In recent times, the xorg.conf (or formerly, XFree86.conf) file once used for configuring all static X-related server options has been shrinking in size. Thanks to more reliable EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) on LCD panels, it's generally no longer needed to manually specify mode-lines within this X.Org configuration file. With improvements for auto-detection, in many circumstances it's no longer even needed to manually specify your graphics driver and other options. However, the X Server currently lacks an infrastructure for supporting persistent device properties.

When it comes to proprietary drivers, AMD has almost completely eliminated their dependence on the xorg.conf and NVIDIA too is eliminating their need of this method for configuring the X server. With the fglrx Linux driver, ATI/AMD has developed the AMDPCSDB, or the AMD Persistent Configuration Store Data-Base. The AMDPCSDB, which is somewhat modeled after the Windows registry, is their proprietary replacement for managing all persistent display/graphics-related options. Values for overrode options like anti-aliasing and anisotropic filtering are written to this persistent configuration store as well as the layout and configuration of multiple screens. All of these AMD options are applied in real-time and will remain persistent upon rebooting the computer or X if it's been written to the AMDPCSDB.

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