AMD is adding HDMI 2.1 support for Linux. That's good news for the Steam Machine.
AMD is adding HDMI 2.1 support to its Linux amdgpu driver, enabling higher bandwidth features like Variable Refresh Rate and dynamic HDR. While initial support includes Fixed Rate Link, Display Stream Compression for higher resolutions will follow after further testing. This development benefits Linux gamers and Valve's upcoming Steam Machine by eliminating the need for HDMI 2.0 workarounds.
- ▪AMD is adding HDMI FRL (Fixed Rate Link) support to its Linux amdgpu driver.
- ▪Display Stream Compression (DSC), which enables up to 10K resolution at 100 Hz, is still in testing and will be added later.
- ▪Valve has been working with AMD to resolve HDMI 2.1 support limitations for the Steam Machine.
- ▪The HDMI Forum's legal concerns about open source HDMI 2.1 implementations remain unresolved.
- ▪AMD states a full HDMI 2.1 compliance implementation will be available after patches complete testing.
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5 percent more “HDMI” than HDMI 2.0 AMD is adding HDMI 2.1 support for Linux. That’s good news for the Steam Machine. Fixed Rate Link being added now; Display Stream Compression coming soon. Kyle Orland – May 4, 2026 12:26 pm | 10 Valve's upcoming Linux-based hardware may be able to support HDMI 2.1 after all. Credit: Valve Valve's upcoming Linux-based hardware may be able to support HDMI 2.1 after all. Credit: Valve Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav Last year, we noted how the long-standing vagaries of HDMI licensing and open source AMD driver development combined to prevent the upcoming Steam Machine from receiving official support for the HDMI 2.1 display standard.
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