RADV Driver Enables Host Image Copy by Default for RDNA1 GPUs
The open-source Radeon RADV Vulkan driver has promoted experimental host image copy support to default status for RDNA1 graphics hardware.
Key points
- VK_EXT_host_image_copy is now enabled by default for GFX10 RDNA1 GPUs in the RADV driver.
- Experimental support for this extension has also been enabled for older GFX9 era GPUs.
- This extension was originally introduced as an experimental feature in July 2025.
The open-source Radeon RADV Vulkan driver has promoted the VK_EXT_host_image_copy extension to enabled-by-default status for RDNA1 graphics processing units. This change applies to GFX10 RDNA 1 GPUs, according to a report by Phoronix.
The driver also enables experimental support for the extension on prior GFX9 era GPUs. Previously, the extension was offered as experimental support for RDNA1 and newer GPUs since July 2025. The update changes the default configuration for the RDNA1 generation while extending experimental availability to older hardware.
Context and Background
The VK_EXT_host_image_copy extension was first introduced into the RADV driver in July 2025. At that time, it was offered as an experimental feature for RDNA1 and newer GPUs. The extension relates to the Vulkan API's host image copy functionality, which handles data transfer operations between the host and the GPU.
The source material does not specify the technical reasons for promoting the feature to default status for RDNA1. It only notes the change in configuration for GFX10 GPUs and the addition of experimental support for GFX9 GPUs. The timeline indicates the feature has been present in the driver for several months since its initial introduction.
Who Is Affected
Users of GFX10 RDNA1 GPUs are directly affected by this change, as the extension is now enabled by default for their hardware. This means the feature is active without requiring manual intervention for these specific graphics cards. The change applies to the open-source Radeon RADV Vulkan driver.
Owners of older GFX9 era GPUs are also affected, as they now have access to experimental support for the extension. While not enabled by default for these older cards, the availability of the experimental feature allows users to test the functionality on pre-RDNA architecture hardware.
What should you do?
Users of RDNA1 GPUs should update their RADV driver to access the default host image copy functionality. Those using older GFX9 hardware may wish to test the newly available experimental support if their applications utilize this extension. Monitoring driver release notes for further updates on these extensions is recommended for system administrators managing Linux-based graphics workstations.
What to do and how to stay safe: AMD
- Update the Radeon RADV Vulkan driver to the latest version to access the default host image copy support for RDNA1 GPUs.
- Verify if your applications utilize the VK_EXT_host_image_copy extension to determine if this change impacts your workflow.
- Test the experimental host image copy support on GFX9 hardware in a controlled environment before relying on it for critical tasks.
- Monitor technical reports for any further changes to the default configuration of this extension in future driver updates.
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Frequently asked questions
Which GPUs get the default host image copy support?
GFX10 RDNA1 GPUs now have the VK_EXT_host_image_copy extension enabled by default in the RADV driver.
Is this feature available for older GPUs?
Experimental support for the extension has been enabled for older GFX9 era GPUs, but it is not default for them.
When was this extension first introduced?
The VK_EXT_host_image_copy extension was first offered as an experimental feature in the RADV driver in July 2025.
