AMD Bolsters Crypto Mining in Latest GPU Software Update

Graphics card (GPU) maker Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has updated one of its drivers to better handle the processes tied to cryptocurrency mining.

The release notes for its Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition 18.3.4, published Monday, explained that one aspect of the driver improvement addresses efficiency problems experienced when using GPUs to mine cryptocurrencies.

As the statement explained:

As previously reported, AMD has developed drivers in the past that improved GPU performance when mining cryptocurrencies. The Radeon Software Crimson ReLive Edition Beta for Blockchain Compute software was first released last August.

That software was released on an "as is" basis, according to the release notes, "and will not be supported with further updates, upgrades or bug fixes" – suggesting that, for the time being, AMD isn't eyeing regular fixes for cryptocurrency-related problems.

The drivers were unique in that they were "not intended for graphics or gaming workloads," according to the company’s release notes.

Stepping back, the move is just the latest from GPU manufacturers whose products have been swept up by cryptocurrency miners.

AMD, in particular, noted in its most recent 10-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that a decline in the cryptocurrency market could hurt its business if miners buy fewer GPUs, as previously reported.

However, an analyst with Jeffries does not see this as a likely possibility, as Mark Lipacis wrote last year that he expects demand to continue.

Rows of GPUs image via Shutterstock