It was replaced by DirectX 12. However, there is another graphics API other than DirectX. This is the Vulkan API, developed by AMD and the Khronos Group. Today, the first specifications of version 1.0 have appeared, and, consequently, a new ratified beta driver.

The main goal of creating the Vulkan API is similar to that of the Mantle API. It is to gain greater control over productivity, efficiency and GPU capabilities and multi-core CPUs so that developers can get more out of their existing hardware. The creators have tried to rid the new software of known bottlenecks as much as possible. However, such capabilities hide danger, and developers must be very clear about what they want, for example, working with memory. Thus, the OpenGL interface, lost in the background of DirectX, should now win some attention for itself.

Vulkan API version 1.0 is supported on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Android, and Linux. What kind of games are currently being developed with the new API has not yet been reported, but this information may be revealed at the Games Developer Conference, which will be held from May 14 to 18 in San Francisco. The Source 2 engine is currently the only engine that integrates the new Vulkan API. Valve, Codeplay and LunarG are already working on debugging tools, so we can expect the necessary improvements.

The development of the Vulkan API fell largely on the shoulders of the Khronos Group, while AMD was involved more as an observer, and it is not surprising that the first beta driver came from the pen of the Radeon Technologies Group, and the software will follow. Radeon Software. Radeon Technologies Group CEO Raja Koduri said of the innovation:

“The release of the Vulkan 1.0 specification is a big step forward for developers. The Vulkan API derived from Mantle will provide the benefits of a low cost, high performance graphics API library suitable for cross-platform applications built for multi-vendor products. Promoting open and scalable technologies continues to be a major focus for AMD as a leader in low cost API libraries. As a member of the Khronos Group, AMD is proud to be working with software and hardware leaders to create the Vulkan API for the next evolution in PC game development.”

Benefits of Asynchronous Shaders with the Vulkan API

You can download the Vulkan API documentation and the corresponding SDK drivers

Vulcan Runtime Libraries are libraries created for NVIDIA cards (meaning the latest modifications). Their name speaks for itself. That is, the need for them arose due to the addition to Windows API-Vulkan support. The distribution of libraries is provided separately from the software (for the GPU). However, their operation without software is excluded.

Purpose

VRLs are designed to ensure the correct execution of the given graphic commands in compatible applications. The need for libraries is experienced by developers who plan to implement Vulcan technology. By the way, the universal interface is used both for games on Windows OS, and for applications on Android, iOS, involving the use of three-dimensional graphics.

More information about the Vulkan API

This interface has become, so to speak, the successor of OpenGL. In many popular games, it is supported. Based on the fact that with the help of Vulkan you can achieve good performance, the conclusion suggests itself that the introduction of the API into many projects related to the gaming industry is promising, which is eloquently evidenced by the fact that the most popular engines today are trying to acquire support for this interface (id Tech, Source 2).

In addition to the increased level of performance, especially felt on computers released several years ago, the interface provides the highest detail.

Installation

Installing Vulcan RT in automatic mode. The installer can independently check for the presence of other libraries in memory. If any are found, then the process of their removal is started. You can also initiate an uninstallation using Vulcan RT in standard ways provided by the operating system protocol.

About the main features

• Vulcan API graphics commands are executed in the highest degree correctly;
• libraries are included in the package of new drivers for video cards;
• compatible with the latest Windows versions and modern GPUs;
• the installation process takes place automatically;
• the product is freely available.

Vulcan Runtime Libraries - libraries that appeared in the latest versions of official drivers for NVIDIA graphics cards. As the name implies, they are needed in order to add support for the universal graphics API, Vulkan, to Windows. The libraries are also distributed separately from the software for the GPU, but they cannot work without installing the latter.

Purpose

VRLs ensure that graphics commands run correctly in compatible applications. Libraries are also necessary for developers planning to implement Vulkan technology in their projects. By the way, the versatility of the interface allows you to use it only to create games for Windows, but also mobile app for operating systems iOS and Android which use 3D graphics.

About the Vulcan API

This interface has replaced the obsolete OpenGL. It supports some modern games - Doom (2016), The Talos Principle, Get Even and so on. Given the fact that Vulkan makes it possible to achieve maximum performance from the CPU and GPU, we can assume that in the future the API will be implemented in many games. At least this is evidenced by the fact that popular engines are gradually "acquiring" interface support. For example - Source 2 and id Tech.

In addition to the increased performance, which is especially felt on older hardware, the interface also provides more detail.

Installation

The installation of VulkanRT takes place automatically. The installer independently checks for other versions of libraries installed on the computer and, if any, preliminarily removes them. Also, the VulkanRT package can be uninstalled using standard Windows system tools.

Key features

• ensure correct execution of Vulkan API graphics commands;
• libraries included fresh versions drivers for NVIDIA video cards;
• compatible with all modern GPU models and Windows versions;
• installed automatically;
• available completely free of charge.

Changes:- New extensions:VK_KHR_get_surface_capabilities2VK_EXT_sampler_filter_minmaxVK_NV_fill_rectangleVK_NV_fragment_coverage_to_color- Updated VulkanRT loader to 1.0.49.0- Various performance improvementsNVIDIA provides full Vulkan support and functionality on NVIDIA GeForce and Quadro graphics card with one based of the following Pascal, Maxwell (firstler or second generations) or Kepp : - Quadro Series: Quadro M6000 24GB, Quadro M6000, Quadro M5000, Quadro M4000, Quadro K6000, Quadro K5200, Quadro K5000, Quadro K4000, Quadro K4200, Quadro K2200, Quadro K2000, Quadro K2000D, Quadro K1200, Quadro K620, Quadro K620 , Quadro K420- Quadro Series (Notebooks): Quadro M5500, Quadro M5000M, Quadro M4000M, Quadro M3000M, Quadro M2000M, Quadro M1000M, Quadro M600M, Quadro K5100M, Quadro K5000M, Quadro K4100M, Quadro K4000M, Quadro K3100M0, QuadroM0, Quadro20 K2100M, Quadro K3000M, Quadro K2000M, Quadro K1100M, Quadro K1000M, Quadro K610M, Quadro K510M, Quadro K500M - GeForce 1000 Series: GeForce GTX 1080, GeForce GTX 1070, GeForce GTX 1060, GeForce GTX 1050- GeForce 900 Series: GeForce GTX TITAN X, GeForce GTX 980 Ti, GeForce GTX 980, GeForce GTX 970, GeForce GTX 960, GeForce GTX 950- GeForce 700 Series: GeForce GTX TITAN Z, GeForce GTX TITAN Black, GeForce GTX TITAN, GeForce GTX 780 Ti, GeForce GTX 780, GeForce GTX 770, GeForce GTX 760, GeForce GTX 760 Ti (OEM), GeForce GTX 750 Ti, GeForce GTX 750, GeForce GTX 745, GeForce GT 740, GeForce GT 720, GeForce GT 710- GeForce 600 Series: GeForce GTX 690, GeForce GTX 680, GeForce GTX 670, GeForce GTX 660 Ti, GeForce GTX 660, GeForce GTX 650 Ti BOOST, GeForce GTX 650 Ti, GeForce GTX 650, GeForce GT 635- GeForce 900M Series (Notebooks): GeForce GTX 980, GeForce GTX 980M, GeForce GTX 970M, GeForce GTX 965M, GeForce GTX 960M, GeForce GTX 950M, GeForce 945M, GeForce 940MX, GeForce 940M, GeForce 930M, GeForce 920M, GeForce 910M- GeForce 800M Series (Notebooks): GeForce GTX 880M, GeForce GTX 870M, GeForce GTX 860M, GeForce GTX 850M, GeForce 84 0M, GeForce 830M- GeForce 700M Series (Notebooks): GeForce GTX 780M, GeForce GTX 770M, GeForce GTX 765M, GeForce GTX 760M, GeForce GT 755M, GeForce GT 750M, GeForce GT 745M, GeForce GT 740M, GeForce GT 735M, GeForce GT 730M- GeForce 600M Series (Notebooks): GeForce GTX 680MX, GeForce GTX 680M, GeForce GTX 675MX, GeForce GTX 675M, GeForce GTX 670MX, GeForce GTX 660M, GeForce GT 650M, GeForce GT 645M, GeForce GT 640M file a bug through the developer website.Vulkan on NVIDIA Hardware FAQ:1) How do I start using Vulkan in my code base?NVIDIA Vulkan developer page is a great place to start. You can learn from Vulkan presentations and articles as well as NVIDIA demos and SDK samples.2) Is NVIDIA going to continue to support OpenGL in the future?NVIDIA is fully committed to invest in OpenGL that our ISVs rely on and will continue to support and improve it . NVIDIA believes in providing maximum functionality with minimal churn to developers. Hence, NVIDIA fully supports both Vulkan and OpenGL.3) Is NVIDIA Vulkan driver conformant?Yes, all available drivers have passed the initial version of Vulkan 1.0 conformance.4) Will there be an official (non-beta) NVIDIA driver with Vulkan support ?Yes. We plan to include Vulkan in both Windows and Linux drivers in an upcoming driver release. These will be available to all users to run Vulkan content as part of our regular driver releases.5) Does NVIDIA support Vulkan on Linux for Tegra?Yes. Linux for Tegra drivers are supported.About Graphics Drivers:While installing the graphics driver allows the system to properly recognize the chipset and the card manufacturer, updating the video driver can bring about various changes.It can improve the overall graphics experience and performance in either games or various engineering software applications, include support for newly developed technologies, add compatibility with newer GPU chipsets, or resolve different problems that might have been encountered.When it comes to applying this release, the installation steps should be a breeze, as each manufacturer tries to make them as easy as possible so that each user can update the GPU on their own and with minimum risks (however, check to see if this download supports your graphics chipset).Therefore, get the package (extract it if necessary), run the setup, follow the on-screen instructions for a complete and successful installation, and make sure you reboot the system so that the c hanges take effect. That being said, download the driver, apply it on your system, and enjoy your newly updated graphics card. Moreover, check with our website as often as possible in order to stay up to speed with the latest releases.

Note: The "download" link can lead either directly to the file or to the manufacturer's website where you can find the file you need.
This is because some manufacturers do not allow direct links to files.

AMD Radeon 16.15.2401.1001 Beta (Vulkan)

Package Contents
The AMD Radeon Software Beta for Vulkan contains the following:

• AMD Radeon Software Beta for Vulkan Version 16.15.2401.1001 Public Vulkan Beta

NOTE:
This driver is not intended for use on AMD products running in Apple Boot Camp platforms. Users of these platforms should contact their system manufacturer for driver support.

When installing the AMD Radeon Software Beta for Vulkan on the Windows operating system, the user must be logged on as Administrator, or have Administrator rights to complete the installation of the AMD Radeon Software Beta for Vulkan.

The AMD Radeon Software Beta for Vulkan requires Windows 7 service pack 1 to be installed.

Known Issues

• Windows resizing in some applications may cause an application crash
• HDMI and DP to DVI adapters on Windows 7 may intermittently cause display issues
• Some AMD PowerXpress systems may experience flickering in some applications

AMD Issue Reporting Form

This driver release incorporates suggestions received through the AMD Issue Reporting Form. To provide us with your feedback, visit the AMD Issue Reporting Form.

Compatible Operating Systems

AMD Radeon Software Beta for Vulkan is designed to support the following Microsoft Windows platforms:

• Windows 10 (32 & 64-bit version)
• Windows 8.1 (32 & 64-bit version)
• Windows 7 (32 & 64-bit version with SP1 or higher)