Configuring the fglrx module for AMD/ATI graphics chips in Ubuntu 12.04 or Linux Mint 13

Bill Giannikos

This guide will help you configure the proprietary fglrx module under Ubuntu 12.04 and Linux Mint 13. I will not be covering the open source radeon module included with Xorg because its configuration is normally handled automatically by Ubuntu. We also wont be covering the radeonhd driver as these are still in an early stage.

ATI/AMD provide their own license for their driver. You will need to read and accept this license before proceeding.

You should run a full update for your installation of Ubuntu or Linux Mint to ensure you have all the latest packages installed.

Ubuntu 12.04 and Linux Mint 13 includes the fglrx module which makes installation quite easy. Here is how:

1. Launch the Additional Drivers program.
1.1 In Ubuntu 12.04: Click on Dash Home (the Ubuntu button on the top left of the screen), type drivers and then click on Additional Drivers.
1.2 In Linux Mint 13: Click on Menu, type drivers and then click on Additional Drivers.
2. Enable the ATI/AMD proprietary FGLRX graphics driver driver.

3. Reboot.

Like many things in Ubuntu this is nice and easy.

If you are unable to launch the GUI and are forced to install the driver from the text console follow these instructions.

1. Type in the following:

sudo apt-get install fglrx

2. Reboot the computer and the fglrx module should load.