Andrew Cunningham
For desktop Linux users, updating to a new Linux kernel carries relatively small and guaranteed risks: bruised drivers, GRUB pain, and possibly a full wipe and reinstall. For one subset of laptop owners on rolling release distributions, kernel 5.19.12 could actually damage the LCD screen.
Intel engineer Ville Syrjälä wrote in Discussion on this issue. “I recommend the immediate return of these things, and the new stable release as soon as possible. Plus recommending that anyone using laptops with Intel GPUs 5.19.12 should not run.”
Conflict between Linux kernel 5.19.12 and Intel GPU drivers, captured by Michael Kan.
A day later, kernel 5.19.13 was released. But there is a distribution chain between kernel work and distribution desktops, and some laptop owners have fallen into it.
“Two days ago, I updated to kernel 5.(19).12, and my screen is now flickering fast,” CrepeDragonball user wrote in r/framework in subreddit for owners laptop frame, which has an integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU. “I can see the flickering even on UEFI (BIOS), so I think it’s hardware related, not OS/driver related….flickering at such a high rate[s] I can’t take it with my phone’s camera.” Similar reports were received ArchLinux And the fedora Forums and subreddits, along with Official framework forum.
Some users reported flickering that did not go away after rebooting or after switching to basic level tools like BIOS or GRUB. A few were able to switch their kernel versions by connecting to an external monitor and saw the flickering gradually fade 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 original poster of the subreddit hasn’t posted the framework about restoring his screen.
Linux kernels and distributions physically damaging 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 this issue. Note LWN.net LG Electronics has not supported or tested devices with Linux.
The most common is hardware writing or running out of specification; Many veteran hardware programmers attest to this long tradition of Quora thread is unusually interesting.
It’s a good idea to update your Linux kernel beyond 5.19.12 if possible or downgrade, even if you don’t see graphical issues right away.
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