Graphics, networking, and filesystem optimizations boost efficiency, while new drivers expand support for cutting-edge hardware.
Linus Torvalds has announced the release of Linux Kernel 6.13, packed with updates that refine performance, bolster hardware compatibility, and introduce advanced features for developers and users alike.
Key updates include support for running Linux in protected virtual machines (realms) under Arm’s Confidential Compute Architecture (CCA). Additionally, the kernel introduces lazy preemption, simplifying preemption logic across x86, RISC-V, and LoongArch architectures for better efficiency.
Hardware and Architecture Enhancements
- AMD and Intel Updates: The default amd-pstate cpufreq driver is now available for newer AMD Epyc processors, alongside PMU support for Intel ArrowLake-H and Panther Lake CPUs.
- Graphics and Audio: Support for Adreno A663 GPUs, NT36672A touchscreens, and a pass-through mode for audio accelerators have been added.
- Raspberry Pi Boost: Hardware superpages in the V3D driver enhance performance for Raspberry Pi devices.
Networking improvements include reduced contention in namespace-heavy workloads via per-network-namespace RTNL locks, a new TX hardware shaping API for traffic control, and IRQ suspension to optimize application responsiveness.
- F2FS and XFS: Enhanced with device aliasing and atomic write operations, respectively.
- Performance Boosts: Btrfs and exFAT filesystems gain efficiency through reduced lock contention and traversal optimizations.
New drivers expand support for devices such as the Surface Pro 9 5G, RealTek RT721 chips, and NVIDIA Mellanox MLX5 network devices. Virtualization also sees improvements with a new virtual-cpufreq driver. While early adopters can compile the kernel, others may wait for stable releases via their distributions. The merge window for Linux 6.14 is now open, with its first Release Candidate expected on February 2nd. The final release is projected for late March 2025.
