Package: linux-2.6
Version: 3.2.4-1
Severity: wishlist

Dear Maintainer,

e_powersaver kernel module for frequency scaling in VIA Eden/C7/C7D/C7M CPUs is 
no longer compiled as a result of bug report #566208 from June 2010. The 
rationale for its removal was a single report from a user experiencing lockups 
with his system and the fact that the module is described as dangerous due to 
"not having any safeguards to prevent operating the CPU out of spec". However, 
such safeguards have been added in October 2011 [1] and as such are a part of 
the 3.2 kernel. For the record, I have used e_powersaver on a variety of 
Neoware/Compaq/HP thin clients without any problems.

Kconfig also advises the user to take advantage of the acpi_cpufreq driver 
instead. In my experience I have yet to encounter a VIA C7-based system with 
proper ACPI tables enabling the use of acpi_cpufreq. As a result, a significant 
number of C7 systems is left without means to reduce power consumption which is 
unfortunate, as this line of processors is usually used for thin clients, 
netbooks and embedded devices where power consumption is a significant concern.
 
Please consider compiling e_powersaver as a module again.


[1] 
git.kernel.org/?p=linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux-2.6.git;a=history;f=drivers/cpufreq/e_powersaver.c;h=4bd6815d317bb86631dc3713a7e2e3eebc7332ac

-- Package-specific info:
** Version:
Linux version 3.2.0-1-686-pae (Debian 3.2.4-1) (wa...@debian.org) (gcc version 
4.6.2 (Debian 4.6.2-12) ) #1 SMP Sun Feb 5 23:52:49 UTC 2012



-- 
To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to debian-kernel-requ...@lists.debian.org
with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact listmas...@lists.debian.org
Archive: http://lists.debian.org/20120221125839.8698.76318.reportbug@carl

Reply via email to