Floating Mini Panel GNOME Extension Adds Auto Mode

The Floating Mini Panel GNOME Shell Extension I wrote about recently now includes an option to automatically activate the compact, movable panel based on your workflow. While there are a couple of caveats to how this auto-mode gets triggered, it’s an option that fits the USP of this extension extremely well. After all, it’s about getting the main panel out of your way, so having it vamoose without manual input is key to that. To recap, the Floating Mini Panel extension replaces the full-width panel on the GNOME Shell desktop with a super compact, freely moveable and always-on-top mini panel. […]

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OBS Studio 31.1 Adds Linux Multitrack Video Support + More

Are you in the mood to stream or screen-record? If so, a new version of OBS Studio is out with an appreciable set of improvements you’ll want to take advantage of! OBS Studio 31.1 adds support for multitrack video on Linux (and macOS) having been a Windows-only feature in an earlier release. Multitrack enables OBS to send different quality video streams (e.g., 720p, 1080p, etc) to streaming services directly. If you primarily stream to Twitch this feature is better known as “Enhanced Broadcasting” can help reduce latency which is important if you’re streaming gaming rather than, say, crochet (or as […]

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Linux Kernel 6.14: A Leap Forward in Intel and AMD CPU Support

Linux Kernel 6.14: A Leap Forward in Intel and AMD CPU Support
by George Whittaker

Released on March 24, 2025, Linux Kernel 6.14 introduces significant enhancements for Intel and AMD processors, focusing on performance, power efficiency, and hardware compatibility. These updates are particularly beneficial for users leveraging the latest CPU architectures and AI-driven workloads.

Intel CPU Enhancements

Support for Upcoming Architectures

Linux 6.14 extends support to Intel's forthcoming Panther Lake CPUs, incorporating thermal driver support for improved power efficiency and enabling Ultra-High Bit Rate (UHBR) modes via DisplayPort on Thunderbolt's Alt-Mode. This advancement allows for 10G and 20G UHBR modes, enhancing display capabilities for devices equipped with Xe3 graphics.

Additionally, preparations for Intel's Clearwater Forest server processors are underway, with the inclusion of EDAC (Error Detection and Correction) driver support and readiness of the Turbostat tool for monitoring.

Performance and Virtualization Improvements

The kernel introduces Translation Lookaside Buffer (TLB) flushing scalability optimizations, reducing overhead during context switches and improving overall system performance. Enhancements to the x86 Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) also contribute to better virtualization support, benefiting environments that rely on virtual machines.

AMD CPU Enhancements

Introduction of AMD XDNA Driver

A notable addition in Linux 6.14 is the AMD XDNA driver, providing support for AMD's Neural Processing Units (NPUs) integrated into Ryzen AI processors. This driver facilitates AI workloads, such as machine learning applications, by enabling efficient execution of tasks like convolutional neural networks and large language models.

Power Management and Performance Tweaks

The AMD P-State driver receives updates, including dynamic ranking of preferred CPU cores and defaulting to the 'balance_performance' Energy Performance Policy (EPP) on Ryzen and EPYC processors. These changes aim to optimize power consumption without compromising performance.

Furthermore, encryption performance sees a 2-3% boost for AES-GCM and AES-XTS standards on Zen 4 and Zen 5 processors, enhancing data security operations.

Broader Implications

Beyond CPU-specific enhancements, Linux 6.14 introduces the NTSYNC driver, improving compatibility and performance for Windows games emulated via Wine and Proton. The kernel also expands support to accommodate up to 4,096 CPU cores, doubling the previous limit and catering to high-performance computing environments. Additionally, improvements in suspend/resume functionality enhance power management for various devices.

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