PC Drivers & Software

[horseluke]

(This topic is also posted on Microsoft Windows Server Insider: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-Server-Insiders/Graphics-Driver-For-AMD-Ryzen-APU-doe... ,but here has some slightly differences in "5. Suggestion")

1. Background

In Feb 12 2018, AMD rolled out Desktop-based Ryzen APU chips, which come with integrated Vega graphics in cpu. Such Ryzen APU chips are ideal for home server.

But the problem is, Graphics Driver (sometimes says "GPU Driver") for Ryzen APU only works on Windows 10 1709 and above. So Windows Server 2016 (based on Windows 10 1607 LTSB) could not use these Ryzen APU chips (for example: https://community.amd.com/message/2863802 ).

In AMD support forum, someone replied a topic about "Graphics Driver issues on Windows 10 LTSB branch":

"You will need to contact Microsoft to keep you up to date on progress for a fix (I assume you're an enterprise customer). Many of the recent problems involving AMD graphics were caused by poorly implemented Microsoft updates in Win10." (Source: https://community.amd.com/thread/227154 )

Now comes with Windows Server 2019 Preview Build 17666, which based on Windows 10 1803. But Graphics Driver For AMD Ryzen APU also doesn't work properly. So I start this conversation, hope can help others.

2. Problem detail: Graphics Driver

2.1 Can not install Graphics Driver by normal AMD installation.

During installation, it showed Error 182 and quit. AMD installation program reported "errornum: 182, errorStr: UNKNOWN AMD Hardware"

2.2 Can not install Graphics Driver by specific driver folder in Device Manager.

AMD Graphics Driver limits the OS ProductType in Driver INF file. "NTamd64.10.0.1...14310" means it can only be installed on VER_NT_WORKSTATION(0x0000001).

2.3 BSOD on atikmpag.sys

After modify Driver INF file to "NTamd64.10.0...14310", it can be installed by specific driver folder in Device Manager (with disable signature check during boot). So Graphics Driver can work on Windows Server 2019 Preview Build 17666 with Ryzen APU.

But It's possible to be so happy you could die. There came with a BSOD while I was using remote desktop. The real proble is a myth. Only dump file said it is BugCheck 0x116 VIDEO_TDR_ERROR, which caused by atikmpag.sys. This means Graphics Driver For AMD Ryzen APU doesn't work properly at sometime.

2.4 OpenCL could not work on AMD Ryzen APU

Another Graphics Driver doesn't work properly problem is that, OpenCL could not work on AMD Ryzen APU. AMD Ryzen APU support OpenCL, and it works properly on Windows 10 Insider Preview 17666.

But in Windows Server 2019 Preview Build 17666, all test programs reported that OpenCL not found in AMD Ryzen APU.

3. Other Problem: Chipset Driver

In fact, neither Graphics Driver For AMD Ryzen APU nor Chipset Driver could work or install properly in Windows Server 2019 Preview Build 17666. I tested on Motherboard which comes with Chipset A320, the results are:

3.1. Can not install drivers

3.1.1. [Critical Error] Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Driver For Ryzen APU.

(Detail are above)

3.2. Auto-install wrong drivers

3.2.1 [Medium Error] AMD PSP Device

During installation, it auto-install drivers from "C:\AMD\AMD-Chipset-Drivers\Packages\Drivers\AMDPSP_svr\WT64A", which only support Naples chipset, not A320 Chipset. The right drivers should come from "C:\AMD\AMD-Chipset-Drivers\Packages\Drivers\AMDPSP\WT64A"

3.3. Has to manual install drivers

3.3.1 [Low Error] AMD USB3.1 eXtensible Host Controller

During installation, it can not detect such driver. User has to manual install it in Device Manager.

3.3.2 [Low Error] AMD SATA Controller

During installation, it can not detect such driver. User has to manual install it in Device Manager.

4. Affected CPU

All AMD Ryzen APU are affected in Windows Server 2019 Insider Preview, including AMD Ryzen 3 2200G/2200GE Series with Radeon™ Vega 8 Graphics, AMD Ryzen 5 2400G/2400GE Series with Radeon™ Vega 11 Graphics, etc.

5. Suggestion

5.1 For customer

If you want to use AMD Ryzen APU for home server, you have to wait for Windows Server 2019.

5.2 For AMD

I think AMD should not limit driver installation in Windows Server 2019 because it is based on Windows 10 1803 or above. At least make Graphics Driver For Ryzen APU can work on Windows Server 2019.

Also, AMD should fix some logic error during driver installation. Make driver detection by chipset and hardware, not by windows version. As log file pointed out, the installation detect driver by windows version, if it is Server then use "xxxxx_srv" folder. That is wrong. It mislead installation setup wrong hardware drivers. Driver detection should detect chipset and hardward, not by windows version.

I will continue testing Windows Server 2019 Insider Preview on AMD Ryzen APU.

At last, My test platform is:

- Motherboard comes with Chipset A320

- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2400GE with Radeon™ Vega 11 Graphics

[Matt_AMD · Accepted solution]

Unfortunately server OS is not supported and so this can be considered expected behaviour.

You'll need to use a compatible OS as listed in the driver release notes.

Compatible Operating Systems
Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition 18.5.1 is designed to support the following Microsoft® Windows® platforms. Operating System support may vary depending on your specific AMD Radeon product.

• Windows® 10 (32 & 64-bit version)
• Windows 7 (32 & 64-bit version with SP1 or higher)

Radeon™ Software Adrenalin Edition 18.5.1 Release Notes

[horseluke]

Well, I know this answer, and disappointed about it.

I really understand AMD does not support Windows Server 2016 in ryzen apu because it is based on Windows 10 1607 LTSB. But the upcoming server OS is based on Windows 10 1803 or above, AMD should consider to add support it.

Another thing I have to point out, is that AMD Ryzen Embedded Processor are also inculded AMD Radeon Vega Graphics. Such Embdded Solution, and Ryzen Pro APU Series is ideal for some light weighted server-targeted solution (such as NAS, or even HCI). If AMD do not support server OS, it may lose some important markets.

[Matt_AMD]

I'll be sure to forward your feedback for future consideration.

[horseluke]

Thanks for your response. If needed I would like to participate testing.

[stmcdowell77]

Bringing this back from the dead as it appears there's been no movement on this in almost a year.  I just loaded Server 2019 and none of the drivers will take as stated in the original post.  I'm running a 2400G like the OP was trying to get working.  I can't believe it would be overly difficult to create a driver package that works with Server 2019 considering how similar it is with Windows 10.  Like the OP originally stated, the 2200G and 2400G would make a great home servers/home lab.  Any assistance would be much appreciated.

[Tagban]

This has still not been solved. Pretty sad.

[crueltycalls]

indeed. it is incredibly frustrating that all this money i spent building this computer for the sake of having an efficient PC on an OS that can easily manage VM's and home-server functions was a complete waste. I don't know if it is or is not difficult to support windows server 2019 or 2022. but i find that their lack of support simply a lack of care. they only care to provide support for their customers that spend thousands of dollars on their EPYC cpus.
truly disappointing.