Linux 5.19.12 kernel code may cause permanent damage to some laptop screens

to grow up / This isn’t specific to the Framework, but a number of Linux enthusiasts who own the Framework have seen strange kernels make their screens flicker this week, potentially causing permanent damage.

Andrew Cunningham

For desktop Linux users, updating to a new Linux kernel carries relatively small and contained risks: cluttered drives, GRUB pains, and possibly a full wipe and reinstall. However, for one subset of laptop owners on rolling release distributions, kernel version 5.19.12 can cause actual LCD screen damage.

Intel engineer Phil Seriala wrote in topic discussion. “I recommend immediately undoing these things, and issuing a new fix as soon as possible. I also recommend that anyone using laptops with Intel graphics should not run version 5.19.12.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch؟v=TcfgMWBFsE0

The conflict between Linux kernel 5.19.12 and Intel GPU drivers was captured by Michael Kahn.

A day later, the kernel was released on 5.19.13. But there is a distribution chain between basic work computers and desktop computers, and some laptop owners have fallen into it.

“A couple of days ago I updated to kernel 5.(19).12, and my screen is now flickering fast,” CrepeDragonball user wrote on the r/framework subreddit for owners laptop frame, which has an integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU. “I can see the flickering even in UEFI (BIOS), so I think it’s hardware related, not OS/driver related…flickering at such a high rate[s] I can’t take a picture of her with my phone’s camera.” Similar reports have emerged ArchLinux And fedora Forums and subreddits, along with Official framework forum.

Some users have reported flickering that does not go away after rebooting or after switching to root level tools like BIOS or GRUB. Some have managed to replace their basic versions by connecting to an external monitor and have seen the flickering gradually disappear over time. But a skewed board power sequence (i.e. screen timing) can permanently damage screens, especially LCD screens built into laptops. As of this post, the framework’s subreddit’s original poster about restoring its screen has yet to be published.

Linux kernels and distributions causing physical damage to desktops is rare but unheard of. Mandrake 9.2 was found in October 2003 to be able to kill select LG CD drives. The cause could be kernel code, LG firmware, or both, according to an update posted on Linux.com about the problem. Select LWN.net LG Electronics has not supported or tested devices with Linux.

The most common are devices that are written or played out of specification; Many veteran hardware programmers attest to this ancient tradition of This Quora thread is unusually interesting.

It’s a good idea to update your Linux kernel beyond 5.19.12 if possible or downgrade in some other way, even if you don’t see any graphical issues right away.