Very BAD 2D GDI performance AMD drivers (15.x - 18.x) on Classic theme


  1. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 SP1 x86
       #1

    Very BAD 2D GDI performance AMD drivers (15.x - 18.x) on Classic theme


    Very low 2D performance on Classic theme Windows 7 - bug in RADEON drivers.

    This bug all new AMD cards:
    - Radeon HD 7XXX;
    - Radeon R5, R7, R9 series;
    - Radeon RX 400, RX 500 series
    with Radeon Driver - from Catalyst v15.7 to Radeon Crimson v18.8.1 (all versions)

    1) Installing RADEON driver reduces the 2D performance by 10-50 times.
    Demonstration of foobar2000 and P-CAD on the "Standard VGA" and after installing RADEON Driver v18.7.1 with FPS measurement using simpleGLUT

    Decrease in FPS = 750-780 to FPS = 27-54 (in the foobar2000 spectrum)
    Drawdowns FPS = 1300 to 10 when scaling a drawing in P-CAD



    2) The switch of video memory frequencies (150-1500 MHz) on the CLASSIC theme keeps the memory frequency at the minimum value of 150 MHz, even when the GPU load is 100%. At the same time, on the AERO-theme, even when the GPU is little loaded, the memory has already switched to 1500 MHz.


    3) Reduced Windows performance and low FPS from the Radeon driver. On the "Standard VGA Graphics Adapter" - no problems.

    Programs for the test:
    2D Test with source code - https://github.com/JMKh3r/2DTest/releases/tag/1.3.0.0
    SimpleGLUT with source code - http://rgho.st/87wYV9wgB

    Radeon driver v15.7.1:
    FPS = 4 - 1100 (huge drawdown FPS)
    Very large lags when moving windows.


    "Standard VGA Graphics Adapter":
    FPS = 510-720
    There are no lags when you move the window.


    4) Absurd!.. Increase 2D GDI performance from nothing. If you place the "Radeon Settings" window underneath the spectrum window, so that at least 1mm of the window is visible outside the spectrum window, then the spectrum is accelerated tens of times and the FPS in simpleGLUT rises from 40-60 to 1100-1300. AMD drivers can not determine the resources, which the program requires, and mistakenly sets the video card to minimum performance.


    Short video:
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 SP1 x86
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Video demonstration 19/08/2018.

      My Computer


  3. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 SP1 x86
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Compare 2D GDI performance - Discrette vs Integrated.

    Test #1: Discrette graphic card - Radeon R7 360. Very low performance



    Test #2: Integrated CPU Intel i5-6500 - HD 530. Normal performance


    Resume: Integrated CPU i5-6500 HD530 has higher 2D performance than the discrette Radeon R7 360.
    ABSURD!!! )))
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 SP1 x86
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Classic theme for Windows 7 with GPU acceleration "Classic AE mod 2019_6" (July 12, 2019)

    This theme based on "Classic AE 2.5.3" Classic AE 2.5.3 Final by Saarineames on DeviantArt

    Complete list of modifications:
    1) Added a gradient to the window title
    2) The correct color of the text in the active and inactive window titles
    3) Normal Tahoma-font (without ClearType)
    4) The correct gray color in all elements of the interface RGB (212, 208, 200)
    5) Correct TrackBar
    6) Classic menu (fixed color)
    7) For a better view, the highlighted item on a gray background is darker than on a white
    8) ProgressBar animation is disabled
    9) No-skins cursors are used
    10) Fixed a bug in ScrollBar
    11) Fixed background color Windows Firewall
    12) Fixed aero mode crach at 125% font size
    13) Darker active window title in non-aero mode
    14) Correct resource IMAGE#1136
    15) Fixed text captions (white field in Outpost)
    16) TaskManager and Calculator with a classic design are attached,
    and additional programs recommended for use:
    - 7tt_setup - very useful tweaker of the TaskBar
    - ClassicShellSetup_4_3_1-ru - for classic "Start" menu
    - FONTS_140516 - replaces the font Segoe 9 with Tahoma 8 in all dialogs
    - Win7 Style Builder v1.5.0.0 - msstyles file editor, if you want to modify this theme

    Install:
    1) Install "UniversalThemePatcher" (Recommended) or "UxStyle" for your Windows 7 OS (32- or 64-bit). If "UniversalThemePatcher" or "UxStyle" is already installed - then this step is skipped. This patch allows you to add third-party themes to your system.
    2) Unpack the theme "Classic AE mod 2019_6" in the path c:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\
    3) Go to "Personalization" and switch to "Classic AE mod 2019_6"
    4) Restart your PC. Enjoy the classic design Windows 7 with GPU acceleration!


    Download (zip, 18 MB):
    Classic_AE_mod_2019_6_megapack.zip — Yandex.Disk
    http://ge.tt/7MD964x2
    Zippyshare.com - Classic_AE_mod_2019_6_megapack.zip
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  5. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 SP1 x86
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Classic theme for Windows 7 with GPU acceleration "Classic AE mod 2019_7" (October 14, 2019)

    This theme based on "Classic AE 2.5.3" Classic AE 2.5.3 Final by Saarineames on DeviantArt

    Complete list of modifications:
    1) Added a gradient to the window title
    2) The correct color of the text in the active and inactive window titles
    3) Normal Tahoma-font (without ClearType)
    4) The correct gray color in all elements of the interface RGB (212, 208, 200)
    5) Correct TrackBar
    6) Classic menu (fixed color)
    7) For a better view, the highlighted item on a gray background is darker than on a white
    8) ProgressBar animation is disabled
    9) No-skins cursors are used
    10) Fixed a bug in ScrollBar
    11) Fixed background color Windows Firewall
    12) Fixed aero mode crach at 125% font size
    13) Darker active window title in non-aero mode
    14) Correct resource IMAGE#1136
    15) Fixed text captions (white field in Outpost)
    16) TaskManager and Calculator with a classic design are attached,
    and additional programs recommended for use:
    - 7tt_setup - very useful tweaker of the TaskBar
    - ClassicShellSetup_4_3_1-ru - for classic "Start" menu
    - FONTS_140516 - replaces the font Segoe 9 with Tahoma 8 in all dialogs
    - Win7 Style Builder v1.5.0.0 - msstyles file editor, if you want to modify this theme

    Theme "Classic AE mod 2019_7":


    Theme "Luna Aero":


    Install:
    1) Install "UniversalThemePatcher" (Recommended) or "UxStyle" for your Windows 7 OS (32- or 64-bit). If "UniversalThemePatcher" or "UxStyle" is already installed - then this step is skipped. This patch allows you to add third-party themes to your system.
    2) Unpack the theme "Classic AE mod 2019_7" in the path c:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\
    3) Go to "Personalization" and switch to "Classic AE mod 2019_7"
    4) Restart your PC. Enjoy the classic design Windows 7 with GPU acceleration!

    Download (Classic_AE_mod_2019_7_megapack.zip, 20 Mbytes):
    Classic_AE_mod_2019_7_megapack.zip — Yandex.Disk
    http://ge.tt/4eBdBmy2
    Zippyshare.com - Classic_AE_mod_2019_7_megapack.zip
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 SP1 x86
    Thread Starter
       #6

    [RUSSIAN]

    Специалист с ником "El Sanchez" нашел решение через патч файла dwm.exe. DWM - это диспетчер окон Windows и как ранее было определено, включалка/выключался графического ускорения реализована именно в нём.

    Какой либо нестабильности системы при использовании патченого DWM на моем компе не выявлено. Поэтому патч можете использовать без особого риска завалить систему.

    Чтобы увидеть результат, нужно учитывать 2 ньюанса:
    1) Патч не включает композитинг, а не отключает композитинг при переходе с Aero в классику. Если переключаться с родной аэро - то останется родной прозрачный заголовок в стиле аэро, а если с "Classic AE mod 2019" то заголовок непрозрачный и на 99% классический. После переключения интерфейс меняется на классический, но заголовок окна продолжает иметь вид той темы, с которой переключался. Если перезагрузить ПК, то на вновь загруженной классической теме ускорение уже не работает, короче важен факт переключения темы (аэро -> классика).
    2) После переключения на классику портится вид панели задач - она становися бледной и полупрозрачной. Если перезапустить процесс explorer - то цвет прийдет в норму.

    Порядок применения патча:
    1) Патчим файл DWM.EXE или берем готовый архива (для 64-битной семерки), для 32-битки пропатчите сами.

    Для dwm.exe 6.1.7600.16385 (x64):
    Offset Original bytes --- Patched bytes
    00001D82 74 31 80 3D --- 74 2F 80 3D
    0000A135 E9 7B 7C FF --- E9 79 7C FF

    Для dwm.exe 6.1.7600.16385 (x86):
    Offset Original bytes --- Patched bytes
    00001ED2 8A D8 C6 45 FF 00 --- 8A D8 C6 45 FF 01

    Готовые файлы для (х64) системы (архив, 119 кБ):
    dwm.exe - пропатченый DWM; dwm_orig_x64.exe - оригинальный файл (на случай отката, переименовать в dwm.exe)
    UPLOAD.EE - Patch_dwm.exe.zip - Download
    Zippyshare.com - Patch_dwm.exe.zip
    http://ge.tt/8ww5TZz2

    2) Заменяем патченый файл dwm.exe в вашей ОС. Для этого нужно загрузиться под другой ОС или с загрузочного диска, флешки - вообщем любым способом, который позволит заменить системный файл.

    3) Загружаемся на АЭРО-теме, на встроенной или любой другой, важно что-бы тема была со свойствами АЭРО и работала со включенным композитингом.

    4) Переключаемся на классическую тему. И ВОТ ЗДЕСЬ УРА!!! Ускорение/композитинг осталось работать. Дергунцы интерфейса практически не видны. Вот так должна работать классическая тема, а не та перемигивающаяся фигня, что идет из коробки.

    Огромная благодарность "El Sanchez" за проделанную работу. Патч не доделан, но он на 100% демонстрирует главное - ускорение в классической теме можно вернуть.

    Мой вопрос к "El Sanchez"
    - Я так понял, что корректный патч сделать сложно? Чтобы при загрузке на классической теме ускорение изначально было, без переключения тем и без резапуска эксплорера.
    Ответ "El Sanchez":
    - Будет время - попробую.

    Если на форуме есть крутые программисты, то огромная просьба помочь и мне и "El Sanchez" в доведении результата. Нужно ещё сделать, чтобы ускорение изначально работало при перезапуске ПК и панель задач не меняла свой вид, без перезапуска эксплорера. Короче нужен более корректный патч.
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  7. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 SP1 x86
    Thread Starter
       #7

    All results for 2 years.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 11
    Windows 7 SP1 x86
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Acceleration of GUI on the classic theme of Windows 7

    A complete set of solutions dated December 7, 2019, consisting of a new version of the Aero theme "Classic AE mod 2019_8", a patch for the dwm.exe file, and a set of programs to accelerate the user interface, including the source code (all that was achieved for over 2 years).

    Description of the problem:
    Acceleration of the graphical interface in Windows 7 is used only when working in Aero themes, and is disabled in all basic themes, including the Classic one. Therefore, all the interface elements in the Aero theme - are drawn by the GPU (graphics card), and in the classic theme - by the CPU (central processor). When user has a fast graphics card (newer than 2010), the Aero themes work much more productively than Classic theme. The problem is worsened by the fact that some driver developers, such as AMD - are reckless about the implementation of 2D GDI functions in the Radeon drivers, newer than 2014 (since v15.7 untill the latest v19.12.2, in absolutely all versions), which further slows down the work of the Classic theme. The Classic theme worked fast only in Windows 98/2000/XP, but in Windows 7 it is badly.

    Note:
    In games, FPS will not increase. Games use 3D-functions, they always work with the graphic acceleration. The growth should be expected in 2D applications + GUI windows, all elements of interface will be drawn/scaled/moved/overlapped much faster, without slowing down and blinking text. In this case, the graphic processor, unloading the central processor for other tasks.

    Remedies to solve the problem:
    1) To use the classic theme in the Aero-wrapper "Classic AE mod 2019_8" - this is an analogue of the Classic theme (by appearance), but made in the form of an Aero theme (by properties). This Aero theme uses the resources of the graphics processor of the video card, and works many times faster than the built-in Classic one. This is by far the best and most bug-free solution.
    2) To patch Windows 7 (dwm.exe file), and force graphic acceleration on the non-Aero themes. The directory "Patch dwm.exe" has been added, with a description of the method for enabling graphic acceleration through patching a system file. Also included are ready-made patched binaries for 32-bit and 64-bit OS editions, as well as recommendations with a bat-file for automating theme switching and the Explorer.exe restart.
    3) In addition, a set of programs is attached, that allow to bring the fonts in the dialogs, the Start menu and the taskbar to the correct classic appearence, as well as the classic skin for the ClassicShell program, made as a likeness to the theme color of "Classic AE mod 2019". The archive contains a set of programs for demonstrating glitches of the Classic theme, and for comparison of the OS running with graphic acceleration and without it.
    4) Other solutions - DWM Composition program, a switch for WS_EX_COMPOSITED style, classtm.dll library.

    DWM Composition program - allows to enable/disable the composition (GPU acceleration) in Aero themes on-the-fly.



    Unfortunately, it cannot enable acceleration and solve our problem, but it clearly demonstrates how important graphic acceleration is. The main functionality are buttons "Enable composition" and "Disable composition" , turning the graphical acceleration "on" and "off" immediately. Source code is attached.



    A switch for WS_EX_COMPOSITED style - are two programs for turning "on" and "off" the WS_EX_COMPOSITED style, which allows you to force the double buffering, which leads to faster 2D video output (especially noticeable on problematic Radeon drivers). A program is without a GUI, enables and disables the style just at startup. The program causes many glitches, and is not suitable for permanent operation. Source code is attached.

    Classtm.dll library. The classtm.dll file must be put into c:\Windows\System32\, which will be loaded up through the registry key Appinit_Dlls . For x86 and x64 systems, there are separate files. There is a demo in a window TestLVS.exe, but for all other applications, enabling of acceleration only works through classtm.dll. Loading of the library through the classtm_dll_ON.reg registry file, return to the system settings - classtm_dll_OFF.reg . After importing the reg-file, reboot of the PC is mandatory.



    Breaker for it - an empty file in the root of the drive C:\classtm (it is enough to rename the file, rather then delete/move). Do not be surprised, the windows "My Computer, Personalization, Trash Bin" - will stop working, as other windows of Explorer. Other applications will be launched with graphic acceleration in a Classic theme, though with a spoiled color scheme. Side effects - some windows turn into classic ones, and some remain in Aero style. The source of the dll library is attached.

    === READY SOLUTIONS ===

    1-st solution - theme "Classic AE mod 2019_8"



    Classic theme for Windows 7 with GPU acceleration "Classic AE mod 2019_8" (December 07, 2019)
    This theme based on "Classic AE 2.5.3" Classic AE 2.5.3 Final by Saarineames on DeviantArt

    Complete list of modifications:
    1) Added a gradient to the window title
    2) The correct color of the text in the active and inactive window titles
    3) Normal Tahoma-font (without ClearType)
    4) The correct gray color in all elements of the interface RGB (212, 208, 200)
    5) Correct TrackBar
    6) Classic menu (fixed color)
    7) For a better view, the highlighted item on a gray background is darker than on a white
    8) ProgressBar animation is disabled
    9) No-skins cursors are used
    10) Fixed a bug in ScrollBar
    11) Fixed background color Windows Firewall
    12) Fixed aero mode crach at 125% font size
    13) Darker active window title in non-aero mode
    14) Correct resource IMAGE#1136
    15) Fixed text captions (white field in Outpost)
    16) Small bugs are fixed in the programs BitComet and FireFox
    17) Added archive of old versions of themes from mod_2018 to mod_2019_7
    18) TaskManager and Calculator with a classic design are attached,
    and additional programs recommended for use:
    - 7tt_setup - very useful tweaker of the TaskBar
    - ClassicShellSetup_4_3_1-ru - for classic "Start" menu
    - FONTS_140516 - replaces the font Segoe 9 with Tahoma 8 in all dialogs
    - Win7 Style Builder v1.5.0.0 - msstyles file editor, if you want to modify this theme

    The rendering options for the theme:
    - Themes (with ClearType font)
    - Themes (regular font)
    For users who want the bold (smooth) fonts - install "Classic AE mod 2019_8 (ClearType)". If you prefer narrow (classic, non-smoothed) fonts, then install the usual version of "Classic AE mod 2019_8".

    Installation of the theme:
    1) Install "UniversalThemePatcher" (Recommended) or "UxStyle" for your Windows 7 (32- or 64-bit). If "UniversalThemePatcher" or "UxStyle" is already installed - then this step is skipped. This patch allows you to add third-party themes to your system.
    2) Unpack the theme "Classic AE mod 2019_8" in the path c:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\
    3) Go to "Personalization" and switch to "Classic AE mod 2019_8"
    4) Restart your PC. Enjoy the classic design Windows 7 with GPU acceleration!



    Verification of the theme installation:
    It is easy to check the correctness of the installation - just look at the appearance of the "minimize/ maximize/ close" buttons in the window title. If the "close" button has become wider than the rest (as in the screenshot) - then everything was installed fine! If the buttons remained the same width, then the Aero mode was not enabled, and the theme works in the basic mode (without acceleration). This is most often due to the absence of a patch by "UniversalThemePatcher" or "UxStyle", that allows third-party themes to use Aero mode. Look at the file "Verification of the theme installation.png"

    The theme exists in two versions (with regular and ClearType fonts), and as of December 2019 is the best substitute for the built-in Classic. All resources/settings of the theme are in the file "Classic AE mod 2019_8\aero.msstyles". You need to edit the msstyles file with the program "Windows Style Builder" from the archive. If you will get a better result - please post it to us!

    2-nd solution - a patch for dwm.exe (by "El Sanchez")

    DWM is a window manager in OS Windows, and as previously was described, the on/off switch for graphic acceleration is implemented in it. System instability when using patched DWM was not detected.

    To see the result, you need to consider 2 nuances:
    1) The patch does not enable composition, but it doesn't disable composition when switching from Aero-themes to the Classic. After switching, the interface changes to Classic, but the window title continues to look like the theme from which it was switched. If to restart the PC, then on the newly loaded classic theme - acceleration no longer works; in short, the fact of switching the theme (Aero -> Classic) is important.
    2) After switching to the Classic, the look of the taskbar deteriorates - it becomes pale and translucent. If to restart the Explorer process, then the color will return to normal.

    The procedure for applying the patch:
    1) Do patch the DWM.EXE file or extract the ready one from the archive (considering the OS bitness)



    2) Replace the patched dwm.exe file in your OS. To do this, you need to boot under another OS or from a boot disk, flash drive - in general anyhow, to replace the system file.
    3) Now let's boot with the AERO-theme, on the built-in or any other, it is important that the theme must be with the properties of AERO, and that it works with the enabled composition.
    4) Switch to the classic theme. Acceleration/composition remains working.

    Ready binary for Windows 7 SP1:
    dwm.exe - patched DWM; dwm_orig_x64.exe - original file (in case of rollback, rename to dwm.exe)
    Ready binary for (x86) system:
    dwm.exe - patched DWM; dwm_orig_x86.exe - original file (in case of rollback, rename to dwm.exe)



    The user "WatsonRus" has proposed a bat-file for automating the process of switching themes using the program "Theme Switcher" and restarting the Explorer. Program description - Theme Switcher — простая утилита для смены тем оформления из командной строки | Белые окошки
    Download Theme Switcher - Downloads / Software / Winaero Theme Switcher

    Text of the bat-file: @echo off
    ThemeSwitcher.exe win7classic
    Taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
    start %windir%\explorer.exe

    You need to save the original classic gray theme into the file "win7classic.theme", and put the file into the "Themes" folder - c:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes\. You can make a timeout before switching, by adding before the ThemeSwitcher a command / T N , where N are seconds of delay.

    Big thanks to "El Sanchez" for the work done. The patch is not completed yet, but it 100% demonstrates the main thing - acceleration in the Classic theme can be returned. If there are programmers on the forum, then please help in perfecting the result. It is also necessary to make sure that acceleration initially works when the PC is restarted and the taskbar does not change its appearance, without restarting the Explorer. A more correct patch is needed.

    Download archive with solutions (zip, 24 MB):
    Zippyshare.com - Classic_AE_mod_2019_8_megapack.zip
    Classic_AE_mod_2019_8_megapack.zip — Yandex.Disk
    http://ge.tt/5uih7yz2
    UPLOAD.EE - Classic_AE_mod_2019_8_megapack.zip - Download
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