AMD Readies Full Open-Source HDMI 2.1 Support for Linux | TechPowerUp
Saturday, May 2nd 2026
AMD Readies Full Open-Source HDMI 2.1 Support for Linux
by AleksandarK
May 2nd, 2026 08:32
Discuss (47 Comments)
If readers recall, AMD has been trying to get the HDMI Forum, the governing body behind the development of the HDMI standard, to approve open-source HDMI 2.1 support on Linux but faced strong rejection. However, today the situation appears to be different. An AMD Linux developer hinted that the company is preparing full HDMI 2.1 support for the AMDGPU driver, bringing a complete open-source implementation after years of work. Helping this effort is Valve, whose Steam Machine runs on the SteamOS Linux operating system and uses AMD graphics. Late last year, we reported that Valve was reportedly attempting to persuade the HDMI Forum to approve AMD's efforts to bring this implementation to the open-source Linux stack, but we haven't received an update since.
Today, the situation looks a bit different as AMD has submitted the first set of Linux kernel patches, focusing on the Fixed Rate Link (FRL) feature, exclusive to the HDMI 2.1 standard. This feature enables higher bandwidth over the port, effectively supporting 4K at 120 Hz and 5K at 240 Hz resolutions on AMD GPUs running Linux-based operating systems. As these resolutions require higher data bandwidth, it is necessary to use the newer HDMI 2.1 standard over the currently supported HDMI 2.0 in AMDGPU open-source graphics drivers.<br>A significant negotiation took place late last year on Valve's side. Given its use of AMD hardware and experience, Valve attempted to engage with the HDMI Forum leadership to gain approval for the open-source implementation. AMD had previously invested engineering resources over several months to develop the necessary code internally before making it public in 2024. However, the HDMI Forum responded strongly, claiming that the open-source implementation is impossible without violating their requirements for fair use. Valve's SteamOS uses open-source AMD GPU driver components because the Steam Machine runs on an AMD RDNA 3 GPU, and the company's negotiations seem to have done their part.
Source:<br>Phoronix
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Add your own comment<br>47 Comments on AMD Readies Full Open-Source HDMI 2.1 Support for Linux
#1
HDMI forum is one of the biggest tumors on the tech industries body. Absolute parasites. This hopefully goes through, was a long time coming.
#2
+ everythign with hdmi costs more money. still people prefer anything with hdmi oder dp or usb-c. the purchase numbers speak volume
I'm not that fond of usb-c. On television and such stuff and gaming consoles usb-c should fully replace hdmi.
The bad thing is, most monitors have very best hdmi 2.1 or whatever it is and garbage DP 1.4. I am looking for a monitor quite a while. HDMI is always better and have more vertical refresh rates on such dp 1.4 junk devices.
Well another win for VALVE. Thank you very much for the kernel improvements which AMD seems not really care for. gog.com,m ubisoft, EA, all the others and epic game store are also invited to provide something for the public for free.
#3
AleksandarKthe Steam Machine runs on an AMD RDNA 3.5 GPU<br>Are you sure about that?
Last I heard, they were using an off-the-shelf Navi 33 RDNA 3.0 chip...
Anyways, good news that the HDMI Forum is getting out of the way here and allowing AMD/Valve to implement their open-source HDMI 2.1 stack.
Really wish TVs and Consoles would start adding DP, so we could finally start moving away from HDMI's chokehold.
#4
_roman_still people prefer anything with hdmi oder dp or usb-c.<br>It's what is available, not what people prefer. I don't see TVs with DPs and TVs are what is helping HDMI win over DP. If TV manufacturers where swapping to DP or USB instead of HDMI, everything would change._roman_which AMD seems not really care for<br>I think you missed this part in the articleAMD had...