The XanMod kernel is a general-purpose Linux kernel built with custom settings and new features to deliver a stable, responsive, and smooth desktop experience. Debian desktop users may prefer this custom kernel for various reasons, including performance enhancements, gaming capabilities, and support for the latest hardware. The following introduction will explore the key features and benefits of the XanMod kernel and explain how it differs from the standard Linux kernel.
Main Key Features and Benefits of XanMod Kernel:
- Performance Improvements: Core and process scheduling, caching, virtual memory manager, and CPUFreq Governor are optimized for a more responsive and efficient desktop experience.
- High I/O Throughput: Full multi-core block layer runqueue requests provide exceptional I/O performance.
- Real-time Linux Kernel: The real-time version (PREEMPT_RT) is recommended for critical runtime applications, such as eSports gaming servers/clients, streaming, live productions, and ultra-low latency enthusiasts.
- Support for Recent Hardware: The kernel supports AMD’s P-state CPPC driver for Zen2/3/(4?) processors and other modern hardware.
- Enhanced Networking: Cloudflare’s TCP collapse processing and Google’s BBRv2 TCP congestion control ensure high throughput and low latency.
- Compatibility: Supports all recent x86_64 versions of Ubuntu and Debian-based systems.
- Additional Features: Futex waitv and legacy WAIT_MULTIPLE implementation, Netfilter nf_tables RFC3489 full-cone NAT support, WineSync driver, PCIe ACS Override, and more.
Please note that some proprietary NVIDIA, VirtualBox, VMware Workstation/Player and other dkms modules do not officially support real-time kernels.
As a Debian desktop user, utilizing the XanMod kernel offers various performance and feature enhancements that cater to your unique requirements. Whether you require a more responsive system, better gaming capabilities, or support for newer hardware, the XanMod kernel is designed to improve your overall experience. The guide will now demonstrate how to install the XanMod kernel on Debian 12 Bookworm, Debian 11 Bullseye, or Debian 10 Buster using the command line terminal and XanMod kernel’s official third-party repository to install and maintain the latest version.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Import XanMod Repository
Step 1: Update Debian
Before proceeding with the installation of the XanMod kernel, it is crucial to update your Debian system. This ensures that there are no conflicts during the installation process. To update your system, execute the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeStep 2: Install the Required Packages
To install the XanMod kernel, certain dependencies are required. Most of these packages are likely already present on your system, but running the following command ensures that they are installed:
sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl -yStep 3: Import the XanMod Repository
The first task in installing the XanMod kernel is importing the XanMod repository. This can be accomplished in several ways, but this tutorial will use the apt package manager’s terminal for simplicity.
First, import the GPG key with the following command:
curl -fSsL https://dl.xanmod.org/gpg.key | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpg > /dev/nullThis command downloads the GPG key for the XanMod repository and adds it to your system’s keyring, ensuring the authenticity of the packages you will be installing.
Next, import the repository itself with the following command:
echo 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpg] http://deb.xanmod.org releases main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod-kernel.listThis command adds the XanMod repository to your system’s APT sources, making it available for package installation.
To verify that the repository has been added correctly, use the grep command:
grep xanmod /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod-kernel.listIf successful, you will see output similar to:
deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpg] http://deb.xanmod.org releases main
Step 4: Update Packages List
Now, update your APT repository source listing to include the newly added XanMod repository:
sudo apt updateYou may notice that the repository contains newer packages for some installed dependencies. To ensure your system is up-to-date, run the apt upgrade command:
sudo apt upgradeAfter completing these steps, your Debian system is prepared to install the XanMod kernel.
Section 2: Install XanMod Kernel
With the XanMod repository in place and up to date, the next step is to install the Linux kernel from XanMod. The XanMod Kernel offers various meta-packages tailored to different CPU generations and features. This section will review the installation process for the appropriate version of the XanMod Kernel on Debian.
XanMod Kernel Installation Options Explained
Main Kernel Versions
There are three main kernel versions available, corresponding to different x86-64 psABI levels:
- x86-64 (linux-xanmod-x64v1): Suitable for AMD K8-family, AMD K10-family, AMD Family 10h (Barcelona), Intel Pentium 4 and Xeon (Nocona), Intel Core 2 (all variants), and all x86-64 CPUs.
- x86-64-v2 (linux-xanmod-x64v2): Designed for AMD Family 14h (Bobcat), AMD Family 16h (Jaguar), AMD Family 15h (Bulldozer, Piledriver, Steamroller), Intel 1st to 3rd Gen Core (Nehalem, Westmere, Sandybridge, Ivybridge), Intel low-power Silvermont, Intel Goldmont (Apollo Lake, Denverton), and Intel Goldmont Plus (Gemini Lake).
- x86-64-v3 (linux-xanmod-x64v3): Intended for AMD Family 15h (Excavator), AMD Family 17h (Zen, Zen+, Zen2), AMD Family 19h (Zen3), Intel 4th to 12th Gen Core (Haswell, Broadwell, Skylake, Alder Lake), and Intel 8th Gen Core (Cannon Lake).
Long Term Support (LTS) Kernel Versions
The LTS kernel versions provide long-term support for stability and compatibility:
- x86-64 (linux-xanmod-lts-x64v1)
- x86-64-v2 (linux-xanmod-lts-x64v2)
- x86-64-v3 (linux-xanmod-lts-x64v3)
Real-Time (RT) Kernel Versions
The real-time kernel versions provide low-latency performance:
- x86-64-v2 (linux-xanmod-rt-x64v2)
- x86-64-v3 (linux-xanmod-rt-x64v3)
Note: The proprietary NVIDIA, VirtualBox, VMware Workstation/Player and some other DKMS modules currently do not have official support for RT kernels.
Experimental Kernel Version
The experimental kernel version is available for testing new features and optimizations:
- x86-64-v4 (AVX-512) (linux-xanmod-x64v4): Suitable for AMD Family 19h (Zen4), Intel 6th Gen Core (Skylake X), Intel 8th to 14th Gen Core (Cannon Lake, Ice Lake, Tiger Lake, Sapphire Rapids, Emerald Rapids, Rocket Lake, Raptor Lake, Meteor Lake), and Intel Xeon (Cascade Lake, Cooper Lake).
Make sure to choose the right meta-package corresponding to your system’s CPU generation and features for optimal performance and compatibility.
For most users, the following command is recommended for the latest XanMod kernel:
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-x64v3XanMod Kernel Installation Command Examples
Below are some popular XanMod Kernel installation examples for various CPU generations and features. Ensure you choose the right meta-package corresponding to your system’s CPU generation and features for optimal performance and compatibility.
Main Kernel Versions
- x86-64 (linux-xanmod-x64v1):
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-x64v1- x86-64-v2 (linux-xanmod-x64v2):
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-x64v2- x86-64-v3 (linux-xanmod-x64v3):
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-x64v3Long Term Support (LTS) Kernel Versions
- x86-64 (linux-xanmod-lts-x64v1):
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-lts-x64v1- x86-64-v2 (linux-xanmod-lts-x64v2):
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-lts-x64v2- x86-64-v3 (linux-xanmod-lts-x64v3):
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-lts-x64v3Real-Time (RT) Kernel Versions
Note: The proprietary NVIDIA, VirtualBox, VMware Workstation/Player and some other DKMS modules currently do not have official support for RT kernels.
- x86-64-v2 (linux-xanmod-rt-x64v2):
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-rt-x64v2- x86-64-v3 (linux-xanmod-rt-x64v3):
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-rt-x64v3Experimental Kernel Version
- x86-64-v4 (AVX-512) (linux-xanmod-x64v4):
sudo apt install linux-xanmod-x64v4After selecting and installing the desired kernel version, reboot the system to complete the installation:
rebootOnce the system has rebooted, verifying that the installation was successful is essential.
To check the installed kernel, use the following cat command:
cat /proc/versionThe output will display the installed XanMod kernel version, confirming the successful installation after the system reboot.
An example printout with the Neofetch command utility on Debian:
Section 3: Additional Commands & Tips
To remove the XanMod Kernel, follow the steps below. These steps will guide you through removing the XanMod source from your repository, eliminating the GPG key, and reinstalling the generic Linux Kernel.
Step 1: Remove the XanMod source from the repository
Execute the following command to remove the XanMod source:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod-kernel.listStep 2: Remove the GPG key
For users who do not plan to reinstall XanMod, it is good practice to remove the GPG key:
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpgStep 3: List the installed XanMod Kernel packages
Run the dpkg --list command to display the installed XanMod Kernel packages:
dpkg --list | grep `uname -r`An example of what your terminal output would look like:
Step 4: Remove the XanMod Kernel packages
The output from the previous command will display the XanMod Kernel packages that need to be removed. Execute the following command to remove them:
sudo apt autoremove linux-image-*.*.*-xanmod* linux-headers-*.*.*-xanmod* --purge
Step 5: Reinstall the generic Linux Kernel
Ensure that the generic Linux Kernel is installed, as rebooting the system without a kernel can lead to severe issues. In most cases, the generic kernel should already be present:
sudo apt install linux-image-genericStep 6: Update GRUB and initramfs
Run a quick update for GRUB and initramfs:
sudo update-initramfs -u && sudo update-grubStep 7: Restart your system
Reboot your computer to finalize the removal of XanMod:
rebootStep 8: Verify the installation rollback
Once the system has rebooted, confirm that the XanMod Kernel has been removed and the generic kernel is active:
cat /proc/versionThe output should be the default Linux Kernel version for the Debian distribution version you are currently running.
Conclusion: Installing XanMod Kernel on Debian
The XanMod Kernel is valuable to Debian Linux systems, offering various optimizations and improvements over the generic kernel. It provides enhanced performance, lower latency, and support for the latest CPU generations and features. By carefully selecting and installing the appropriate XanMod Kernel version, Debian users can experience a more responsive and optimized system. However, following the correct installation and removal procedures is crucial to maintain system stability and compatibility.
Additional Resources and Links
Here’s a list of official resources to help you learn more about the XanMod Kernel and Debian Linux:
- XanMod Kernel Official Website: The official website provides an overview, installation instructions, and frequently asked questions related to the XanMod Kernel. Visit https://xanmod.org to learn more.
- Debian Linux Official Website: Debian’s official website is a hub for information about the Debian Linux distribution, including downloads, documentation, and support. Visit https://www.debian.org to explore what Debian has to offer.
- Debian Linux Wiki: The Debian Wiki is a valuable resource for users to find detailed information on various Debian-related topics, from installation to configuration and troubleshooting. Access the wiki at https://wiki.debian.org to expand your Debian knowledge.
- Debian Linux Documentation: The official Debian documentation covers various topics, from installation guides to technical manuals, providing essential information for Debian users. Visit https://www.debian.org/doc to dive into the extensive documentation available.