Linux Kernel 5.12 Released: New Intel Xe GPU Variable Refresh, LTO, and KFENCE Support
After a week-long delay, Linus Torvalds announced the official release of Linux kernel 5.12, highlighting support for Intel Xe GPU variable refresh rates, C language link‑time optimization (LTO), kernel fencing (KFENCE), and overclock profiles for AMD Radeon RX 6000 series, while noting it’s a modest update ahead of the larger 5.13.
After a week‑long delay, Linus Torvalds announced on Sunday the official release of Linux kernel 5.12.
Linus Torvalds wrote in the community announcement:
Thank you all for the wait over the past week; it made us very happy to deliver the Linux 5.12 kernel.
This version of the Linux kernel introduces support for variable refresh rates on Intel Xe GPUs, link‑time optimization (LTO) in C, kernel fencing (KFENCE), and includes overclocking profiles for AMD Radeon RX 6000 series discrete GPUs.
Linus noted that 5.12 is only a small update, with a major enhancement planned for 5.13.
Torvalds also pointed out: “The shortlog (additional) and diffstat are relatively small changes, mainly a random collection of minor patches across various areas.”
With the release of Linux 5.12, Linus has opened the merge window for 5.13, but he still encourages developers to test 5.12.
“Even though development took an extra week, this is still a very small release. Looking ahead, 5.13 will make up for this,” Torvalds said.
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