Best of Hardware — November 2024

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    Article
    Avatar of theregisterThe Register·2y

    Torvalds patch improves Linux performance by 2.6%

    A small but significant code change by Linus Torvalds has improved Linux's multithreaded performance by 2.6%. The patch addresses security vulnerabilities linked to Meltdown and Spectre by avoiding the barrier_nospec() API, which prevents speculative execution. Instead, it uses pointer masking for enhanced performance without compromising security. This tweak demonstrates Torvalds's deep technical expertise and ongoing contribution to Linux development.

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    Article
    Avatar of jeffgeerlingJeff Geerling·2y

    Why Raspberry Pi for an SBC guy

    The author expresses frustration with the time-consuming process of getting an ArmSoM Sige7 single-board computer to boot and become usable, compared to the ease of use and reliability they experience with Raspberry Pi. They highlight issues such as finding compatible OS images and setting up user accounts, which hinder their ability to start projects efficiently with new SBCs.

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    Article
    Avatar of jeffgeerlingJeff Geerling·2y

    Home Assistant and CarPlay with the Pi Touch Display 2

    Raspberry Pi has updated its official Touch Display to 720p. The new display had some software issues with Linux support, but improvements are expected. The post discusses using the new Touch Display 2 for two main projects: a Home Assistant smart home control panel and integrating CarPlay in a 2007 Toyota Camry. It includes a guide on configuring Pi OS for the new display and mentions a custom 3D printed stand for it. The author also shares the challenges of using the display in a car due to temperature limits.

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    Video
    Avatar of davesgarageDave's Garage·2y

    Optimize Your Hard Drive and Extend Data Life - Including SSDs with SpinRite!

    Dave Plummer, a retired Microsoft engineer, explains the benefits of using SpinRite, a tool for maintaining hard drives, including SSDs. SpinRite works by reading and rewriting data to reinforce the magnetic alignment of hard drive sectors, thus preventing data degradation. It also has utility for SSDs by helping recalibrate charge levels and encouraging efficient data management. Plummer discusses how SpinRite operates at a deep hardware level, bypassing modern operating systems to directly interact with drive firmware.

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    Article
    Avatar of phoronixPhoronix·2y

    Apple M4 Mac Mini With macOS vs. Intel / AMD With Ubuntu Linux Performance Review

    Apple recently released their latest M4-powered Mac Mini, starting at under $600 and featuring a new compact design with significant updates, including a 10-core GPU and 16GB of unified memory. Preliminary benchmarks compare its performance to AMD Ryzen and Intel Core CPUs running Ubuntu Linux. The new Mac Mini offers various configurations, with the highest-end model featuring 12 CPU cores, 24GB of memory, and a 16-core Neural Engine. Asahi Linux support for Apple's M4 hardware is still in development but shows promise for future testing and compatibility.

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    Video
    Avatar of joseanmartinezJosean Martinez·2y

    Building Your Own Corne Keyboard Just Got So Much Easier | Full Guide

    The post highlights the benefits and customizability of the Corne split ergonomic mechanical keyboard, which has a new version 4.1 that eliminates the need for soldering thanks to factory assembly. The microcontrollers are built into the PCB and it features per-key RGB lighting and optional OLED screens. The writer also revamped their keyboard shop with a new 3D keyboard builder and expanded international orders. A detailed guide is provided on assembling the keyboard, choosing cases, switches, and keycaps, and modifying the layout using Vial firmware.

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    Article
    Avatar of hnHacker News·2y

    Relativty an Open-source VR headset for $200

    Maxim Perumal and Gabriel Combe developed Relativty, an affordable and open-source VR headset, which can be built at home using a 3D printer and a soldering iron. It supports SteamVR games and is highly customizable. The headset runs on the Relativty Firmware, which is compatible with Arduino Due and other ArduinoCore-supported processors. It features a 2K dual-display at 120FPS, but other displays can be used. The project encourages contributions from developers and hackers, with all resources including the firmware, electronics, and mechanical parts available on Github.

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