WORLDTECHAMD prepares official Ryzen overclocking driver for Linux kernel
AMD has submitted Linux kernel patches for an official driver that would make it simpler to adjust Ryzen CPU parameters on Linux-based systems, according to Notebookcheck.
What the early driver can change
The new AMD Overclocking Driver, abbreviated AOD, is at an early stage and offers a narrow feature set for now. Its first release lets users modify Package Power Tracking, Thermal Design Current and Electrical Design Current through the kernel's sysfs interface. It can also report the supported adjustment ranges and the memory clock speeds currently in use.
The driver further allows Simultaneous Multithreading to be switched on or off through the system firmware. Linux already offers a nosmt option, but that only stops the operating system from using extra CPU threads, whereas this control alters the setting at firmware level.
Role of the developer
AMD engineer Shyam Sundar S K developed the driver, which serves as an intermediary between Linux and the processor's firmware. That link could, in principle, underpin more extensive tuning software later.
Limits and status of the patches
Changes to the three power and current parameters only take effect after the system restarts, and the driver exposes just a fraction of the options AMD's firmware supports. It therefore does not yet replace Ryzen Master, AMD's overclocking utility for Windows.
The patches are currently under review, and their inclusion in a mainline Linux kernel release has not been confirmed. AMD has not announced plans to bring its overclocking utility to Linux.
Open questions
- Will the AMD Overclocking Driver be included in a mainline Linux kernel release?
- Will AMD extend the driver to cover more of the tuning options in its firmware?