wikiFixing Graphics Output Driver Problems of LES with newer Linux Kernels
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This article addresses graphics output driver issues with newer Linux cores on the Low Energy Server and explains how they can be solved. In this specific example, we will illustrate the use of Ubuntu 12:04 LTS with kernel 3.2 and kernel 3.5.
Problems with Graphics Output
In Ubuntu 12:04 errors in the screen output happen due to problems from the default graphics driver being used. The installation runs itself without problems. After the installation is complete, enter the following error message when booting the installed system:
- Faulty scrolling in the text console (kernel 3.2)
- After the Boot Menu screen the monitor turns off and remains black (kernel 3.5)
- Only the upper left part of the screen is used
The problems were caused by the supplied driver for the integrated graphics chip Intel GMA500.
Kernel 3.2 Solution
In the standard configuration Ubuntu 12.04 uses driver gma500_gfx with kernel 3.5 (with kernel >3.2 the older driver has been renamed):
user@les:~$ uname -a Linux les 3.2.0-40-generic-pae #64-Ubuntu SMP Mon Mar 25 21:44:41 UTC 2013 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux user@les:~$ lsmod Module Size Used by i2c_isch 12662 0 lpc_sch 12720 0 mmc_block 22618 0 mac_hid 13077 0 psb_gfx 170345 1 drm_kms_helper 45466 1 psb_gfx drm 197641 2 psb_gfx,drm_kms_helper i2c_algo_bit 13199 1 psb_gfx video 19115 1 psb_gfx coretemp 13290 0 lp 17455 0 parport 40930 1 lp sdhci_pci 18324 0 sdhci 28241 1 sdhci_pci pata_sch 12700 3 r8169 56368 0 user@les:~$
In order for the graphics output to work properly, the following boot parameter is required:
psb_gfx.blacklist=yes
This can be set temporarily from the grub menu when starting or permanently in the /etc/default file/grub. Please see Ubuntu 12.04 Kernel Parameters for the Low Energy Server.
Alternatively, the file /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf can be supplemented with the following entry:
blacklist psb_gfx
The file contains the following:
# This file lists those modules which we do not want to be loaded by # alias expansion, usually so some other driver will be loaded for the # device instead. blacklist psb_gfx
When adapting the file /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf the following command must be performed at the end:
sudo update-initramfs -u
Kernel 3.5 Solution
In the standard configuration Ubuntu 12.04 uses driver gma500_gfx with kernel 3.5 (with kernel >3.2 the older driver has been renamed):
user@ubuntu:~$ uname -a Linux ubuntu 3.5.0-27-generic #46~precise1-Ubuntu SMP Tue Mar 26 19:33:56 UTC 2013 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux user@ubuntu:~$ lsmod Module Size Used by i2c_isch 12672 0 coretemp 13362 0 kvm_intel 127736 0 kvm 365556 1 kvm_intel microcode 18396 0 lpc_sch 12728 0 hid_generic 12485 0 ext2 67991 1 gma500_gfx 198234 1 drm_kms_helper 47459 1 gma500_gfx drm 240232 2 gma500_gfx,drm_kms_helper i2c_algo_bit 13317 1 gma500_gfx mac_hid 13078 0 video 19117 1 gma500_gfx lp 17456 0 parport 40931 1 lp usbhid 46054 0 hid 82511 2 hid_generic,usbhid usb_storage 39757 0 pata_sch 12701 2 r8169 56853 0
In order for the graphics output to work properly, the following boot parameter is required:
gma500_gfx.blacklist=yes
This can be set temporarily when starting from the grub menu or permanently in the /etc/default file/grub. Please see Ubuntu 12.04 Kernel Parameters for the Low Energy Server.
As an alternative, the file /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf can be supplemented with the following entry:
blacklist gma500_gfx
The file contains the following:
# This file lists those modules which we don't want to be loaded by # alias expansion, usually so some other driver will be loaded for the # device instead. blacklist gma500_gfx
When adapting the file /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf the following command must be performed at the end:
sudo update-initramfs -u
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Author: Werner Fischer Werner Fischer, working in the Knowledge Transfer team at Thomas-Krenn, completed his studies of Computer and Media Security at FH Hagenberg in Austria. He is a regular speaker at many conferences like LinuxTag, OSMC, OSDC, LinuxCon, and author for various IT magazines. In his spare time he enjoys playing the piano and training for a good result at the annual Linz marathon relay.
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