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Linux ditches 20-year-old Intel chipset driver
19 Feb
Summary
- Linux kernel 7.0 ends software support for Intel 440BX EDAC driver.
- Driver is nonfunctional since 2007 due to AGP incompatibilities.
- Modern distros prioritize current architectures over legacy hardware.
Linux kernel 7.0 is set to officially remove the EDAC driver for the Intel 440BX chipset, concluding over 20 years of software support. This driver has been nonfunctional since 2007 due to incompatibilities with the Intel AGP driver. This removal signifies Linux distributions' formal departure from supporting this once-critical chipset.
While ECC RAM will continue to correct memory errors at the hardware level, users will no longer receive software notifications for bit flips. This change aligns with the ongoing modernization of Linux distributions, which are increasingly prioritizing current CPU architectures and streamlined, maintainable code over legacy hardware support.
The Intel 440BX chipset was historically significant for its stability and compatibility during a time of frequent hardware issues. It was renowned for its ability to run out-of-spec hardware and facilitate accessible overclocking, cementing its reputation as a reliable component. Even modern virtualization software, like VMware, defaults to emulating the 440BX.
