Linus Torvalds is "fed up" with making kernel changes to address faulty hardware

Linus Torvalds criticizes kernel changes for Intel's faulty hardware.

: Linus Torvalds expressed his frustration with modifying the Linux kernel to address Intel's hardware defects. He argues that Intel should handle their issues, not the Linux developers. The controversy arose from proposed changes affecting Intel's Linear Address Masking feature. Torvalds calls for Intel to use their resources to solve the problems, instead of relying on unpaid FOSS developers.

Linus Torvalds voiced his dissatisfaction with the continuous need to make Linux kernel modifications due to Intel's faulty processors. He believes the onus should be on Intel to fix their issues, rather than expecting kernel developers to adjust their work.

The debate centers around proposed changes to accommodate Intel’s Linear Address Masking, which reportedly wouldn't work with Arrow Lake and Lunar Lake processors. Intel's engineer, Kirill Shitemov, mentioned a transition to Linear Address Space Separation for better security but acknowledged the lack of timely implementation.

Torvalds highlighted a broader concern with Intel’s recurring issues, such as Spectre/Meltdown vulnerabilities, and their impact on developers. He pointed out that while Intel has resources to fix their flaws, FOSS developers are often unpaid volunteers, further exacerbating the frustration.