For desktop Linux users, upgrading to a new Linux kernel usually comes with relatively few, limited risks: wonky drivers, GRUB pain, maybe a full cleanup and reinstall. However, for one subset of laptop owners using rolling release distributions, kernel version 5.19.2 can actually damage the LCD screen.
“After reviewing some logs, we found potentially false panel power-up delays that can damage LCD panels,” wrote Intel engineer Ville Syrjala in a discussion of this issue. “I recommend canceling this immediately and releasing a new stable version as soon as possible. Plus a recommendation that no one using laptops with Intel GPUs run 5.19.
A day later, kernel 5.19.13 was released. But there is a distribution chain between kernel work and the distribution’s desktops, and some laptop owners have become involved.
“Two days ago I upgraded to kernel 5.(19).2 and my screen is now flickering fast,” user CrepeDragonball wrote on the r/framework subreddit for owners of Framework laptops that have an integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU. “I see flickering even in UEFI (BIOS) so I think it’s hardware related and not OS/driver related… The flickering happens at such a high frequency that I can’t fix it on my phone. camera”. Similar reports have appeared on the forums and subreddits of ArchLinux and Fedora , as well as on the official Framework forum.
Some users reported flickering that didn’t go away after a reboot or after switching to basic level tools like BIOS or GRUB. Some have managed to switch their kernel versions by connecting to an external monitor and have seen the flickering fade away over time. But incorrect panel power-up sequence (i.e. screen timing) can permanently damage screens, especially LCDs built into laptops. At the time of publication, the original poster in the Framework subreddit did not announce that its screen had been restored.
Linux kernels and distributions causing physical damage to desktop hardware are rare, but not unheard of. In October 2003, Mandrake 9.2 was found to be capable of destroying some LG CD-ROM drives. The cause could be kernel code, LG firmware, or both, according to an update to the Linux.com post about the issue. LWN.net noted that LG Electronics does not support or test Linux hardware.
More typically, the hardware is not written or operated according to specifications; several seasoned hardware programmers confirm this time-honored tradition in an extraordinarily intriguing Quora thread.
It is recommended to upgrade the Linux kernel above version 5.19.2 if possible, or otherwise downgrade even if you don’t immediately see graphical issues.