[SOLVED] Is there a minimum kernel release required for a given CPU?

JeremyBoden · 04-09-2021, 10:18 AM

I'm planning on installing LMDE4 which comes with a 4.19 kernel in a AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU.
Probably followed by upgrading to a 5.10 backport kernel.

Will this work?
[Please say yes!!!]

computersavvy · 04-09-2021, 10:44 AM

Yes, there are minimum kernel requirements for newer CPUs. I don't know what they are and don't have time to do your research but a bit of searching for

Code:

minimum kernel level for ryzen 7 5800x

will give you some reading material on the subject

DavidMcCann · 04-09-2021, 11:07 AM

I presume that you'd need a kernel that postdates the processor. Version 4.19 came out in 2018 and Ryzen 7 the previous year, so I'd assume it works. No guarantees, though! (I'm using an AMD A6 and the 5.11 kernel.)

JeremyBoden · 04-09-2021, 12:05 PM

Sounds hopeful.

The internet is awash with gamers and any reviews always use the absolute latest kernel.
Mostly on about water cooling and overclocking etc...

Nothing definite about my problem.

computersavvy · 04-09-2021, 06:11 PM

The only definitive answer you can get is to try it yourself. We don't know if the 4.19 kernel will work, but certainly the 5.10 should. As DavidMcCann said, the kernel likely needs to postdate the processor so any tweaks needed have already been done. Release dates look good, but it seems close.

JeremyBoden · 04-09-2021, 07:12 PM

Well its supposed to turn up in a few days, so I shall find out.

I take it that it's not reasonably possible to "repackage" a distro on a USB stick to use a different kernel?

JeremyBoden · 04-13-2021, 03:20 PM

I can report that there is no problem booting & installing LMDE4 (Kernel=4.19) onto a AMD Ryzen 5800X (with a B550 motherboard) and NVMe M2 SSD and a basic GPU.
Installing a 5.10 kernel backport didn't appear to make any noticeable difference.

Must stop gambling!!!