How to Fix the “Possible Missing Firmware /lib/firmware/amdgpu/ip_discovery.bin for Module amdgpu” Error

When encountering the error message “possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/amdgpu/ip_discovery.bin for module amdgpu,” it can be a source of frustration, particularly for Linux users working with AMD graphics cards. This issue usually arises when the system’s drivers or kernel require a specific firmware file that is not available or not installed correctly. Understanding what this error means and how to resolve it is essential to ensuring that your AMD GPU functions properly.

What Causes This Error?

At its core, the “possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/amdgpu/ip_discovery.bin for module amdgpu” error points to a missing file in your system’s firmware directory. The amdgpu driver is responsible for supporting AMD GPUs on Linux systems, and it relies on a set of firmware files located in /lib/firmware/amdgpu/ to enable certain functionalities. The file ip_discovery.bin is one such component, which is required for specific AMD graphics cards. If this file is missing, the driver cannot fully operate, leading to performance issues or even rendering the GPU inoperable.

Many users report this issue on forums after upgrading their Linux kernel or switching to a new Linux distribution. The problem often stems from the firmware package not being properly updated during the process, or the kernel expecting a file that hasn’t been included yet.

Checking for the Missing Firmware

The first step in resolving this error is to verify whether the “ip_discovery.bin” file is indeed missing. You can do this by navigating to the /lib/firmware/amdgpu/ directory and searching for the file. Open a terminal and run:

bashКопировать кодls /lib/firmware/amdgpu | grep ip_discovery.bin

If the file is not present, this confirms that the “possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/amdgpu/ip_discovery.bin for module amdgpu” error is valid, and you need to retrieve the missing file.

How to Fix the Error

Here are several ways to resolve the missing firmware issue based on user feedback from various Linux forums and support websites:

1. Update the Linux Firmware Package:
   In many cases, updating the firmware package can resolve the missing file issue. To do this, open a terminal and use the following commands:bashКопировать кодsudo apt update sudo apt install --reinstall linux-firmware For systems using dnf or yum, such as Fedora, use:bashКопировать кодsudo dnf update --refresh sudo dnf reinstall linux-firmware This command will update your firmware to the latest version, which may include the missing ip_discovery.bin file. Several users reported that this method solved the issue on both Ubuntu and Fedora-based distributions.
2. Install the Latest amdgpu Drivers:
   Some users on forums have pointed out that using outdated drivers can cause this problem. You can try installing the latest AMD drivers directly from their website. First, ensure that you have the correct drivers by following AMD’s installation guide.
3. Manually Download the Missing File:
   In certain cases, users on Linux forums have shared the direct download link to the missing firmware files. You can manually download the ip_discovery.bin file and place it in the /lib/firmware/amdgpu/ directory. This is a temporary fix, but it works in cases where updating packages doesn’t help.Download the file from a trusted repository or extract it from a Linux firmware archive. Once you have the file, place it in the directory with the following command:bashКопировать кодsudo cp /path/to/downloaded/ip_discovery.bin /lib/firmware/amdgpu/
4. Kernel Downgrade:
   A more drastic solution, shared by some users, is downgrading the Linux kernel to a version where the amdgpu driver worked without issues. This should be considered a last resort because downgrading can lead to compatibility problems with other software.

Common User Feedback

Several users across Reddit, Ubuntu forums, and Linux-centric websites have shared their experiences with this error:

• Driver Compatibility: Many users discovered that older kernels didn’t have the same problem, leading them to temporarily revert to a previous version. However, most advised checking for updated firmware first before considering a kernel downgrade.
• Direct Installation from AMD: Some users who installed drivers directly from AMD’s official site reported smoother performance after resolving this issue, but others advised caution since official updates sometimes lag behind Linux distribution-specific packages.
• Community Patches: On GitHub and other developer forums, some advanced users have created patches or provided their modified firmware files, but it is critical to ensure these sources are trustworthy before using them.

Conclusion

In summary, the “possible missing firmware /lib/firmware/amdgpu/ip_discovery.bin for module amdgpu” error is a fairly common issue encountered by AMD GPU users on Linux systems. It generally results from missing firmware files required by the amdgpu driver. By updating your system, installing the correct drivers, or manually downloading the missing file, you can resolve the issue and restore your GPU’s full functionality.