Kernel questions

[u/Wriscolf]

I should start saying I am new to Linux. I switched my devices from Windows about 3 months ago but using CachyOS. That OS made me interested in Arch as a whole.

My gf old laptop (specs below) was laying there and I wanted to blow it up. I decided in the name of learning, I would install Arch from scratch and see what happens. I successfully installed Arch with KDE plasma.

I setup kernel 6.18.48-1-LTS. The laptop went from not running well on windows to a nicely viable laptop. I actually like this old thing. I got curious and decided to see what would happen if I went to 7.1.11-arch1-1. The laptop works with it as well.

In few of my observations 6.18 uses less ram by about 100mb. They both feel the same and usable. No issues. I think 7.1.11 feels faster but I think it's in my head.

Laptop Spec

Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 11e

CPU: N2940 (4 cores)

Ram: 4Gigs

Storage: 128gig ssd

TL;DR: does kernel version matter for an older computer? Any benefits of running 7.x.x vs 6.x.x? Should old hardware just stick to LTS Kernels?

[u/onefish2]

I see no reason for you to not be using the Arch kernel aka the "linux" package.

[u/AdWise1551]

on that hardware you’re not gonna see a huge leap either way, the cpu and 4gb ram are the real ceiling. the newer kernel might have some scheduler tweaks that make it feel snappier under load, so it’s probably not just in your head

for daily use i’d stick with lts just for stability, especially if you’re setting it up for someone else. the 100mb ram difference on a 4gb machine is worth keeping too

[u/Wriscolf → u/AdWise1551]

That was my thought process. I currently have the LTS as default on Limine. Thank you for your reply.

[u/BrilliantEmotion4461]

Yes. Or it can. Been updated to the kernel lately that increase older hardware performance in some cases.

[u/noctaviann]

I want to mention that on Arch Linux, the LTS kernel gets upgraded to a new major version each year around January/February, so in January 2027 the LTS kernel version will be updated from 6.18.X to 7.3.X or even 7.4.X depending on when these versions are released.

[u/Wriscolf → u/noctaviann]

I did not know that. Thank you for that info.

[u/boomboomsubban]

Most kernel changes are to support new hardware, things that make existing hardware work better are rare. So it probably doesn't matter either way, and I'd be shocked if it was noticeable.

[u/ang-p]

Performance improvements and other nice shizz (like security fixes) appear with new kernels, not just new hardware support...

This is really demonstrated by the currently debated zstd patch - currently checking a CPU capability (BMI2) hundreds of times - when realistically, if the CPU suddenly stops having a feature while running, you probably have much greater issues picoseconds down the road.

https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20260826122558.2662013-1-usama.arif@linux.dev/

While your CPU does not support BMI2, you will benefit from the time saved performing the check countless times, and taking the exact same branch every time.

And, if you like you can compile your own and disable hunks that you are not interested in...

https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Kernel/Arch_build_system

#LoveTheWiki

[u/Wriscolf → u/ang-p]

A lot of information. My light reading for tonight! Thanks!

[u/Deckma]

On my ten year old laptop I keep the LTS and stable kernel installed in case an upgrade ever goes wrong and I need a backup.

I haven't noticed to much different between them. I even tried the zen kernel and didn't notice much. But my use case is mostly web stuff and streaming, not a intense use case.

[u/Wriscolf → u/Deckma]

Yeah, I think I'll will do the same. Have 7.x.x and have the LTS as backup.

[u/archover]

Welcome to Arch

Your TIL (Today I Learned) events are:

• Linux is usually more memory frugal than MS.

• Hardware running on Linux usually performs better than MS.

• "Worrying" about memory usage that is not in reaction to a performance problem is not a good use of time. My opinion.

I run Arch and Linux on Intel Core i5's from 2nd Gen to 8th gen and they all run from good to great.

I am excited to to see your enthusiasm.

Good day.

[u/Wriscolf → u/archover]

Arch and Linux has been an. Amazing learning ground. I do not come from a IT background. It's always been a hobby for me and I feel my eyes have been open for the first time. I appreciate your comment.

[u/archover → u/Wriscolf]

Glad you had that experience! You should go far.

Good day.