It wasn’t long ago that NVIDIA sunsetted support for 32-bit platforms (as well as the venerable Fermi architecture). This month, AMD has followed suit with its Catalyst/Crimson/Adrenalin graphics drivers, with the latest versions only available for 64-bit operating systems.
As VideoCardz reports, those running 32-bit OSes will be stuck on version 18.9.3 until the heat death of the universe. If you visit AMD’s website, you’ll find no mention of 32-bit in the driver download section.
[referenced url=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/2018/04/nvidia-ends-driver-support-for-fermi-based-gpus-and-32-bit-platforms-effective-immediately/” thumb=”https://www.kotaku.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/04/nvidia_gtx-768×432.jpg” title=”NVIDIA Ends Driver Support For Fermi-Based GPUs And 32-Bit Platforms, Effective Immediately” excerpt=”Has it really been eight years since NVIDIA debuted the Fermi architecture? Turns out the answer is yes and, in the company’s eyes, that’s more than long enough to prop up the rather creaky technology.”]
If you’re still in doubt, Japanese site 4Gamer hit up AMD for confirmation — and received it. Here’s the company’s response (translated):
AMD Radeon Software support for Windows operating system has been moved to a legacy support mode — we are not planning to support X32-bit Windows operating systems in future driver releases.
This change enables AMD to dedicate valuable engineering resources to Developing New Features and Enhancements for Graphics Products Based on the Latest X64-Bit Windows Based Operating Systems.
For 99 per cent of users, the loss of 32-bit support means absolutely nothing. 64-bit CPUs went mainstream in 2003 with AMD’s own Athlon 64, with widespread OS support in the form of Windows XP in 2001 — though one could argue mass-adoption didn’t occur until Windows Vista / 7.
So, yeah, I think we’ll manage.
Radeon™ RX Vega 64 Drivers & Support [AMD, via 4Gamer]
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