Graphics card (GPU) developer Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has updated one of its drivers to better handle processes associated with mining crypto-currencies.
The release notes for their software for the Radeon Adrenalin Edition 18.3.4 video card, which was published on Monday, explain that driver improvements can solve the performance problems that arise when using graphics processors for cryptocurrency mining.
As explained in the statement:
Workloads in processing a blockchain may have lower performance than expected compared to previous versions of the Radeon software.
As previously reported, AMD has previously developed drivers that improved the performance of the graphics processor during the mining of cryptocurrency. The Radeon Crimson ReLive Edition Beta software for Blockchain Compute software was first released last August.
This software was released on an "as is" basis in accordance with the release notes that it "will not be supported with further updates or bug fixes" - suggesting that AMD is not yet considering regular fixes for graphics card issues when used for mining.
According to the company’s note, the drivers are unique in that they are “not designed for graphics or game loads.”
It is worth noting that this step is the latest effort by GPU manufacturers, whose products are in demand by miners. AMD, in particular, noted in its latest filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission that a decline in the cryptocurrency market could hurt the company's business as miners will buy fewer GPUs.