Best of Hardware — July 2024

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    Article
    Avatar of dhhDavid Heinemeier Hansson·2y

    Living with Linux and Android after two decades of Apple

    Switching from Apple to Linux and Android offers a refreshing change and new opportunities. Embracing an open-source operating system can provide greater flexibility, customization, and a renewed sense of discovery in both software and hardware. This transition can lead to exploring tools like Neovim, Framework laptops, and customizable Android launchers, enriching the user experience beyond the Apple ecosystem.

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    Video
    Avatar of fireshipFireship·2y

    Intel chips can’t possibly be this bad… 100% crash rate?

    Intel's 13th and 14th generation CPUs, also known as Raptor Lake, are experiencing high failure rates, causing frequent crashes in gaming and other high-demand applications. Initial blame was placed on Nvidia drivers, but later investigations pointed to issues within Intel's microcode algorithm. Many users and developers are calling for a recall of these CPUs due to their instability. Intel has acknowledged the problem but has yet to offer a definitive solution.

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    Article
    Avatar of lobstersLobsters·2y

    How I Computer in 2024

    The post details how the author uses their computer setup in 2024, covering their custom-built desktop, home server, Lenovo laptop, and iPhone. It emphasizes the importance of a solid audio-visual setup for remote work, the use of Tailscale for connectivity, and reliance on tools like Obsidian for note-taking and Todoist for task management. The author explains their preference for NixOS and highlights their productivity applications and development tools.

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    Article
    Avatar of omgubomg! ubuntu!·2y

    This $60 Intel SBC is Cheaper & Faster than a Raspberry Pi 5

    The Radxa X4 is a small, single-board computer (SBC) powered by an Intel N100 processor with Intel UHD graphics, offering better CPU and GPU performance than a Raspberry Pi 5. Available in 4GB, 8GB, and soon 16GB RAM versions, the board supports Ubuntu and Windows operating systems. It comes with multiple connectivity options, significant networking prowess, and options for M.2 NVMe SSD storage. Prices range from $60 to $89, with an official heatsink/fan cooler recommended due to higher power consumption and heat generation. Availability may be limited given high demand.

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    Article
    Avatar of hnHacker News·2y

    The Linux Kernel Module Programming Guide

    The Linux Kernel Module Programming Guide outlines the method for creating, compiling, and loading dynamic modules in the Linux kernel. Kernel modules enhance the kernel's capabilities without requiring system reboots. Basic tasks include setting up a development environment, writing a 'hello world' module, and understanding kernel functions and logging. Key steps include using the modprobe, insmod, and depmod commands, and handling kernel headers. SecureBoot and kernel versioning challenges are also discussed.

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    Article
    Avatar of phoronixPhoronix·2y

    Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu Linux Performance For The AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 Review

    A performance comparison between Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS on an ASUS Zenbook S16 equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 SoC. Tests were conducted using pre-loaded Windows 11 with all updates and Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with an upgraded Linux 6.10 kernel and other necessary firmware updates. No power monitoring results are included.

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    Article
    Avatar of communityCommunity Picks·2y

    Matt Brown Digs Deep Into an IP Camera's Firmware — and Finds a Hard-Coded Root Password

    Matt Brown of Brown Fine Security has demonstrated a serious security flaw in the VStarcam CB73 IP camera by discovering a hard-coded root password. Using a detailed process involving physical hardware examination, firmware dumping, and software analysis with Ghidra, Brown exposed vulnerabilities that highlight the risks of using devices with hard-coded credentials. His findings stress the importance of better security regulations for IoT devices.

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    Article
    Avatar of hnHacker News·2y

    Making a Linux-managed network switch

    This post discusses the creation of a Linux-managed network switch by leveraging the DSA and switchdev subsystems. It details the process of designing and integrating a Realtek RTL8367S switch chip with a custom-built board, including power configurations and communication interfaces. The post also covers configuring the switch in Linux, required kernel options, and device tree modifications to enable functionality. Challenges and limitations are also addressed.

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    Article
    Avatar of phoronixPhoronix·2y

    Linus Torvalds Addresses His Latest ARM64 Annoyance: Installing Compressed Kernel Images

    Linus Torvalds addresses the annoyance of installing compressed kernel images on ARM64, noting that the traditional 'make install' command installs the non-compressed version, while 'make zinstall' installs the compressed one. The inconsistency, especially given years of using 'make install', is frustrating. Torvalds and Will Deacon discuss the challenges associated with bootloader support for compressed images, suggesting a new 'COMPRESSED_INSTALL' option to resolve the issue without disrupting existing systems.

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    Article
    Avatar of jeffgeerlingJeff Geerling·2y

    Where is Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite Dev Kit?

    A developer recounts the frustrating experience of attempting to purchase Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite Dev Kit, touted as a 'Mac mini killer' for Windows. Despite receiving an email about the availability and being quick to act, stock issues and shipping date complications marred the process, leading to significant delays. The developer also notes ongoing efforts to test the device with Linux, where compatibility currently surpasses that of Windows on Arm.

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    Article
    Avatar of thevergeThe Verge·2y

    There is no fix for Intel’s crashing 13th and 14th Gen CPUs — any damage is permanent

    Intel confirmed that the instability issues affecting 13th and 14th Gen desktop CPUs due to elevated voltages are not fixable if the CPUs are already damaged. The upcoming patch will prevent future damage but won't repair already affected CPUs. If experiencing instability, users should contact Intel Customer Support for replacements. Intel also identified an oxidization manufacturing issue as another cause of failures. The company has decided not to recall the affected processors or halt sales at this time, advising users to keep their BIOS updated and adhere to default settings until the patch is released.

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