Bug#660737: linux-image-3.2.0-1-686-pae: Consider compiling e_powersaver module
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) (waldi@debian.org) (gcc version 4.6.2 (Debian 4.6.2-12) ) #1 SMP Sun Feb 5 23:52:49 UTC 2012
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