AMD releases latest driver updates for Radeon Pro graphics cards

AMD claims updates to Radeon ProRender will speed-up 3ds Max rendering by up to 35 per cent

Chip maker AMD has released its latest range of driver updates for its Radeon Pro line-up of workstation graphics cards, as well as new features for its rendering service.

Today, the firm unveiled Radeon Pro Software Crimson ReLive Edition 17.10 for the Radeon Pro WX 9100 and Radeon Vega Frontier Edition graphics cards.

Aimed at developers in particular, the update is an improvement on the features it previewed in the summer. It is intended to provide professionals with a plethora of new stability, performance and feature improvements.

There's also a major focus on game development workflows. The new but optional Driver Options give developers the ability to switch between Radeon Pro Software and the latest Radeon Software Crimson ReLive Edition for Radeon Pro driver for Radeon WX 9100 and Vega Frontier Edition cards.

As well as this, the company is also cracking down on malware with improved security. The Radeon WX 9100 and Vega Frontier Edition cards now have a dedicated AMD Secure Processor that's built into the silicon.

It works side-by-side with Radeon Pro software and Microsoft's Device Guard feature to stop malicious attacks in their tracks, the company claims, and the graphics-bound intellectual property of the user is secured at the same time.

Radeon Pro ReLive has been refined, too. It features higher maximum recording bitrate (up to 100 Mbps), camera transparency, improved notifications and enhanced audio controls.

The company has enhanced Radeon ProRender as well. It now sports more responsive, interactive rendering and helps artists get their work done quicker.

It claims the updated service can provide a 29 per cent faster rendering service than the previous version. Meanwhile, the 3ds Max plug-in is up 35 per cent; the Maya plug-in 28 per cent; and the SolidWorks 14 per cent.

New features include a shadow catcher that lets developers collect shadows and reflections from objects; IES lighting and the ability to load the IES file-format; and simplified sampling.

ProRender also comes with open-source availability for developers, and it's been integrated into the new MAXON Cinema 4D Release 19 (R19). Integration for Foundry's Modo will rollout in 2018, the company confirmed.

"The Radeon Pro WX 9100 and Radeon Vega Frontier Edition cards take a holistic approach to security with a dedicated AMD Secure Processor built into the silicon that works with Radeon Pro Software to facilitate all-day security," the company wrote in a blog post.

"The onboard AMD Secure Processor performs boot and firmware validation, works in tandem with Radeon Pro Software and Microsoft Device Guard to help thwart malicious attacks, and during shutdown, the AMD Secure Processor continues securing graphics bound IP.

"Radeon Pro Software addresses the needs of both enterprise and professional users with quarterly Radeon Pro Software Enterprise Driver updates and software such as today's release that supports the latest Radeon Pro Vega-based professional graphics products."