BC-250 graphics assist in various tasks.
BC-250 graphics assist in various tasks.
I recently purchased a BC-250 server blade for a personal project, but I'm facing some challenges. The software compatibility seems very limited, with most Linux distributions failing to boot their installers. I successfully installed Ubuntu Server 20.04 and managed to get the graphics drivers working, even though they didn't function properly on Ubuntu Desktop or the latest version. However, initialization still fails in both environments. I'm exploring other Linux distributions to find a better fit. The hardware uses a reduced Ariel/Oberon chip with a cyan skillfish GPU section. Windows drivers don't exist, and the Linux options aren't working either. I'm hoping for guidance from anyone familiar with this setup or Linux in general. Tldr – it's a BC-250 with specific chip and GPU configuration.
The software you need is being gradually improved. For Linux setups, choices are mainly Fedora 39/40 or Arch Linux/Manjaro Y, though a tailored kernel might be necessary. Detailed steps for Fedora can be found on GitHub. With Manjaro, you’d need to create a chroot or VM from a functional install, then package the repositories from Arch and install them onto the bc250 system. You’ll have to transfer the resulting image to a storage device suited for that platform. For Manjaro, using a virtual image can yield a working KDE/Plasma desktop if you install it there. The Mesa package in the AUR offers basic OpenGL/Vulcan support; shaders may cause color glitches and textures might fail. Alternatively, consider installing Mesa’s official driver from its GitLab repository for better compatibility. The latest updates disable certain GPU features that previously led to visual artifacts, such as compute pipelines, color compression issues, and AMD HTILE problems. You’ll need to learn how to build the driver yourself, possibly using the Mason tool, and set the installation path correctly. This process will likely require exploring multiple tools and contributions from the Mesa community. More details are available at the provided GitLab issue tracker.
I've had the good luck to launch these titles. Steam: Halo Master Chief collection, The Spyro collection, Portal 2, Wine bottles, EA store, Dead space 2, Saints Row 4, SaintsRow remake, Rocket League, Payday 2. Please try only with games you already own, as compatibility chances with others are slim.
Exploring various titles on the bc-250 Blackmyth Wukong Indiana Jones Great Circle reveals minor visual issues, though developers seem to handle them on standard Radeon cards by adjusting launch settings. Updating arch and modifying mesa-git to use the provided repository helps improve stability. Kodi may crash under certain conditions but functions properly with OpenGL enabled via Vulcan. Note that hardware video decoding remains problematic, but CPU performance is generally sufficient for most games. Efforts continue to integrate decoders through Vulcan, so consider switching to OpenGL over Vulcan if you encounter issues with OpenGL applications or titles.
Hi Everyone! I also joined the bc-250 owners group. I’m using Fedora 41 with a driver from github /mothenjoyer69/bc250-documentation. I played Steam BG3 CS2 Vladik Brutal Little Nightmares, Gears of War 5, White Shadows Remnant, Outriders, Blue Fire, Noita Mechabellum, BrickRigs, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 as a third-party game. Everything works fine. However, Epic Games. I tried Lutris, Heroic Games Launcher, and added Epic Games to Steam while running it standalone with Wine. I experimented with different Proton versions. It updates regularly and lets me log in, but then the main UI disappears and the app closes. If anyone has a solution, please let me know! I’m not a Linux expert and have been stuck for three days without success. By the way, I built a case using a 3D printer, plastic sheet, and a knife.
Hi @SasukeK93 , I broke my models on onshape =) Any way I wanted to redesign it a little. Bottom USB ports are not reacheble when other cables are attached. Will share updated version but no promisses that it will be very soon. https://cad.onshape.com/documents/3079f6...6a22c3e111 I can share list of parts that I used: PowerSupply 12V 250W - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10050080...1802gbrC2L 8pin GPU connector https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10050070...PM8WPM8WZF 5cm 4pin PWM splitter https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10050039...1802gbrC2L type 4 3pin socket https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10050071...1802gbrC2L Red switch https://www.aliexpress.com/item/40009735...1802gbrC2L Can not recommend fan covers that I buyed because of smell. So I used just dust filters. 120mm coolers should be fast. I used silent ones that run 1600rpm on 100% and it's not enought. Sensor shows 94C. One moments that I would like to know when first got it: DisplayPort to HDMI cable works and works with sound so no USB audio needed. DP to DVI don't work. When I tried first time HDMI did not work but after I start it with DP once then it started working with DP to HDMI. Also found that not all HDMI ports on TV's and monitors work with this thing. Adding to list of tested games: Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
I utilized small pliers with a pointed tip to remove damaged sections of the radiator obstructing airflow. The adjustment significantly raised the temperature. It required considerable effort and patience.
I restored the drivers and then installed Epic Games on Steam, and it’s functioning properly!