Linux 7.1 kernel adds AMD, Intel CPU support and new drivers

The Linux 7.1 kernel was released this week, bringing expanded support for the latest AMD and Intel CPUs, refreshed networking capabilities, and updated drivers for a range of new hardware devices. The update also tightens memory management and patches several security vulnerabilities identified in the previous release [Linux Kernel Mailing List].

What shipped

• CPU support: microcode updates and scheduling improvements for Zen 4‑class AMD processors and Intel Alder Lake‑S platforms.
• Networking: enhanced TCP‑BIC congestion control, support for newer Ethernet NICs, and a revamped eBPF verifier.
• Drivers: refreshed firmware for NVIDIA RTX 40‑series GPUs, added drivers for the Intel AX210 Wi‑Fi 6E card, and updated the USB 4.0 controller stack.
• Stability: over 150 bug fixes, including a race condition in the ext4 file system and a privilege‑escalation flaw in the SELinux module.

Why it matters

The kernel’s broader CPU support means data‑center and desktop users can run the newest silicon without waiting for downstream distributions to catch up. Networking enhancements improve throughput and latency for cloud workloads that rely on high‑speed links. Updated drivers reduce the need for proprietary firmware, keeping more of the stack open‑source and easier to audit. Finally, the security patches close attack vectors that could be exploited in multi‑tenant environments, reinforcing Linux’s reputation as a hardened platform for critical infrastructure.

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