TF2 Massive Lag Using Ubuntu Linux

[Smatsy]

I've been able to find similar threads discussing this problem, but honestly, I can't make heads or tails of anything, as I'm a new Linux user. When I try playing TF2, the game runs with extreme lag, making it nearly impossible to play, though while on Windows, the game ran smoothly. I've already tried turning down the video settings and disabling the multicore thingy in the game.

My specs:
Operating System Version:
Ubuntu 12.10 (64 bit)
Kernel Name: Linux
Kernel Version: 3.5.0-27-generic
X Server Vendor: The X.Org Foundation
X Server Release: 11300000
X Window Manager: Compiz
Steam Runtime Version: steam-runtime-release-i386_2013-03-25

Video Card:
Driver: X.Org Gallium 0.4 on AMD RV770

Driver Version: 2.1 Mesa 9.0.3
Desktop Color Depth: 24 bits per pixel
Monitor Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
VendorID: 0x1002
DeviceID: 0x9460
Number of Monitors: 1
Number of Logical Video Cards: 1
Primary Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Desktop Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Primary Display Size: 20.04" x 11.26" (22.95" diag)
50.9cm x 28.6cm (58.3cm diag)
Primary VRAM Not Detected

Sound card:
Audio device: VIA VT1708S

Memory:
RAM: 3954 Mb

[Evil Penguin]

You could either try to install the latest legacy Catalyst drivers or install the latest open source drivers.
This repo has the latest open source drivers:
https://launchpad.net/~xorg-edgers/+archive/ppa

[Tweak]

Looks like you are using the Opensource drivers. You would want to install the propritary ones. the Ubuntu Wiki has a guide on how to do this

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Valve#AMD.2BAC8-ATI_Graphicshttps://wiki.ubuntu.com/Valve#AMD.2BAC8-ATI_Graphics

[Esophagus Now]

BE CAREFUL WITH THAT REPO THAT EVIL PENGUIN MENTIONED. They use experimental software that can bork your X (desktop windowing system). Unless you are good at fixing X (which is really really REALLY hard), I would suggest this repo instead: https://launchpad.net/~ubuntu-x-swat/+archive/x-updates

[Evil Penguin]

Esophagus Now lähetti viestin:

BE CAREFUL WITH THAT REPO THAT EVIL PENGUIN MENTIONED. They use experimental software that can bork your X (desktop windowing system). Unless you are good at fixing X (which is really really REALLY hard), I would suggest this repo instead: https://launchpad.net/~ubuntu-x-swat/+archive/x-updates

The Xorg Edgers PPA with closed-source drivers have been problematic in my experience.
Using it for open-source drivers hasn't given me any issues.
Yes, that PPA has a lot of experimental software but xswat isn't exactly up-to-date.

[Smatsy]

First of all, thanks for the responses! Secondly, I must say that I literally started using Linux this morning, so I'm very clueless.

I saw a post from February, and I was wondering if this is what I need.
http://steamcommunity.com/app/221410/discussions/4/864960353822274949/

[Smatsy]

Tweakedenigma lähetti viestin:

Looks like you are using the Opensource drivers. You would want to install the propritary ones. the Ubuntu Wiki has a guide on how to do this

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Valve#AMD.2BAC8-ATI_Graphicshttps://wiki.ubuntu.com/Valve#AMD.2BAC8-ATI_Graphics

Thank you for this. It's explained well enough for a novice like me to grasp.

[Evil Penguin]

Two issues here.
You'd want to install the latest legacy Catalyst drivers (Catalyst 13.1) which I don't think repos have available (you'd have to install it manually).
You are on Ubuntu 12.10 and would need to downgrade your X version to work with the latest legacy driver.

[Evil Penguin]

This should help:
http://steamcommunity.com/app/221410/discussions/0/864960354325873942/
I think open-source drivers are your best bet, TBH.

[Smatsy]

Okay, so I was about to install fglrx-experimental-X drivers. Should I skip that and update to Ubuntu 12.04 so I can install these Catalyst drivers more easily?

[Tweak]

12.04 would be a step back words, although it is long term support (so it would have the advantage of you not having to upgrade as often). However 13.04 should be out soon and has a lot of imporvements.

If it was me I would give it a try with 12.10 and see how it goes. If it works alright keep on rolling with it till you are comfortable. If you have any major issues try 12.04.

[Smatsy]

I'm happy to say that I was finally able to find a driver that worked with 12.10. TF2 is running fine with only a slight lag here and there. On offline games, Linux is running the games much better.