AMD Graphics Drivers for m300 Series in Windows

[system16]

A lot has been discussed regarding AMD graphics drivers in windows for the newer imacs and macbooks, but it's buried in threads about gaming and imacs in general, so I thought I'd make a thread specifically about it and also have some questions that I'm hoping someone can answer.

So those of us with a recent imac that has AMD graphics are unable to install standard AMD drivers and are stuck waiting for apple to release updated drivers. This means some things in Windows perform poorly and some things don't work correctly at all. My questions are:

• Why is this the case? On my last AMD graphics imac (5750m 2010) I was able to install standard AMD drivers. Also on my last Nvidia graphics imac I could do the same. If the next imac has Nvidia graphics, will we have to suffer the same issue and wait for apple to release Nvidia drivers?
• Is this issue just affecting people with the m395x or is it everyone with an m300 series card? is it affecting macbook owners too and even those with previous imacs and m200 series cards?
• When more computers with these cards become available, will support start to come directly from AMD, or will we be stuck with waiting for apples drivers for the lifetime of the computer. If so, will apple cease to release updated drivers (as I assume they have little incentive to do so)?

Thanks in advance to anyone who has some answers. Also, lets try to keep replies on topic and not too based on opinions and mini-rants

 

[ninja2000]

This is the same for all MacBooks with m370x and all 2014 and 2015 iMacs with AMD cards.

A lot of people have had some luck modifying the drivers themselves with the macbook and some iMac models. I have the m395x and have had no luck so far.

We are waiting for apple to release new drivers as AMD have already stated that it is in apple's hands and I don't see that changing any time soon. As soon as I can hack the m395x drivers I will just stick with that method so that I can install drivers of my choice and not wait 6 months for the next apple customised drivers

 

[system16]

Tried to update my drivers today via Catalyst Control Centre, as I have been periodically, hoping that there'd be an update and to my surprise there was!

I clicked download, it downloaded, it installed and then at the last minute said "we cannot find any compatible amd hardware" and failed. How cruel

Hopefully though, this is a sign of improvements to come.

 

[ninja2000]

I see AMD have released 16.3.2, when I get time I will see if I have any better luck modifying those. Shame we have to go this route as how hard can it be for apple to allow us to use AMD drivers

 

[Sirmausalot]

I see AMD have released 16.3.2, when I get time I will see if I have any better luck modifying those. Shame we have to go this route as how hard can it be for apple to allow us to use AMD drivers

I'm not a technical guy, but I do know that the steps apple is taking to run the 5K screen are pretty unique. Can you somehow install the drivers just to run an external 4K monitor? Or even run the 5K iMac at 4K using some of the software tricks and see if the display drivers will work in that mode?

 

[ninja2000]

I'm not a technical guy, but I do know that the steps apple is taking to run the 5K screen are pretty unique. Can you somehow install the drivers just to run an external 4K monitor? Or even run the 5K iMac at 4K using some of the software tricks and see if the display drivers will work in that mode?

So far I have managed to install the 16.2 drivers which resulted in a black screen forcing me to restore windows. The problem is the m395x is a new card and the card ID doesn't appear in many driver revisions yet. I have read other people with m295x and m290x have managed to modify their drivers with success and also the new macbook pro is able to use modified drivers.