AMD released a preview of their Catalyst 12.1 driver package last December, and now the update has become official— along with a new 12.2 Preview build that should please users who favor multiple displays. Catalyst 12.1 doesn't offer any surprises in comparison to its preview version. Along with the usual assortment of tweaks and bug fixes, it features custom application profiles, 3D support for those running CrossFireX rigs, and a stereo 3D mode over HDMI 1.4a that enables 1080p at 24Hz on supported displays. It's available for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Vista, as well as the entire Windows XP line.

The 12.2 Preview builds upon the 12.1 release, with a particular focus on enhancing AMD's Eyefinity solution for multi-monitor set-ups. Along with a broader array of potential resolutions to choose from when using Eyefinity, the update adds the ability to dynamically shift between multiple configurations when removing or adding displays, increased support for Display Groups, and the ability to move and resize the Windows Task Bar with HydraVision. AMD has a full list of supported graphics cards in their release notes — the Radeon HD 7970 is left out in the cold — with both sets of drivers available for download now.