Linux-ck

General package details

Linux-ck^AUR is a package available both in AUR and in the User pre-compiled packages that allows users to run a kernel and headers setup patched with Con Kolivas' ck patchset[1], including a CPU scheduler named MuQSS (Multiple Queue Skiplist Scheduler, pronounced mux) which replaces Brain Fuck Scheduler (BFS), his previous work. Many Arch Linux users choose this kernel for its excellent desktop interactivity and responsiveness under any load situation.

CK patchset is designed for desktop/laptop use but not for servers. It provides low latency environment and works well for 16 CPUs or fewer. To be able to boot into kernels, the boot loader has to be configured appropriately.

Release cycle

Linux-ck roughly follows the release cycle of the official Arch kernel but not only. The following are requirements for a new package release:

CK patchset compatible with the current kernel version

Long-Term Support (LTS) CK releases

In addition to the linux-ck^AUR package, there are LTS kernel releases patched with the above patchsets as well and with the previously mentioned modifications:

linux-lts-ck^AUR^{[broken link: package not found]} - The current Arch Linux LTS kernel patched with the CK patchset

Note: This package is maintained by vishwin, thus pre-compiled versions will not be present in the unofficial ck repo.

More about MuQSS

See the LKML announcement posted by CK.

Check if MuQSS is enabled

This start-up message should appear in the kernel ring buffer when MuQSS in enabled:

$ dmesg | grep -i muqss
$ journalctl | grep -i muqss   
...
MuQSS CPU scheduler v0.120 by Con Kolivas.

MuQSS patched kernels and systemd

It is a common mistake to think that MuQSS does not support cgroups. It does but not all the cgroup features (e.g. CPU limiting will not work).

Using out-of-tree modules with linux-ck

Many out-of-tree modules (broadcom-wl, nvidia, virtualbox, etc.) can be easily compiled and managed by using DKMS.

Linux-ck

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