The Linux kernel just got some important upgrades - here's what's new in 6.17

"Linus Torvalds is the first to admit that there have been more exciting Linux kernel releases. He announced the release of the 6.17 Linux kernel by writing, "It's not exciting, which is all good. I think the biggest patch in there is some locking fixes for some Bluetooth races that could cause use-after-free situations. Whee -- that's about as exciting as it gets.""

"The most important of these improvements is for the AMD Ryzen chip. By delivering improved hardware feedback scheduling for Ryzen chips via the new Hardware Feedback Interface (HFI) driver, hybrid-core laptops and desktops will be more intelligent in handling workload distribution with SmartMux support. The feature works by auto-switching between integrated and discrete graphics based on your workload. So, depending on what you're doing, it can either save power or boost your performance as needed."

"Meanwhile, Intel-powered computers are gaining better graphics support. That's especially true for the forthcoming Xe3 (Panther Lake) systems. You'll see these chips in Core Ultra Series 3 laptops by the holidays. Early tests indicated that Linux desktop gamers can expect significant speed improvements in some of their favorite games. Linux 6.17 also comes with Error Detection and Correction (EDAC) support for Intel's Bartlett Lake processors. EDAC is the mechanism used to spot, report, and correct memory errors."

Linux kernel 6.17 introduces CPU and graphics performance boosts, expanded hardware support, and reliability fixes across server, desktop, and embedded systems. The release includes locking fixes for Bluetooth races that could cause use-after-free conditions. AMD Ryzen systems gain improved hardware feedback scheduling through the new Hardware Feedback Interface (HFI) driver with SmartMux support, enabling automatic switching between integrated and discrete graphics for power savings or performance. Intel systems receive better graphics support for forthcoming Xe3 (Panther Lake) chips and EDAC support for Bartlett Lake processors to detect and correct memory errors. Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities receive continued mitigation. Kernel 6.18 will be a long-term support release.

Read at ZDNET