>Configure>>Preferences
make sure under experience_level you select Master Of The Known Universe
you will then get a tab at the top for video. under driver select “xshm”. then restart xine. this also works if you are using the totem-xine backend. just run gxine at the terminal and follow the steps.
VLC:
for VLC select Settings>>Preferences then in the bottom-right of the window check the Advanced Options box. Then expand the Video item on the left and select Output modules. Then in the list on the right for Video output module change it to “X11 video output”. then restart VLC.
[c/p] from an old Ubuntu forums post
It increases CPU usage, but it does work.
Daniel
#7 by Alaa Salman on November 9, 2008 - 4:08 pm
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I also have a 3870 and it is terrible. It works well under windows, but the Linux driver is crap.
Although some of the compiz effects work, it is really a step down from any nvidia card(and it cost me a fortune). I had to disable compiz effects because it was affecting video playback, I got an ATI card to show my support since they opened up their specs, but apparently it was more of a marketing gimmick.
#8 by Jeff Schroeder on November 10, 2008 - 2:41 am
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lspci says:
01:00.0 VGA compatible controller: ATI Technologies Inc RV630 [Radeon HD 2600XT]
#9 by Pedro on November 10, 2008 - 9:40 am
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OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600
OpenGL version string: 2.1.7412 Release
Currently using Hardy at 1280×800, all ok
#10 by Thomas on November 10, 2008 - 9:56 am
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I have a Radeon 9600 (R300), and it works fine with the free r300 driver both in Hardy and Intrepid. Not perfect, not quite as fast as it should be, but quite usable.
#11 by Kalle Svensson on November 10, 2008 - 3:39 pm
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I have a HD 4850 which works fine with fglrx in Ubuntu Intrepid. Originally, I wrote a longer answer but the captcha ate it.
#12 by Jayson Rowe on November 11, 2008 - 8:11 am
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VisionTek Radeon HD 2600 Pro – 512MB PCIe
Works fine w/ fglrx.
#13 by nullrend on May 2, 2009 - 3:13 am
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OpenGL vendor string: ATI Technologies Inc.
OpenGL renderer string: ATI Radeon HD 3200 Graphics
OpenGL version string: 2.1.8575
Integrated Video on a Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H motherboard with an Athlon X2 CPU at 2.3Ghz and 2GB DDR2 RAM. Gave 256M to video in the BIOS.
Ubuntu 9.04 (fresh install)
Compiz is running without problems with the proprietary ATI drivers, installed via the Proprietary Drivers applet. However, /anything/ that depends actively on OpenGL for rendering gets turned into crap, with constant flashing throughout. Happens the same on video (VLC) or emulators (Snes9xgtk).
I don’t watch much video, but it does get annoying to be reminded how much easier it is to get games and video to work on Windows, which — I’m sure — is the reason most of us keep a real (not virtualized) install of Windows around.
#14 by nullrend on May 2, 2009 - 3:19 am
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Right after I left my comment I went and disabled compiz in System>Appearance>Visual Effects.
OpenGL rendering immediately began working as expected. I guess I’ll have to do without the eye candy.
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