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Go Retro in Order to Build a Spectre and Meltdown-Proof x86 Desktop

posted by Fnord666 on Wednesday January 10 2018, @01:04AM   Printer-friendly
from the found-at-the-bottom-of-the-closet dept.

"MrPlow" writes:

Submitted via IRC for TheMightyBuzzard

[Yeo Kheng Meng] had a question: what is the oldest x86 processor that is still supported by a modern Linux kernel? Furthermore, is it actually possible to use modern software with this processor? It's a question that surely involves experimentation, staring into the bluescreen abyss of BIOS configurations, and compiling your own kernel. Considering Linux dropped support for the 386 in 2012, the obvious answer is a 486. This supposition was tested, and the results are fantastic. You can, indeed, install a modern Linux on an ancient desktop.

Source: https://hackaday.com/2018/01/07/go-retro-to-build-a-spectre-and-meltdown-proof-x86-desktop/

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  • (Score: 2) by Wootery on Thursday January 11 2018, @10:57AM (2 children)

    by Wootery (2341) on Thursday January 11 2018, @10:57AM (#620874)

    "What is the most modern/powerful x86 processor that is not affected by Meltdown and Spectre" rather than "What is the oldest x86 processor I can run modern Linux on"? Or do you want to have a slower experience?

    The question is broader than this, no? Why commit to x86? If I understand correctly, your average 'unpatched' ARM/PowerPC chip is no better so it doesn't help to just dig out that ancient Mac, [blogspot.co.uk] but still.

    Also, as this is SN: roll on RISC-V, I say.

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  • (Score: 2) by takyon on Thursday January 11 2018, @11:12AM (1 child)

    by takyon (881) <takyonNO@SPAMsoylentnews.org> on Thursday January 11 2018, @11:12AM (#620882) Journal

    Why commit to x86?

    The same reason why so many are committed to x86, or even Windows: Software.

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    • (Score: 2) by Wootery on Thursday January 11 2018, @11:22AM

      by Wootery (2341) on Thursday January 11 2018, @11:22AM (#620889)

      It's pretty clear we aren't talking about mainstream desktop machines or servers, or no-one would have mentioned the 486.