Linux Kernel Issue with Systems Using AGP Graphics Application Note Description Some older Linux kernels have a conflicting cache attribute bug that is exposed by advanced speculative caching in newer AMD Athlon™ and AMD Duron™ family processors including AMD Athlon XP, AMD Athlon 4, AMD Athlon MP processors, and AMD Duron processors model 6 and above. This kernel bug usually shows up under heavy use of accelerated 3D graphics with an AGP Graphics card. The symptom of this bug is a system hang on the display of AGP graphics. Only those Linux systems that use AGP graphics cards are potentially affected by this bug. Systems not using AGP graphics cards are unaffected by this issue. Solution A permanent fix for the Linux kernel is planned. Until the permanent fix is available, Linux kernel 2.4.19 incorporates a bug-fix that effectively eliminates this problem. The fix is also available from individual vendors at each of the following Linux distribution Web sites: • Red Hat Linux < http://www.redhat.com/ > • SuSE Linux < http://www.suse.com/ > • Caldera OpenLinux < http://www.caldera.com/ > • Turbolinux < http://www.turbolinux.com/ > • Mandrake Linux < http://www.mandrakesoft.com/ > Publication # Issue Date: 26698 August 2002 Revision: 3.00 Linux Kernel Issue with Systems Using AGP Graphics 26698 Rev. 3.00 August 2002 Trademarks AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Athlon, and AMD Duron and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other product names used in this publication are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies. Disclaimer The contents of this document are provided in connection with Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (“AMD”) products. AMD makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this publication and reserves the right to make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice. No license, whether express, implied, arising by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property rights is granted by this publication. Except as set forth in AMD’s Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale, AMD assumes no liability whatsoever, and disclaims any express or implied warranty, relating to its products including, but not limited to, the implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or infringement of any intellectual property right. AMD’s products are not designed, intended, authorized or warranted for use as components in systems intended for surgical implant into the body, or in other applications intended to support or sustain life, or in any other application in which the failure of AMD’s product could create a situation where personal injury, death, or severe property or environmental damage may occur. AMD reserves the right to discontinue or make changes to its products at any time without notice. © 2002 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.