ATI Catalyst 5.3 Drivers Released

ATI Catalyst 5.3 Drivers Released
Posted :: Mar 10, 2005 by Haggs

ATI has released the latest version of their Catalyst drivers. The Catalyst 5.3 drivers can be downloaded from ATI. Of course the the driver release notes are also available.

Highlights of the Catalyst Software Suite from the the driver release notes are as follows:
"OVERDRIVE Version 4

The latest version of OVERDRIVE includes a new 3D test and extra safety checks to ensure the best over-clocking experience - allowing manual over-clocking of both engine and memory while keep the user's graphics card safe from any of the dangers usually associated with over-clocking.
eRecord

The CATALYST Software Suite 5.3 introduces a new feature named eRecord. This feature is the first error logging system used by the ATI multimedia software. The eRecord feature provides a mechanism for software components to output error messages. A new System Messages (Event Viewer) menu has been added to the CATALYST CONTROL CENTER System Tray. This launches the Event Viewer, providing a mechanism for users to view the error messages.
Windows XP Media Center Edition Display Control Panel Extension

The CATALYST Software Suite 5.3 introduces enhanced capabilities of the display panel through a Windows Media Center Edition look-alike control panel. The control panel options include:

* Display devices. Provides the ability to select preferred display devices such as; TVs, LCDs, or Monitors
* Display options. A user controllable option for desktop color, brightness, contrast

OpenGL Version 2.0 Support

The CATALYST Software Suite introduces OpenGL Version 2.0 support. This version of OpenGL will be in line with the latest GL ARB approved specifications. New to this specification are GLSL, non-power-of-two-textures, separate stencil, multiple render targets, and point sprites. "

On a side note, the driver section has been restructured a bit, so don't panic if it doesn't look like what you're used to seeing.