Fedora Linux is currently navigating a significant transition in its support for Intel hardware, particularly in relation to the Intel Compute Runtime stack. This development is crucial for users who rely on OpenCL and oneAPI Level Zero workloads on Intel graphics hardware. As Fedora aims to streamline its offerings, it faces challenges in balancing support for both new and legacy Intel hardware.
The Intel Compute Runtime stack, which is integral for running various workloads on Intel graphics, has undergone changes that affect its compatibility with older hardware. Specifically, the upstream Intel Compute Runtime has discontinued support for Ice Lake and earlier generations of Intel processors. This shift has left Fedora in a complex situation as it attempts to maintain support for older hardware while also preparing for future advancements.
Currently, Fedora is focusing on the ‘legacy’ branch to ensure continued support for older hardware. However, with the upcoming Fedora 42 release, there is a clear intention to pivot towards enhancing support for newer Intel graphics hardware. This decision means that older hardware support will likely be phased out, as maintaining compatibility with both new and old hardware has proven to be increasingly challenging.
The rationale behind this shift is multifaceted. By upgrading the Intel Compute Runtime stack, Fedora users will benefit from improved performance optimizations, compatibility with the LLVM compiler, and access to new features that are only available in the latest versions of the code. The older legacy code, particularly for Ice Lake and earlier generations, is no longer actively maintained by Intel, making it imperative for Fedora to adapt.
Red Hat and Intel engineers have proposed a significant update to the Compute Runtime stack. The proposal highlights that the current legacy branch is stagnant and lacks active development. The new plan aims to rebase the intel-compute-runtime and intel-igc to the latest upstream releases, which would result in the removal of support for several older architectures. These include:
- Broadwell
- Skylake
- Kaby Lake
- Coffee Lake
- Apollo Lake
- Gemini Lake
- Ice Lake
- Elkhart Lake
Conversely, the updated stack will support a range of newer GPU generations, including:
- DG1
- Alchemist
- Tiger Lake
- Rocket Lake
- Alder Lake
- Meteor Lake
- Raptor Lake
- Lunar Lake
- Arrow Lake
- And more to come…
As it stands, Fedora’s packages are still reliant on older branches that cater to hardware generations up to Broadwell, which was released in 2015. This reliance means that users are missing out on support for newer hardware, particularly the Intel Battlemage GPUs and upcoming graphics based on the Xe3+ architecture. Furthermore, the lack of updates for integrated Xe2 architecture products poses additional challenges.
In addition to hardware support, there are broader implications for system stability and functionality. As new kernels, headers, and compilers are released, they can inadvertently disrupt the compatibility of older software suites. Without ongoing fixes and updates for these legacy branches, users may encounter significant issues over time.
The proposed rebase of the entire suite to the latest upstream releases is a strategic move aimed at ensuring that Fedora remains competitive and functional in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. This transition is not merely about hardware compatibility; it also encompasses the need for a robust and efficient software environment that can leverage the latest advancements in Intel graphics technology.
As Fedora continues to evolve, its approach to Intel hardware support will be closely watched by users and developers alike. The balance between supporting legacy systems and embracing new technologies is a delicate one, and Fedora’s decisions in this area will undoubtedly shape its future direction.
