Configuring the fglrx module for ATI graphics chips in SuSE-OpenSuSE 10.3

Bill Giannikos

This guide will help you configure the proprietary fglrx module under SuSE-OpenSuSE 10.3. I will not be covering the open source radeon module included with Xorg because its configuration is normally handled automatically by most Linux distributions. We also wont be covering the newly released readeonhd 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.

While this guide is mainly focused to laptop users there isn't any difference for desktop users.

You should run a full update for your SuSE installation to ensure you have all the latest packages installed.

SuSE provides a very easy way of installing the fglrx module. All you need to do is click on the following link and follow the on screen instructions:
Install the fglrx module via 1-click

And to configure SuSE to use this driver follow these steps:

1. Load up a terminal window if you are in the graphic interface.

2. Switch to the root user by entering the command “su -” (without the quotes) and typing in your root password

3. Run the following command, his should detect and automatically configure SuSE to use the fglrx module.

aticonfig --initial

4. Reboot

You should now be using the fglrx module.

Normally after installing the fglrx module with the steps above your xorg.conf file should have automatically been updates to use the newer driver. If this did not happen or for some reason it has reverted then, as root, enter the following command:

aticonfig --initial

This will switch you back to the fglrx module.