How to Check AMD Graphics Card Information on Ubuntu

You can quickly find AMD graphics card information on Ubuntu by running the command below in your terminal:

lspci | grep vga

This command helps you see which GPU is installed and what graphics drivers are active. If you use Linux or manage US hosting servers, you may want to check more details about your AMD GPU for troubleshooting or verification. You can use both command-line and GUI tools to get the information you need.

Tip: Knowing your graphics details makes it easier to solve issues and optimize performance.

Key Takeaways

• Use ‘lspci | grep VGA’ to find your AMD graphics card details quickly.

• Install and use ‘lshw’ for detailed hardware information about your AMD GPU.

• Try ‘inxi’ and ‘glxinfo’ for a summary of graphics details and OpenGL info.

• Use GUI tools like System Settings and Hardinfo for a visual approach.

• Monitor GPU activity with ‘radeontop’ and test with ‘glxgears’ for real-time usage.

Command-Line Tools for AMD Graphics Card

You can use several command-line tools in your terminal to check amd graphics card information on Ubuntu. These tools help you identify your gpu model, driver status, and other important details. You will find these methods useful for troubleshooting and verifying your hardware.

lspci Command for AMD GPU

The lspci command lists all PCI devices in your system. You can use it to find out which graphics card you have installed. To focus on graphics controllers, run this command in your terminal:

lspci | grep VGA

This command shows all VGA compatible controllers, including your amd graphics card. If you want more specific details about your card model, update the PCI ID list first. Use this command:

sudo update-pciids

After updating, run lspci again. You will see more detailed information about your amd device. For example, your output might look like this:

01:00.0 VGA compatible controller: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [AMD/ATI] Navi 23 [Radeon RX 6600/6600 XT/6600M] (rev c1)

You can identify the gpu model from the description. The lspci command helps you check which gpu is active and gives you the configuration status.

Note: If you have more than one graphics card, lspci will list each one. Look for lines that mention AMD or Radeon.

lshw Command for AMD Graphics Card Details

The lshw tool provides detailed information about your hardware. You can use it to get in-depth data about your amd graphics card. First, install lshw if it is not already available:

sudo apt install lshw

To display information about your graphics hardware, run:

sudo lshw -c display

This command will show a section like this:

  *-display                 
       description: VGA compatible controller
       product: Navi 23 [Radeon RX 6600/6600 XT/6600M]
       vendor: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. [AMD/ATI]
       physical id: 0
       bus info: pci@0000:01:00.0
       version: c1
       width: 64 bits
       clock: 33MHz
       capabilities: pm pciexpress msi vga_controller bus_master cap_list rom
       configuration: driver=amdgpu latency=0 
       resources: irq:47 memory:fc000000-fcffffff memory:e0000000-efffffff

You can see the product name, vendor, and driver in use. The configuration line shows which driver your system uses. If you see “driver=amdgpu,” your system uses the open-source AMD driver.

You can also use lshw without sudo, but you may see less information. For the most complete results, always use sudo.

Tip: lshw can help you troubleshoot driver problems. If the driver field is missing or incorrect, you may need to reinstall or update your drivers.

inxi and glxinfo for AMD GPU Info

The inxi tool gives you a summary of your system, including graphics details. To install inxi, use your terminal:

sudo apt install inxi

To display amd gpu details, run:

inxi -G -xx

For even more detailed information, add the -a flag:

inxi -G -xx -a

You will see output like this:

Graphics:
  Device-1: AMD Navi 23 [Radeon RX 6600/6600 XT/6600M] driver: amdgpu v: kernel
  Display: x11 server: X.Org 1.21.1.4 driver: amdgpu resolution: 1920x1080~60Hz
  OpenGL: renderer: AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT (navi23, LLVM 15.0.7, DRM 3.49, 6.2.0)
           v: 4.6 Mesa 23.0.4

You can check the driver field to see if your system uses the amdgpu driver. The OpenGL renderer line shows the exact gpu model.

The glxinfo tool provides information about your OpenGL implementation. To install it, run:

sudo apt install mesa-utils

Then, use this command:

glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer"

You will see a line like:

OpenGL renderer string: AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT (navi23, LLVM 15.0.7, DRM 3.49, 6.2.0)

This confirms which gpu your system uses for rendering graphics.

Note: inxi and glxinfo help you verify both the hardware and the driver status. They are useful for checking if your linux system recognizes your amd gpu correctly.

Table: Common AMD GPU Command-Line Tools

You can use these commands in your terminal to get more information about your amd graphics card. For example, run:

amd-smi static --gpu 0

This command retrieves static information about the specified gpu, including model and driver status.

By using lspci, lshw, inxi, and glxinfo, you can gather all the detailed information you need about your amd graphics card on Ubuntu.

GUI Methods to Check AMD GPU

You can use graphical tools on Ubuntu to check your AMD GPU. These methods help you see details about your graphics hardware without using the terminal. Many users find GUI tools easier to use, especially if you prefer a visual approach.

System Settings for AMD Graphics Card

Ubuntu includes built-in system settings that let you view basic graphics information. To start, open the “Settings” application from your application menu. Then, select the “About” section. Here, you will see details about your system, including the graphics card in use.

• Look for the “Graphics” or “GPU” entry. This line shows the model of your AMD graphics card.

• You can also check the “Device Name” and “OS Name” to confirm your system details.

Tip: If you have more than one GPU, Ubuntu usually lists the active one here. For advanced setups, you may need to use additional tools.

Hardinfo and Other GUI Tools

Hardinfo is a popular tool that gives you a detailed overview of your system hardware. You can install it by running:

sudo apt install hardinfo

After installation, open Hardinfo from your application menu. Go to the “Devices” section and select “PCI Devices” or “Display.” You will see information about your AMD GPU, such as the model and driver.

Other GUI tools can also help you check your graphics card:

• I-Nex: This tool works like CPU-Z on Windows. It shows detailed hardware data, including your AMD GPU. To install I-Nex, add its repository, update your package list, and install the program:

  • sudo add-apt-repository ppa:i-nex-development-team/stable

  • sudo apt-get update

  • sudo apt-get install i-nex

• GNOME System Monitor: This built-in tool shows basic system resource usage. While it does not display detailed GPU data, it helps you monitor overall system performance.

Using these GUI tools, you can easily check your AMD graphics card and system details. This approach works well if you want a quick overview or if you do not feel comfortable with command-line tools.

Verify AMD GPU Activity

You may want to know if your AMD GPU is actually working when you run programs on Ubuntu. Checking GPU activity helps you confirm that your system uses the right hardware for graphics tasks. You can use simple tools to monitor and test your GPU in real time.

Using radeontop to Monitor AMD GPU

Radeontop is a helpful tool for tracking GPU usage. It works well with radeon gpus and gives you live updates about how much of your GPU is in use. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Install radeontop by running:

   sudo apt install radeontop
   

2. Open a terminal and start radeontop with:

   sudo radeontop
   

3. Watch the output. You will see graphs and numbers showing how busy your GPU is.

When you run graphics-heavy programs, you should see the activity numbers go up. This means your AMD GPU is handling the work. Radeontop makes it easy to spot if your system uses the correct driver for your radeon card.

Tip: If you have more than one GPU, radeontop helps you see which one is active.

glxgears for AMD GPU Testing

Glxgears is a simple tool that tests your GPU by running a spinning gears animation. It uses the mesa-utils package, which you can install with:

sudo apt install mesa-utils

After installing mesa-utils, open a new terminal and run:

glxgears

You will see moving gears in a window. This program uses your GPU to render the animation. If you want to make sure your AMD GPU is doing the work, you can run glxgears with a special command:

DRI_PRIME=1 glxgears

While glxgears runs, check radeontop in the other terminal. If the numbers rise, your AMD GPU is active. This method works well for testing radeon gpus and confirming that mesa-utils uses the right hardware.

Note: Glxgears is not a benchmark, but it helps you see if your GPU is working.

Troubleshooting AMD Graphics Card Issues

AMD GPU Not Detected

If your AMD graphics card does not appear on Ubuntu, start by checking hardware recognition. Run the command lspci | grep VGA to see if the system detects your gpu. If the AMD card is missing, the problem may lie in the system configuration or driver installation.

Common issues include conflicts with Intel adapters, especially in hybrid graphics setups. Sometimes, an existing xorg.conf file causes errors or prevents the AMD GPU from initializing properly. Removing or renaming this file often resolves detection problems:

sudo mv /etc/X11/xorg.conf /etc/X11/xorg.conf.backup

After this, reboot your system and check again. Also, verify that your kernel supports your AMD GPU model. Older kernels might not recognize newer hardware. Updating the kernel or Ubuntu version can help fix detection issues.

Tip: Hybrid graphics setups sometimes fail to recognize the integrated Intel card, which stops you from switching GPUs. Make sure your system supports GPU switching and that the necessary drivers are installed.

Driver Problems with AMD Graphics Card

Driver issues remain a common challenge on Ubuntu. You might notice only one monitor working, poor resolution options, or hardware acceleration turning off unexpectedly. Some users report graphical bugs or artifacts, especially after kernel updates or with certain AMD models like the RX 6800 or RX 560.

If your system boots but hangs on a black screen, or Vulkan is not detected, your gpu drivers might be outdated or incorrectly installed. To fix these problems, follow these steps:

1. Uninstall existing drivers using:

   amdgpu-uninstall
   

   or

   amdgpu-pro-uninstall
   

2. Clean your system with:

   sudo apt autoremove && sudo apt autoclean
   

3. Download the latest drivers from the official AMD website.

4. Extract the driver package and navigate to the folder:

   cd amdgpu-install-folder
   

5. Run the installation script:

   ./amdgpu-install
   

6. If errors occur, update your kernel by downloading the latest .deb files from Ubuntu’s kernel repository.

7. Remove conflicting modules:

   sudo apt remove amdgpu-dkms
   

8. Check /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist-amdgpu.conf and comment out any lines blacklisting amdgpu.

9. Update firmware by copying necessary files to /lib/firmware/amdgpu/.

10. Update initramfs:

    sudo update-initramfs -u
    

11. Reboot your system.

This process often resolves driver conflicts and restores full graphics functionality.

Note: Some Ubuntu flavors like Ubuntu MATE or Xubuntu have reported ongoing issues with certain AMD GPUs since version 20.04. Keep your system updated and check community forums for specific fixes.

Multiple GPUs and Selection

If your system has multiple GPUs, such as an integrated Intel card and a discrete AMD graphics card, managing which GPU is active can be tricky. Ubuntu uses tools like vgaswitcheroo to control GPU power and activity.

To reduce noise or save power, you can shut down the AMD card when not in use:

echo OFF | sudo tee /sys/kernel/debug/vgaswitcheroo/switch

For better performance, install the Catalyst driver following AMD’s instructions. If the AMD card does not work correctly, create or reset the Xorg configuration file:

sudo aticonfig --initial -f

This command generates a fresh xorg.conf file tailored for your AMD GPU. After making changes, reboot your system to apply them.

Tip: Use tools like radeontop or DRI_PRIME=1 to test which GPU is active during graphics tasks. This helps you confirm that your system uses the correct gpu drivers and hardware.

By understanding these troubleshooting steps, you can solve common problems related to your amd graphics card on Ubuntu and ensure smooth graphics performance.

You can check your AMD graphics card using both command-line and GUI tools. Try different methods to find the most useful details about your system.

For further optimization, use tools like AMD Radeon GPU Analyzer and follow these strategies:

1. Update your system.

2. Install proprietary drivers.

3. Use GameMode.

4. Tweak swappiness.

5. Disable unnecessary startup applications.

FAQ

How do you check if Ubuntu uses your AMD GPU?

Run lspci | grep VGA or inxi -G. These commands show which GPU Ubuntu detects and uses. If you see “AMD” or “Radeon” in the output, Ubuntu uses your AMD GPU.

What should you do if your AMD GPU is not detected?

First, check your hardware connections. Then, update your system and drivers. Use lspci to confirm detection. If the GPU still does not appear, review your BIOS settings and try reseating the card.

Can you use both command-line and GUI tools to check AMD GPU info?

Yes! You can use terminal commands like lshw, inxi, and glxinfo. For a graphical approach, open System Settings or use Hardinfo. Both methods give you useful details about your AMD GPU.

How do you know which AMD driver Ubuntu uses?

Check the driver line in lshw -c display or inxi -G. If you see “amdgpu” or “radeon,” Ubuntu uses the open-source AMD driver. You can also look in the “Additional Drivers” section in System Settings.