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Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 19:27:21 -0600
From: Daniel Robbins <drobbins@gentoo.org>
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Organization: Gentoo Technologies, Inc.
Subject: [gentoo-dev] Don't use Athlon/Duron/K7 kernels!
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Hi All,

I just found out an important tidbit of information that was absolutely
essential that I pass on.  Basically, as of right now, you should *not*
use the "Athlon/Duron/K7" processor type option when compiling a kernel
under Gentoo Linux.

Why?  Because right now, our compiler toolchain (gcc/binutils) has some
K7-related instruction bugs and will give you a flaky kernel.  This has
been confirmed through experience.  With K7 enabled, my nvidia driver
couldn't initialize the DMA push buffer it needed to do AGP.  With
a "Pentium Pro" kernel, all was well.

The moral of the story?  If you have an Athlon or Duron, choose a 
processor type of "Pentium Pro" when compiling a kernel for your system.
You'll get a high-performing and stable kernel.  When we upgrade our
toolchain (soon), this problem will go away.

Best Regards,

-- 
Daniel Robbins                                  <drobbins@gentoo.org>
Chief Architect/President                       http://www.gentoo.org 
Gentoo Technologies, Inc.