What is the XanMod Kernel?

If you’re running a Debian based Linux OS distribution, you can easily run much more current kernels than what Debian provides, keeping the distribution ones as a fallback. The XanMod kernel is similar to the Zen based kernels for Arch based systems, which mainly I like for a smoother and more responsive system. On my old Chromebook converted to Endeavor OS the Zen Kernel makes touchpad scrolling noticeably smoother for example. But the other benefit is you get support for newer hardware as well, and with Xanmod they provide a repository you can add to get the kernels faster. At present my Debian OS install is running the brand new Linux Kernel 6.8, with only my Manjaro Arch based distribution set to the Unstable branch having that kernel. On the page linked above they have how to add the repository and even a script to figure out what version of the kernel you need for your system. So there is no need to stay on an old version of the Linux kernel with Debian or Debian based OS distributions, and it’s much easier than compiling it yourself.

https://www.linuxcapable.com/what-is-the-xanmod-kernel/

https://dl.xanmod.org/artwork/assets/xanmod_wallpaper.png

By Joshua James

In the world of Linux, the kernel is the heart of the operating system. It’s the bridge between applications and the actual data processing done at the hardware level. But did you know there are different types of kernels you can use? One of these is the XanMod Kernel. But what exactly is it? Let’s dive in and find out.

Introduction to Linux Kernels

Before we delve into the specifics of the XanMod Kernel, it’s important to understand what a kernel is. In computing, a kernel is the core component of an operating system. It’s responsible for managing the system’s resources and the communication between hardware and software components. In a Linux operating system, the kernel plays a crucial role. It’s responsible for task management, disk management, and memory management. Essentially, it’s the heart of the OS, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

Default Linux Kernel vs. XanMod Kernel

The default Linux kernel is designed to be a one-size-fits-all solution, providing broad compatibility across many different systems and hardware configurations. It’s stable, reliable, and tested extensively. However, it may not always provide the best performance for specific use cases.

That’s where custom kernels like XanMod come in. The XanMod Kernel is a custom Linux kernel designed to improve system responsiveness with low latency and includes the latest stable versions of the Linux kernel. It’s optimized for desktop, multimedia, and gaming workloads. The XanMod Kernel project started with the goal of providing a more responsive and smooth Linux experience. It’s a community-driven project that combines the best features of other kernels with unique enhancements.

For older Linux distributions, switching to a custom kernel like XanMod can provide significant performance improvements. However, it’s important to note that using a custom kernel may require more technical knowledge and may not be as stable as the default Linux kernel.

Features of the XanMod Kernel

The XanMod Kernel is packed with features designed to enhance your Linux experience. Here are some of the main features as listed on the official XanMod website:

  • Core and Process Scheduling, Load Balancing, Caching, Virtual Memory Manager and CPUFreq Governor tweaks: These tweaks are designed to optimize the performance of your system. They ensure that your system resources are used efficiently, leading to a smoother and more responsive experience.
  • Full multi-core block layer runqueue requests for high I/O throughput: This feature is designed to improve the performance of your system when dealing with high I/O operations. It ensures that your system can handle large amounts of data without slowing down.
  • Real-time Linux kernel (PREEMPT_RT) build available: This feature is designed for critical runtime applications such as Linux gaming server/client for eSports, streaming, live productions, and ultra-low latency enthusiasts. It ensures that your system can handle real-time tasks without any delays.
  • Third-party patchset available: This includes patches from various sources that provide additional features and improvements to the kernel. These patches can further enhance the performance and functionality of your system.
  • AMD’s P-state CPPC driver for Zen2/3/(4?) processors: This driver is designed to improve the performance of AMD processors. It ensures that your AMD processor can deliver its maximum performance.
  • Intel’s SMT task migration scheduler rework: This feature is designed to improve the performance of Intel processors. It ensures that your Intel processor can deliver its maximum performance.
  • Futex waitv and legacy WAIT_MULTIPLE implementation for Wine / Proton Fsync support: This feature is designed to improve the performance of Wine and Proton, which are used to run Windows applications on Linux. It ensures that your Windows applications run smoothly on your Linux system.
  • Cloudflare’s TCP collapse processing for high throughput and low latency: This feature is designed to improve network performance. It ensures that your system can handle large amounts of network traffic without slowing down.
  • Google’s Multigenerational LRU framework: This feature is designed to improve memory management. It ensures that your system can handle large amounts of memory without slowing down.
  • Google’s BBRv2 TCP congestion control: This feature is designed to improve network performance. It ensures that your system can handle large amounts of network traffic without slowing down.
  • Netfilter nf_tables RFC3489 full-cone NAT support: This feature is designed to improve network performance. It ensures that your system can handle large amounts of network traffic without slowing down.
  • Netfilter FLOWOFFLOAD target to speed up processing of packets: This feature is designed to improve network performance. It ensures that your system can handle large amounts of network traffic without slowing down.
  • WineSync driver for fast kernel-backed Wine: This feature is designed to improve the performance of Wine, which is used to run Windows applications on Linux. It ensures that your Windows applications run smoothly on your Linux system.
  • PCIe ACS Override for bypassing IOMMU groups support: This feature is designed to improve the performance of PCIe devices. It ensures that your PCIe devices can deliver their maximum performance.
  • Graysky’s additional GCC and Clang CPU options: These options are designed to improve the performance of your system. They ensure that your system can deliver its maximum performance.
  • Clear Linux patchset: This includes patches from the Clear Linux project that provide additional features and improvements to the kernel. These patches can further enhance the performance and functionality of your system.
  • Android Binder IPC driver as module for Anbox: This driver is designed to improve the performance of Anbox, which is used to run Android applications on Linux. It ensures that your Android applications run smoothly on your Linux system.

XanMod Kernel Offerings

The XanMod project offers several different kernel builds, each designed for specific use cases and hardware configurations. Here’s a quick overview of the current offerings:

XanMod MAIN Kernel

The MAIN kernels are the standard XanMod offerings. They include the latest stable versions of the Linux kernel and are optimized for desktop, multimedia, and gaming workloads. The MAIN kernels are available in four versions:

  • linux-xanmod-x64v1
  • linux-xanmod-x64v2
  • linux-xanmod-x64v3
  • linux-xanmod-x64v4

XanMod EDGE Kernel

The EDGE kernels are designed for users who want the latest and greatest features and improvements. They include the most recent versions of the Linux kernel and are optimized for high-performance workloads. The EDGE kernels are available in three versions:

  • linux-xanmod-edge-x64v2
  • linux-xanmod-edge-x64v3
  • linux-xanmod-edge-x64v4

XanMod LTS Kernel

The LTS (Long Term Support) kernels are designed for users who prioritize stability and reliability over the latest features. They include older, but more tested versions of the Linux kernel and are optimized for general-purpose workloads. The LTS kernels are available in four versions:

  • linux-xanmod-lts-x64v1
  • linux-xanmod-lts-x64v2
  • linux-xanmod-lts-x64v3
  • linux-xanmod-lts-x64v4

XanMod RT Kernel

The RT (Real-Time) kernels are designed for critical runtime applications such as Linux gaming servers, streaming, live productions, and ultra-low latency enthusiasts. They include the PREEMPT_RT real-time patch, which reduces the latency of the system and makes it more responsive. The RT kernels are available in three versions:

  • linux-xanmod-rt-x64v2
  • linux-xanmod-rt-x64v3
  • linux-xanmod-rt-x64v4

Each of these kernel builds is designed to work with specific hardware configurations, ranging from older x86-64 systems to the latest AMD and Intel processors. You can find more detailed information about the hardware compatibility of each kernel build on the XanMod website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the XanMod Kernel is a powerful tool for Linux users looking for a more responsive and feature-rich system. However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks before deciding to install it. As with any custom kernel, it may not be as stable as the standard Linux kernel and may require more technical knowledge to install and use. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, the XanMod Kernel can significantly boost your Linux experience.