Petition for ATI to release XP-64 drivers for open beta testing

We, the undersigned, are fans and users of both ATI and AMD. Using the currently available AMD 64 processors, we enjoy a new and exciting level of software and hardware. Under the publicly available Windows XP-64 bit beta, we are able to work with software written for these processors and to examine the problems and advantages of this.

There are drivers for most of the hardware we use on a regular basis with one glaring exception, ATI. Although there are minimal support drivers included in the beta, there are no drivers from ATI.

We are told that ATI will not release drivers until the release of XP64. We find this stance unacceptable. Considering that 64 bit systems are available widely as is the XP-64 system, it seems to be a silly and counterproductive stance.

We understand that the current Windows XP-64 OS is in beta. We understand this, test, work through the problems, and provide valuable feedback that Microsoft is able to integrate into their work. We are extending that same offer to you. A small beta test group cannot test every conceivable configuration and game or application. Each one of us is willing to accept that the drivers would be unfinished.

We understand that benchmarks and comparisons are important in your industry. We understand that beta drivers may not be tweaked or optimized. However, you must understand that the drivers built into XP64 are worthless when it comes to displaying the power of the ATI video cards.

We believe that putting us, the true hardware enthusiasts, in a place where we must choose ATI or nVidia is not in your best interests if you do not support us. nVidia 64 drivers have been available for quite some time. We are the people who push the envelope of performance and we want ATI to be a part of that.

Please release the XP-64 drivers in an open beta.