Below all the Linux distributions that we can find on the net, there is a common kernel: the Kernel. This is the most important part of these distributions, since it is responsible for managing memory, processes and system calls, as well as being where all the drivers are found so that the software can control the hardware. This Linux Kernel is in constant development, and as part of its evolution, today we release a new update of it: version 5.12 .
The new Linux 5.12 kernel has been in development for more than two months, and yet it has reached users a few weeks later than expected. Due to a series of last minute errors, Linus Torvalds was forced to delay the release of the final version, releasing one more Release Candidate with which to finish debugging the version.
This new version brings with it a host of new features, enhancements, and new drivers for the hardware. Next, we are going to see what the most important news are.
What’s New in the Linux 5.12 Kernel
Undoubtedly, one of the most important novelties of this new version of the kernel is the Dynamic Thermal Power Management , a feature that will help us control the temperature of the computer components much better. We can also highlight support for new RISC-V processors, Snapdragon 888 and for the Microsoft Surface. Even some old / outdated ARM processor drivers have been removed.
The graphics , as usual, have also improved in this new version. The performance of Intel‘s iGPUs, as well as the latest AMD Radeon models, have been improved, adding support for overclocking the RX 6800 and 6900 models. Support for Adreno chips and the ability to manually disable the RX chips have also been added. Intel security mitigations for better performance.
In terms of file systems , F2FS has added support for Zstd / LZ4 data compression, support for XFS has been improved, and BTRFS performance has been improved. EMMC memories now have better encryption, and exFAT drives can delete files faster.
Other interesting news that we find in the new Linux Kernel 5.12 are:
- New KFENCE (Kernel Electric-Fence) error detection and debugging system.
- Official drivers for the PS5 controller.
- Support for Nintendo 64 controllers.
- Many improvements in the operation of the network.
- More support for USB 4.
- Better compatibility and battery management for Logitech peripherals.
- Improvements in the development of IoT.
Of course, we can also find many other new drivers of all kinds, as well as a large number of bug fixes and other major improvements thanks to which our Linux distribution will be able to perform better than ever.
If we want to know in detail all these changes, we can do it from the following mailing list .
Download or update
The new Linux kernel 5.12 is now available to all users. On the Kernel website we can already find the new version to download and compile it on our PC. Rolling Release distributions will be able to download and install this new version automatically right now through their package managers. However, non-Rolling Release distros will have to wait for the next version to enjoy these new features, or update the kernel by hand.
In Ubuntu, for example, we can use a very simple software, called mainline , which will allow us to download and install this latest kernel easily. Of course, we will lose the optimizations and improvements that Canonical applies to the Kernel of its distro.