Shock among technology enthusiasts at the tech guru's aging graphics processing unit reveal
Linus Torvalds Sticks with Reliable AMD GPU for Development Work
In a surprising move, Linux creator Linus Torvalds has opted to continue using an AMD Radeon RX 580 GPU on his desktop machine, despite the availability of newer models. This choice, made for its proven stability, reliability, and solid Linux driver support, has been a practical one for Torvalds during his work on the Linux 6.17 kernel[1][3][4].
The RX 580, released in April 2017, is a dependable yet "boring" graphics card that has earned a reputation for its robust Linux compatibility[4]. Given his role as the Linux kernel maintainer, using hardware with mature drivers likely helps ensure a smooth development environment without driver-related issues.
Torvalds's preference for the RX 580 contrasts with expectations, as many enthusiasts were anticipating a more modern GPU. This choice has sparked surprise within the tech community[2]. Torvalds's approach to hardware reflects a preference for equipment that simply works well with Linux, as evidenced by his GPU and his switch from Apple Silicon back to an Intel laptop around this period[3].
Meanwhile, the use of ancient NVIDIA GPUs has caused significant driver-related issues this year. The main Linux testbeds run these older NVIDIA GPUs, which often fall out of driver support while still functional for mainly 2D operation[5]. Using an older top-tier graphics card might suffice for a single big sharp screen, but the potential for driver issues makes it a less attractive option.
[1] https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Linus-Torvalds-RX-580-GPU [2] https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Linus-Torvalds-Still-RX-580-GPU [3] https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=linus-torvalds-linux-6.17&num=1 [4] https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=linus-torvalds-linux-6.17&num=2 [5] https://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=news_item&px=Linus-Torvalds-RX-580-GPU#comments
In the tech community, Linus Torvalds's choice of an AMD Radeon RX 580 GPU for development work showcases his preference for software, AI, and gadgets that demonstrate robust Linux compatibility, such as his smartphones. This contrasts with the significant driver-related issues faced throughout the year on older NVIDIA GPUs, demonstrating the importance of technology that consistently performs with Linux.
