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Why in 2019, Linux still have problem with "certain" GPUs ?
BravoV:
Don't want to derail another discussion thread, its just I read, starting from this post and the next one ...
-> https://www.eevblog.com/forum/general-computing/installing-linux/msg2768422/#msg2768422
Cmiiw, as I'm not programmer nor Linux user, is it as simple as the GPU manufacturers just don't want to open or reveal, on how to access their GPU to their full capabilities ?
Or something else ? :-//
ataradov:
--- Quote from: BravoV on November 04, 2019, 05:20:24 am ---is it as simple as the GPU manufacturers just don't want to open or reveal, on how to access their GPU to their full capabilities ?
--- End quote ---
Pretty much. You have to run vendor's drivers, which are closed binaries tested on a very limited set of hardware configurations and kernel versions. Vendors have huge turnaround times, and there is no way for community to fix anything, so you jut have to sit and wait when you have a problem.
There are similar issues in a world of Windows, but at least there there are not so many kernels that get updated too often.
And in case of Windows both MS and GPU vendors essentially coordinate releases. Neither thing is ready until both work together.
BravoV:
--- Quote from: ataradov on November 04, 2019, 05:30:43 am ---You have to run vendor's drivers, which are closed binaries tested on a very limited set of hardware configurations and kernel versions. Vendors have huge turnaround times, and there is no way for community to fix anything, so you jut have to sit and wait when you have a problem.
--- End quote ---
What are the dis-advantages, "IF" they just post all the bell & whistles for accessing the GPU ? I'm imagining, its like reading a MCU's datasheet, say for example like most ARM MCUs datasheets that reveal down to bits for bare metal access. :-+
Isn't that good for their users, say if there is a common problem, its just matter of time the community (I wish) will come up with the fixes or workarounds, especially for high priorities problems/bugs, or even better develop much better one (again, I hope), personally I think the chances are pretty good right ?
Again, what dis-advantages if they reveal it ? Exposing their IP ? C'mon, its been decades that GPU has evolved from dumb rasterizer into todays powerful silicon, that they should have geniuses, that can design a GPU from zero, while still proprietary design, that at the end publishing the method to access their GPU optimally, will not reveal anything secret sauce inside ? Its not that hard, right ? :-//
Again, I could be wrong or naive, but can't help it that now I see the current scene this way.
ataradov:
--- Quote from: BravoV on November 04, 2019, 05:50:16 am ---What are the dis-advantages, "IF" they just post all the bell & whistles for accessing the GPU ?
--- End quote ---
Details of the register set will disclose details of the internal implementation, which is not great if everyone is an enemy trying to steal your stuff. Or trying to sue you for violating their patents.
Plus companies license a lot of stuff from third parties.
--- Quote from: BravoV on November 04, 2019, 05:50:16 am ---say for example like most ARM MCUs datasheets that reveal down to bits for bare metal access. :-+
--- End quote ---
Go and try to find details on the touch controller or RF range measurement block in Atmel/Microchip MCUs.
BravoV:
--- Quote from: ataradov on November 04, 2019, 06:09:01 am ---
--- Quote from: BravoV on November 04, 2019, 05:50:16 am ---What are the dis-advantages, "IF" they just post all the bell & whistles for accessing the GPU ?
--- End quote ---
Details of the register set will disclose details of the internal implementation, which is not great if everyone is an enemy trying to steal your stuff. Or trying to sue you for violating their patents.
Plus companies license a lot of stuff from third parties.
--- Quote from: BravoV on November 04, 2019, 05:50:16 am ---say for example like most ARM MCUs datasheets that reveal down to bits for bare metal access. :-+
--- End quote ---
Go and try to find details on the touch controller or RF range measurement block in Atmel/Microchip MCUs.
--- End quote ---
Ok, noted, so basically we have to live with the current situation, as I don't see how this change in direction significantly in near future ? :-//
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