A new Linux patch is set to resolve issues of crashing when attempting to use Firewire on computers running Ryzen CPUs. The combination of these unlikely hardware components has caught the attention of the Linux community, and a fix is set to be released with Linux 6.7, with plans to backport it to earlier kernel versions as well.
Firewire, also known as IEEE 1394, is a data interface that was designed in the 1980s and is commonly found on Apple Mac computers and digital video cameras. While it had several advantages over USB, it failed to gain much popularity beyond the audio-video market. In 2008, Steve Jobs declared Firewire dead, with Thunderbolt becoming its successor in 2011.
Despite the decline in popularity, Linux developer Takashi Sakamoto has made a commitment to keep Firewire support alive on Linux until 2029. And now, Sakamoto is delivering on his promise with the latest patch, specifically targeting the issue that affected PCs running AMD Ryzen CPUs. Although it seems unlikely that users would combine hardware components with nearly a decade between them, such individuals do exist and have been reporting an unusually high number of crashes.
The crash occurred when the “isochronous cycle timer” register on the CPU was accessed by Firewire and Ryzen users. This register is accessed when a Firewire device is plugged in or when using software that requires constant access to the register. Sakamoto’s patch prevents this register from being accessed, effectively resolving the crashing issue. However, this workaround does have its drawbacks, particularly for time-aware application programs that rely on the register.
While this patch fixes the crashes for Firewire-Ryzen PCs, Sakamoto acknowledges that it presents a disadvantage for time-aware applications. As a result, Linux users with this hardware combination might need to consider switching to Intel CPUs or downgrading to one of AMD’s pre-Ryzen CPUs, as these options do not exhibit the same problems as the Ryzen-powered PCs.
In conclusion, the Linux community is addressing compatibility issues between Firewire and Ryzen CPUs, providing users with a patch that resolves crashing problems. However, this fix may require compromises for certain time-aware applications, prompting some users to explore alternative hardware options.
The source of the article is from the blog maestropasta.cz