r/linux • u/leonthepro83 • 1d ago

Discussion linux kernel 7.3rc release

Like clockwork, the Linux 7.3 merge window has concluded after two weeks and the Linux 7.3-rc1 kernel now available for testing.

Linux 7.3-rc1 is available following a lot of new code landing for new/improved hardware support, file-system enhancements, security improvements, and a lot more. Of course, also a lot of fixes to different pieces of the Linux kernel as a result of AI/LLM-driven activity.

Linux 7.3 brings new optimizations for Intel hybrid CPUs, more enablement for upcoming AMD Zen 6 platforms, better Btrfs performance, Nouveau support for NVK Vulkan Video, kernel driver support for the 2026 Valve Steam Controller, initial M3 Ultra / Pro / Max support, new AMD graphics IP enablement, initial enabling around Intel Starfire, Intel Xe3P graphics with Nova Lake are now enabled out-of-the-box, FailFS is upstreamed, a low-latency mode for USB4STREAM, and a lot of other new functionality. Linux 7.3 also includes the gaming improvements from Valve for enhancing the experience when running on systems with very limited amounts of vRAM. Plus a number of old/obsolete hardware drivers continue to be removed due to the ongoing noise by AI/LLM agents.

https://www.phoronix.com/news/Linux-7.3-rc1-Released

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8

u/Isacx123 1d ago

So 7.4 will most likely be the next LTS.

1

u/themusicalduck 1d ago

Looking forward to this one so I can have working laptop speakers.

1

u/leonthepro83 1d ago

you can compile your own kernel in a few minutes.

2

u/themusicalduck 1d ago

I don’t know what cpu you have that lets you compile it in a few minutes. Mine took a while.

But yeah I did that for a bit and then decided it wasn’t worth the faff keeping up with updates.

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u/oxez 22h ago

Mine took a while

It wouldn't if you configured it yourself. Distro kernels come with almost every enabled, when you strip it down to what your own hardware requires, it really takes a few minutes on likely any 2010+ hardware

1

u/victoryismind 1d ago

I'd like to know what exactly is removed when "obsolete hardware drivers are removed"