lti wrote on 2025-12-08, 01:15:

The other problem is outdated documentation. For example, I booted Fedora live on my laptop, and I forgot that this laptop has broken panel self-refresh. Even in Windows, panel self-refresh results in random screen flickering, but it was easy to turn off in the Intel graphics settings. In Linux, the instructions I found online refer to the old (I don't think it's under development anymore, and it doesn't support some features anyway) i915 driver instead of the modern driver.

Probably worth reporting so a quirk can be applied to disable it (e.g. PSR is disabled on all Apple panels so MacBooks consume more power at idle in Linux). Otherwise, yeah, knowing to add i915.enable_psr=0 to the kernel command line isn't exactly straightforward 😀

lti wrote on 2025-12-08, 01:15:

Fedora looks good so far, but I don't know if it has any kind of third-party repository like Ubuntu PPAs or the AUR in Arch.

Yep, Copr.

lti wrote on 2025-12-08, 01:15:

If that's the one with 2GB of RAM, then I don't think any modern OS is going to run well on it. Your only hope might be antiX, but I haven't used it in such a long time that I don't remember how easy it was to set up.

I quote only you, but acknowledge others that have responded to my post messing with that laptop.

Yeah, it's that one, Mint 22.2 seems more loaded than 32-bit Win10 1809. It was a live session, so couldn't look at the logs. I'll try again with real install, which I did this weekend, with updates applied. I replaced Ubuntu (Mate) 16.04 install, seems unlikely I'll mess with the old version again. But, Compiz was a nice touch.

I should buy more RAM for it at some point while I can still find it more easily. Doesn't cost much, but, it just hasn't been a big priority. I mostly have this laptop because I needed actual portable computer once in my life. Now I just turn it on occasionally so battery doesn't go totally kaput and occasionally try some software on it or browse the web.

One odd thing about Mint, they hide Grub boot menu by default, even if you already have another operating system on computer. I always pick "something else" when installer asks about partitioning. I go with one ext4 partition for all data and OS and one for swap. For some reason, I got a warning that EFI partition is missing and that it likely won't boot. It's strange since I still use MBR and classic BIOS mode on that laptop. It's possible to use UEFI, but I wanted more certain compatibility with random bootable stuff. MBR limitations don't bother me either.

Ozzuneoj wrote on 2025-12-07, 02:47:

This is the kind of stuff that kills it for me. I want everything I do on my PC to work the best it can, and if it doesn't I want to be able to figure out why and fix it if possible. There are well established tools to make almost all of this happen with Windows (30 years worth... and most still work in some capacity)... and if some specific niche problem can't be fixed with a program, I have spent years making sure I have work-arounds in place via registry edits or other things. I think the biggest problems I'd have would be with hardware related or hardware-specific programs... monitoring\tweaking programs (MSI Afterburner, Ryzen Master, Fan Control), extremely specific refresh rate and resolution settings (including things like DLDSR, which I can almost guarantee isn't a thing in Nvidia's Linux drivers), ClickMonitorDDC (amazing for quickly changing monitor brightness), Hotkey Resolution Changer, Nvidia Broadcast (excellent mic noise canceling), equalizer APO + Peace for multiple audio devices, Hard Disk Sentinel...

that's not the linux way! when you encounter such issues in linux you just

hgw /.-y.1 -ht 1/o
and then pld -01/fltpk.1

and so on for about an hour, then you flatpak something and compile some other things that will slowly mess everything up, then recompile the kernel (wowzer such freedom , aaaah), then do some more command line things that are strictly consonants only, with elaborate arguments involving slashes dots and dashes and then, after a few weeks of that - and navigating forums where people say "try this", "i want to know too" or haughtily repeat the utterly ineffective commands you already typed, you'll pick up on something that is propriety (oh the horror..) which no one will help you with ("unclean!") and then you give up while weakly trying to tell yourself how great this "freedom" is...

well, not really 😀 - but it can feel like that. thats why is like linux mint when its installed, but i don't push my luck - if it doesnt do what i want in one or two steps i wont chase it down

Ozzuneoj wrote on 2025-12-07, 02:47:

I think the biggest problems I'd have would be with hardware related or hardware-specific programs... monitoring\tweaking programs (MSI Afterburner, Ryzen Master, Fan Control), extremely specific refresh rate and resolution settings (including things like DLDSR, which I can almost guarantee isn't a thing in Nvidia's Linux drivers), ClickMonitorDDC (amazing for quickly changing monitor brightness), Hotkey Resolution Changer, Nvidia Broadcast (excellent mic noise canceling), equalizer APO + Peace for multiple audio devices, Hard Disk Sentinel...

Yeah, Nvidia's Linux drivers are pretty barebones. And the lack of MSI Afterburner and Nvidia Profile Inspector makes it difficult for me to switch as well. Granted, not everyone tweaks their games so extensively, but I personally appreciate that level of customization. For example, I like how Nvidia Profile Inspector can force DLSS4 in games which use an older version. Similarly, it can replace DLSS with DLAA for improved visual clarity. This can be done with just a few clicks on Windows. Also, using MSI Afterburner to check GPU utilization, frame times, average FPS and 1% lows, and then adjusting in-game settings to get the smoothest possible experience is something I do on a regular basis. Not having that ability would be a big loss for me.

That said, Microsoft is doing everything in their power to push me away from Windows 11. There isn't a monthly update that doesn't break something, and they keep shoving AI slop into every single thing, including the goddamn Game Bar. I use Win11 LTSC to avoid the worst of it, but even that version is now affected to some degree. If SteamOS hits it out of the park, and gives me the customization tools that I need, I might just go with an AMD GPU next time and ditch Windows for good.

Joseph_Joestar wrote on 2025-12-08, 10:48:

Ozzuneoj wrote on 2025-12-07, 02:47:

I think the biggest problems I'd have would be with hardware related or hardware-specific programs... monitoring\tweaking programs (MSI Afterburner, Ryzen Master, Fan Control), extremely specific refresh rate and resolution settings (including things like DLDSR, which I can almost guarantee isn't a thing in Nvidia's Linux drivers), ClickMonitorDDC (amazing for quickly changing monitor brightness), Hotkey Resolution Changer, Nvidia Broadcast (excellent mic noise canceling), equalizer APO + Peace for multiple audio devices, Hard Disk Sentinel...

Yeah, Nvidia's Linux drivers are pretty barebones. And the lack of MSI Afterburner and Nvidia Profile Inspector makes it difficult for me to switch as well. Granted, not everyone tweaks their games so extensively, but I personally appreciate that level of customization. For example, I like how Nvidia Profile Inspector can force DLSS4 in games which use an older version. Similarly, it can replace DLSS with DLAA for improved visual clarity. This can be done with just a few clicks on Windows. Also, using MSI Afterburner to check GPU utilization, frame times, average FPS and 1% lows, and then adjusting in-game settings to get the smoothest possible experience is something I do on a regular basis. Not having that ability would be a big loss for me.

That said, Microsoft is doing everything in their power to push me away from Windows 11. There isn't a monthly update that doesn't break something, and they keep shoving AI slop into every single thing, including the goddamn Game Bar. I use Win11 LTSC to avoid the worst of it, but even that version is now affected to some degree. If SteamOS hits it out of the park, and gives me the customization tools that I need, I might just go with an AMD GPU next time and ditch Windows for good.

Good news! GE-Proton added the ability to force difference DLSS versions and profiles. It's all environment variables you set in the Proton config, so it's not as easy as having a GUI, but you can. I haven't tried it myself yet, since the only game I've been playing lately is StarCraft II for old times sake.

Joseph_Joestar wrote on 2025-12-08, 10:48:

That said, Microsoft is doing everything in their power to push me away from Windows 11. There isn't a monthly update that doesn't break something, and they keep shoving AI slop into every single thing, including the goddamn Game Bar. I use Win11 LTSC to avoid the worst of it, but even that version is now affected to some degree. If SteamOS hits it out of the park, and gives me the customization tools that I need, I might just go with an AMD GPU next time and ditch Windows for good.

Why not just use Win10?

Another issue with Mint, it doesn't remember my laptop's screen brightness that I set, it resets to 100% every boot.

Namrok wrote on 2025-12-08, 12:43:

Good news! GE-Proton added the ability to force difference DLSS versions and profiles. It's all environment variables you set in the Proton config, so it's not as easy as having a GUI, but you can.

That's great to hear. I really like how far Proton has come over the last couple of years, likely thanks to the Steam Deck. I hope it gets even better now that the GabeCube is on its way.

UCyborg wrote on 2025-12-08, 20:09:

Why not just use Win10?

I do have Win10 on a different computer and it works well there. The reason I got Win11 for my newer Ryzen rig was because I wanted a long term platform for modern games. But I didn't expect Microsoft to go as bonkers with their AI slop as they recently did.

Again, using LTSC saves me from the most egregious stuff like Recall, but they still snuck in some crap because I manually installed the Xbox Accessories app and Game Bar via the Microsoft Store. I was able to remove their "helpful" AI from the Game Bar for now, but who knows what the next update may bring. And yeah, I do need both of those apps, because I'm primarily gaming with an Xbox controller.

Joseph_Joestar wrote on 2025-12-08, 20:28:

That's great to hear. I really like how far Proton has come over the last couple of years, likely thanks to the Steam Deck. I ho […]
Show full quote

Namrok wrote on 2025-12-08, 12:43:

Good news! GE-Proton added the ability to force difference DLSS versions and profiles. It's all environment variables you set in the Proton config, so it's not as easy as having a GUI, but you can.

That's great to hear. I really like how far Proton has come over the last couple of years, likely thanks to the Steam Deck. I hope it gets even better now that the GabeCube is on its way.

UCyborg wrote on 2025-12-08, 20:09:

Why not just use Win10?

I do have Win10 on a different computer and it works well there. The reason I got Win11 for my newer Ryzen rig was because I wanted a long term platform for modern games. But I didn't expect Microsoft to go as bonkers with their AI slop as they recently did.

Again, using LTSC saves me from the most egregious stuff like Recall, but they still snuck in some crap because I manually installed the Xbox Accessories app and Game Bar via the Microsoft Store. I was able to remove their "helpful" AI from the Game Bar for now, but who knows what the next update may bring. And yeah, I do need both of those apps, because I'm primarily gaming with an Xbox controller.

You know, much to my surprise, my old PS3 controller just worked on Linux Mint. Wanted something a bit better than my old Logitech 310, and wouldn't you know it, apparently PS3 controller support is built into the kernel? Or something? The appimage of RPCS3 just automatically picked it up, gyroscope and all. Steam and RetroArch did as well.

Although, I did have to find the hidden button on the back of the controller to initiate it's pairing mode. Most of the guides seemed to leave out that detail. Go figure.

Namrok wrote on 2025-12-08, 22:34:

Joseph_Joestar wrote on 2025-12-08, 20:28:

That's great to hear. I really like how far Proton has come over the last couple of years, likely thanks to the Steam Deck. I ho […]
Show full quote

Namrok wrote on 2025-12-08, 12:43:

Good news! GE-Proton added the ability to force difference DLSS versions and profiles. It's all environment variables you set in the Proton config, so it's not as easy as having a GUI, but you can.

That's great to hear. I really like how far Proton has come over the last couple of years, likely thanks to the Steam Deck. I hope it gets even better now that the GabeCube is on its way.

UCyborg wrote on 2025-12-08, 20:09:

Why not just use Win10?

I do have Win10 on a different computer and it works well there. The reason I got Win11 for my newer Ryzen rig was because I wanted a long term platform for modern games. But I didn't expect Microsoft to go as bonkers with their AI slop as they recently did.

Again, using LTSC saves me from the most egregious stuff like Recall, but they still snuck in some crap because I manually installed the Xbox Accessories app and Game Bar via the Microsoft Store. I was able to remove their "helpful" AI from the Game Bar for now, but who knows what the next update may bring. And yeah, I do need both of those apps, because I'm primarily gaming with an Xbox controller.

You know, much to my surprise, my old PS3 controller just worked on Linux Mint. Wanted something a bit better than my old Logitech 310, and wouldn't you know it, apparently PS3 controller support is built into the kernel? Or something? The appimage of RPCS3 just automatically picked it up, gyroscope and all. Steam and RetroArch did as well.

Although, I did have to find the hidden button on the back of the controller to initiate it's pairing mode. Most of the guides seemed to leave out that detail. Go figure.

PS3, PS4 and Xbox controllers have worked out of the box for years. I remember having to compile 'xpad' years and year ago to get 360 controllers working... but we're talking 10-15 years or more. It's great to just use any of them out of the box - including pass through to Windows games under Wine/Lutris/Proton/etc. Gaming on Linux has really improved massively - while I don't necessarily love the whole Steam philosophy, they've definitely given things the shove that was needed.

I run windows 11 on one PC and cachyOS linux on another, so between the two I can cover all the gaps... whatever doesnt work on one works on the other.. I even made sure all the hardware components to be different for the two.... intel + nvidia for the win11 pc, all-amd for the cachyos pc. Great for testing stuff I develop, can make sure they work on everything. Oh, and those are in addition to the win7, winXP, win98, win95 etc retro PCs I also keep because theres old games and app that just work better on something period correct. So yeah the real answer is, not one or the other, just have all of them, problems solved 😀 Win11 full of telemetry and surveilance and crap? Well, then just dont keep any important data on it for them to datamine, all they can learn by spying on my win11 pc is that Im playing some games on it :V

Seems my laptop hangs only trying to hardware video decode in Firefox, but dedicated media players are fine. I didn't find anything in logs. The issue with screen brightness has been brought up over a decade ago. Not sure how to solve this one either, xbacklight program is not effective and the brightness file /sys/class/backlight/radeon_bl1/brightness can only be written to by root, so I guess I can't put the script on the list of normal startup programs.

Do you Linux people change swappiness setting or leave at default? Or do you even run without swap partition / file?

I found out two drivers are available for my laptop's GPU, radeon and newer amdgpu. Apparently the old one is used in my case, but kernel command line can be used to use the newer one. Will see what happens if I try to use amdgpu.

Playing H.264 videos in Firefox doesn't cause laptop to hang anymore now that amdgpu is used instead of radeon driver. But these things aren't obvious unless you're a (kernel) programmer. And the only thing that pushed me in the right direction was inspecting output of vulkaninfo. Which I didn't have much reason to do in the first place, but it pointed out the unsupported driver. I guess Vulkan now works too, theoretically, through GPU, even though I wasn't looking to get Vulkan working.

jtchip wrote on 2025-12-08, 01:54:

Probably worth reporting so a quirk can be applied to disable it (e.g. PSR is disabled on all Apple panels so MacBooks consume more power at idle in Linux). Otherwise, yeah, knowing to add i915.enable_psr=0 to the kernel command line isn't exactly straightforward 😀

I thought i915 was an outdated driver. Even on my old Sandy Bridge laptop, when I loaded that driver for the TearFree option, Firefox blacklisted a bunch of hardware acceleration features. Later, I switched to the newer driver (relying on modesetting) and found a different way to fix screen tearing that I preferred (it felt like a more legitimate fix), and those features were available.

UCyborg wrote on Yesterday, 18:27:

Do you Linux people change swappiness setting or leave at default? Or do you even run without swap partition / file?

I've accidentally gone without a swap file because the installer was bugged and didn't automatically create one like it should have. Now that I think about it, that was also in Linux Mint, but it had nothing to do with the random hard freezes I had. I'm sure that I wasn't out of RAM, and if I was, the oom-killer would have kicked in eventually and started force-closing stuff. I've watched it happen before. That computer would freeze so hard that even the reset button on the case stopped working.

I never touched swappiness, but it looks like a lot of people recommend changing it with SSDs. I was never concerned about premature SSD wear.

Haven't used a swap file or partition in around a decade. No negative side effects encountered - let's face it, the difference in speed between RAM and storage is even larger than it was when we were getting by with just 8MB.

UCyborg wrote on Yesterday, 18:27:

Do you Linux people change swappiness setting or leave at default? Or do you even run without swap partition / file?

I leave swappiness at the default setting and still use a swap partition, probably out of habit (yes, even on SSD), though these days it's compressed with zswap (add zswap.enabled=1 zswap.zpool=zsmalloc to the kernel command line). Some distributions, like Fedora, have switched to swap-on-zram instead (since Fedora 33).

UCyborg wrote on Yesterday, 21:25:

Playing H.264 videos in Firefox doesn't cause laptop to hang anymore now that amdgpu is used instead of radeon driver. But these things aren't obvious unless you're a (kernel) programmer. And the only thing that pushed me in the right direction was inspecting output of vulkaninfo. Which I didn't have much reason to do in the first place, but it pointed out the unsupported driver. I guess Vulkan now works too, theoretically, through GPU, even though I wasn't looking to get Vulkan working.

Given that your Radeon R2 is supported by both radeon and amdgpu, that means it's a Mullins/Beema (GCN2, UVD4.2) since GCN3+ is only supported by amdgpu (see the Arch wiki, though just ignore the distro-specific bits). I suspect you've found a corner case since hardware video decoding command submission is done in userspace (the radeonsi driver in Mesa). AIUI think the memory management is different between the two kernel drivers, which is why amdgpu is a requirement for Vulkan support (by the RADV driver in Mesa).

If your laptop has a VGA output, you may find that that now no longer works. The amdgpu driver adds support for analog output (VGA) for GCN1/2 generation of dGPUs and switches them to amdgpu by default in Linux 6.19 (to be released around February 2026). That still leaves the iGPUs on radeon though until they add analog output support for iGPUs.

lti wrote on Yesterday, 23:19:

I thought i915 was an outdated driver. Even on my old Sandy Bridge laptop, when I loaded that driver for the TearFree option, Firefox blacklisted a bunch of hardware acceleration features. Later, I switched to the newer driver (relying on modesetting) and found a different way to fix screen tearing that I preferred (it felt like a more legitimate fix), and those features were available.

The i915 kernel driver (for iGPUs from when it was part of the north bridge through to modern CPUs and the Arc A-series dGPUs) is still maintained and handles modesetting, memory allocation, and command submission. As you mention modesetting, I think that refers to Xorg modesetting DDX (device-dependent X) and that was indeed the replacement for the Xorg intel DDX "driver". The former depends on a kernel modesetting driver, like i915 (or amdgpu, radeon, nouveau, etc.), while the latter initially did modesetting in userspace but eventually relied on the i915 kernel driver anyway so AIUI Intel decided to stop maintaining their separate DDX.