Amdgpu & microcode hook

[robin0800]

Should you use the modules amdgpu with the microcode hook ?

[cscs]

Its technically a little more than a yes or no answer.

• amdgpu in MODULES will allow for early kernel mode setting.

Kernel Mode Setting (KMS) is a method for setting display resolution and depth in the kernel space rather than user space.

The Linux kernel’s implementation of KMS enables native resolution in the framebuffer and allows for instant console (tty) switching. KMS also enables newer technologies (such as DRI2) which will help reduce artifacts and increase 3D performance, even kernel space power-saving.
[…]
KMS is typically initialized after the initramfs stage. However, it is possible to enable KMS already during the initramfs stage.

• microcode in HOOKS is desirable for loading the microcode into initramfs.
  This is how its done now - it is no longer part of the preset files so if you want that microcode it should be included in HOOKS.

Early loading updates the microcode very early during boot, before the initramfs stage, and is preferred over late loading.
[…]
If not compiled into the kernel, microcode must be loaded by the early loader.

https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Kernel_mode_setting

https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Mkinitcpio

https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Microcode

For me that equates to a general ‘yes you should’ for most people, and these options are present on my system.

[mithrial]

They are not directly related. amdgpu is the GPU driver, the microcode updates the CPU.

So, add both and enjoy a generally smoother boot process.