How to Switch from Radeon to AMDGPU on Ubuntu & Pop!_OS

This guide walks you through switching from the radeon driver to the amdgpu driver on Ubuntu & Pop!_OS. The process also applies to any Ubuntu-based distribution. While the steps are generally similar for other distros, we’ll focus on Ubuntu/Pop!_OS-specific details.

Step 1: Check the Current Kernel Driver

First, confirm which driver your GPU is using:

1. Open a terminal and run:

   sudo lspci -k | grep -EA3 'VGA|3D|Display'

2. Look for Kernel driver in use: in the output. If it shows radeon, you’ll need to switch to amdgpu.

Step 2: Identify Your GPU’s Code Name

Check whether your GPU belongs to the Southern Islands or Sea Islands family:

sudo apt install inxi
sudo inxi -Gazy

If it matches Southern or Sea Islands, you can proceed to enable amdgpu.

Step 3: Enable the amdgpu Driver

Older GPUs may have amdgpu available but disabled. Enable it by:

1. Create a configuration file:

   sudo nano /etc/modprobe.d/amdgpu.conf

2. Add this line:

   options amdgpu si_support=1 cik_support=1

3. Blacklist radeon:

   sudo nano /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf

   blacklist radeon

4. Update initramfs:

   sudo update-initramfs -u

Step 4: Install Required Packages

1. Update your system:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

2. Install AMD drivers and Vulkan support:

   sudo apt install mesa-utils vulkan-tools mesa-vulkan-drivers libvulkan1

Step 5: Reboot

sudo reboot

Step 6: Verify Driver Change

After reboot, check again:

sudo lspci -k | grep -EA3 'VGA|3D|Display'

It should now show Kernel driver in use: amdgpu.

Step 7: Test Vulkan

vulkaninfo | less

If installed correctly, you’ll see Vulkan details. Test with:

vkcube

If you see a spinning cube, Vulkan is working perfectly!

🎉 Congratulations! You’ve switched from radeon to amdgpu and enabled Vulkan for better graphics performance on Ubuntu and Pop!_OS.