Technology

Linux gamers won't be affected by RX 5000/6000 series driver shift — AMD changes limited to Windows thanks to separated development

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Nov 2, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

AMD's recent announcement about putting RDNA 1 and RDNA 2 driver support in "maintenance mode" caused confusion, but it was clarified that game optimizations will continue for both architectures. While this led to concerns about Linux driver support, it was confirmed that Linux AMD drivers are developed separately and will not be affected by these changes. The Linux driver support for AMD GPUs, particularly through open-source drivers like RADV, remains strong and independent of AMD's Windows driver developments. AMD's decision to discontinue its official AMDVLK driver in favor of supporting RADV exclusively ensures ongoing robust driver support for Linux gamers.

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Linux exploit instantly grants administrator access on most distributions since 2017 — cryptography optimization snafu grants root privileges to local users

A recent Linux exploit, CVE-2026-31431, allows local unprivileged users to gain root access instantly on most Linux distributions since 2017. The exploit affects popular distros like Ubuntu, RHEL, Suse, and Amazon Linux, as well as Windows' WSL2. The vulnerability, discovered by Xint Code researchers, involves a cryptography optimization flaw that grants administrator privileges through a devious attack on the AF_ALG socket. While a patch has been released, some distributions may still be vulnerable, requiring mitigation methods like disabling AF_ALG sockets. The exploit occurs in memory without leaving detectable traces on disk, making it challenging to detect with security software.

Tom's Hardware•

8 hours ago

Microsoft brings a Linux-style window trick to Windows 11 via PowerToys, and I can’t go back

Microsoft's PowerToys introduces new features Grab And Move and Power Display in its latest v0.99 release for Windows 11, enhancing window management and display settings. Grab And Move allows users to move and resize windows from any part of the window, similar to Linux desktop environments. Power Display provides a convenient interface to control display settings like brightness and volume across multiple monitors. These features streamline tasks that should have been default in Windows, showcasing Microsoft's focus on improving core OS functionalities. Additionally, Command Palette Dock now offers a compact mode for better screen real estate utilization.

Windows Latest•

14 hours ago

The most severe Linux threat to surface in years catches the world flat-footed

A critical Linux vulnerability, named CopyFail (CVE-2026-31431), has been disclosed by security researchers, allowing unprivileged users to gain root access across various Linux distributions. The exploit code, released by Theori, works universally without modification, posing a significant threat to data centers and personal devices. While the Linux kernel security team patched the vulnerability in several versions, many distributions had not yet implemented the fixes at the time of the exploit's release. This flaw enables attackers to execute malicious activities like hacking multi-tenant systems and creating backdoors, emphasizing the severity of the issue.

Ars Technica•

22 hours ago

Get 32GB of RAM and 2TB SSD for $406 when paired with AMD's new 9950X3D2 — Asus ROG X870E Apex gets you a monster overclocking AM5 bundle for $2,048, $400 off

Newegg offers a premium combo deal featuring the Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 processor, Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Apex motherboard, 32GB of Corsair Vengeance RGB RAM, and a 2TB Western Digital Black M.2 SSD for $2,048.99, saving you $398.98. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 processor boasts improved multi-threaded performance and specialized workload capabilities, while the Crosshair X870E Apex motherboard is designed for overclocking. The Corsair Vengeance RAM kit and Western Digital Black SN7100 SSD complete the high-performance bundle. This deal provides a top-tier AM5 system suitable for gaming, productivity, and more.