Hello Forum!! I am new to rooting and installing ROMS. I have a Samsung Vibrant with Team Whiskey's Bionix-V ROM. My question is what is a kernal and how does it impact the performance of my phone?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)?wasRedirected=true
The kernel is pretty much the core of the os. Flashing different kernels can alter performance by allowing certain tweaks that the stock kernel may not i.e. overclocking the cpu etc
Probably not something you want to be doing if you are new to modding and dont understand it, try researching a bit first to get your head around it or you may damage your device without knowing.
Related
Hello,
I've lurked at xda for a while, but I'm slightly confused about the concept of flashing a kernel.
I'm currently using the CM7 stable, with (what I can assume is) the cyanogen custom kernel.
With regards to flashing a kernel, what is some helpful information? What are some advantages? Is it just like flashing a rom? Do you need a certain rom? Any suggestions on kernels?
Many thanks
denbeigh2000
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
If you have RomManager installed flashing Kernels is pretty much like flashing roms. Only faster
Usually kernels are grouped as being for AOSP/CM or for Sense ROMs. Kernels are like the bridge between the phone software and hardware (CPU, Wi-Fi, LED, sensors, etc). Most people care about the CPU control part. Some kernels offer unique CPU governors or undervolting for better battery life. Yes, it is similar to flashing a ROM, except the ONLY things you should wipe are cache and Dalvik cache. This may be obvious, but do not wipe system or data, that has your ROM and all data on it.
Just take a look around in the development section for threads with [Kernel] in the title.
c00ller said:
Usually kernels are grouped as being for AOSP/CM or for Sense ROMs. Kernels are like the bridge between the phone software and hardware (CPU, Wi-Fi, LED, sensors, etc). Most people care about the CPU control part. Some kernels offer unique CPU governors or undervolting for better battery life. Yes, it is similar to flashing a ROM, except the ONLY things you should wipe are cache and Dalvik cache. This may be obvious, but do not wipe system or data, that has your ROM and all data on it.
Just take a look around in the development section for threads with [Kernel] in the title.
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Click to collapse
So which popular kernals will work with CM7 stable? I'm having a hard time seeing which work best with what ROMs. I am on the stock CM7 kernal which is 2.6.32.28 , and I see a few kernals here starting with 2.6.32.xx , are these the ones that will work best? Like pershoot for example, his second to last kernal is Kernel 2.6.32.41 – OC-UV-NEON_FP (1.516GHZ) – G2 , will that work fine? Or would his newest one work fine?
I want to understand these better.
What are they?
When looking at the different ones what should I look for?
Any added risk when using one as apossed to using roms.?
Can I go back to a stock kernel by restoring a backup ?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA App
I'm simplifying it a bit but the kernel is the code layer that interacts between hardware and software. Your phone is the hardware and Android (i.e. OS - ROM) is the software. The kernel defines interactions with various hardware pieces such as the CPU, the storage, and etc. Therefore to make certain optimizations or modifications such as overclocking or certain I/O tuning it can only be done by modifying the kernel.
Most of the ROMs in the development come packaged with a compatible modified kernel. You can choose to flash any other kernel that's compatibile with the ROM you have/are flashing. The compatibility is usually determined by which version of Android the ROM is based on.
The modifications that most people look for in kernels are the addition of OverClocking and Undervolting the CPU, I/O performance tweeks, and kernel related changes to improve battery life. The kernel developers usually list the enhancements they make to their kernels.
On the Galaxy Nexus Nandroid backups do include the kernel so you are safe to restore the kernel from a Nandroid backup. The stock kernel can also be flashed back in the same way a modified kernel was flashed onto the phone.
Hi guys! I just bought an Arc S, and it's totally awesome. BUT, even if I like the design of the stock ROM, it really can be improved. I always have around 60 mb of free RAM, and you can imagine the result
May I use doom kernel ( or any other kernel ) without flashing a new rom? Would I have improvements? Do I get more free ram?
Thanks in advance, I'm trying to learn everything I can about modding this phone, I had a Motorola and I spent the last months tweaking it, now it's time to start all over
If you've unlocked the bootloader, yes. Any kernel thread OP will advise what version of android the kernel will support, or if it's specifically for a certain rom(i.e. MIUI/CyanogenMod roms). Generally, custom kernels improve performance and add features not available in the stock rom such as call recording, various schedulers, overclocking and so on. Battery life tends to be better with the stock kernels though.
thanks! and specifically, if I want to stay ( for now ) with stock rom 2.3.4 which kernel would you suggest me to try? i'd like one with smartassv2 governor, i heard it's pretty good
Doomkernel is your best bet there, tbh.
sinkster©
hey guys
Now i know you've probably heard this a million times and i do appologise but i'm not risking ANYTHING when it comes to rooting etc as ill only kick myself if i brick my device. So flame away if you feel like it but i'm simply being cautious.
I've looked through numerous guides on rooting and loading rom's but everyone is different so i just want to get it 100% right. Ill start with my phone and what i'm after when i root.
Phone: HTC One X (Tegra 3)
Unlocked on vodafone
android version 4.1.1
htc sense 4+
I'm after a rom which will get rid of most of the bloatware on my phone and give it good battery life in general but improved performance for games when needed. The best stable rom i've come to the conclusion for this is cyanogenmod 10. Is that alright for what i need?
I'd like to tweak the cpu and gpu abit to help games like nova 3 play decently, i heard the main issue is something to do with the cpu govenor? Whats the best way around this?
Bascially i'd like advice on the most simplest way of rooting my phone and then installing cyanogen mod. Do i need kernels or anything else?
Many thanks for your patience :good:
If you go to an AOSP based ROM, like CM, your GPS won't work and your battery is likely to be less good than on JB Sense ROM.
When HTC release the kernel source for JB, this situation will change.
You willl need a kernel that is non standard because you're on hboot 1.36. If I remember correctly, post 9308 of one of the CM ROMs is useful.
Thanks for the reply!
In that case i'd rather keep GPS ability as i use the sat nav alot. Could i use franco's kernel on the stock rom on my phone and just use that? That'll give me the options to tweak i need without changing roms.
No faux kernel won't work on a JB rom, there are no custom kernels yet for JB ! The custom kernels that are available only work on the older ICS roms.
Custom kernels will be available when HTC releases the source code
You can flash an older ICS rom with custom kernel that's no problem. But then you have no JB
Ahhh this is all making sense now
Fair enough, ill leave it all stock until they release the source code. I have to say, this is pretty damn confusing and i'm no amateur when it comes to tech and flashing hardware
Just want my One x to play games smoothly. Pretty pants on nearly everything i've tried so far (shadow gun MP, GTA 3, Nova 3, Battle bears)
Hi all,
I am fairly new to the whole flashing kernels thing. I was looking through the Android Development threads and I saw the KT kernel and the IX kernel. I wanted to flash either of these kernels just for the improved battery life (from stock). Here are some of my questions:
1. What is the main reason to flash a new kernel.
2. Once I flash the kernel, What is a governed and do I need to constantly change it or set values? (asking cause I see others doing this)
3. Once I flash, lets say I want to go back to stock kernel, how can I do this?
4. Will I really get better battery life, or is it just for those who currently have horrible battery life.
5. Would it speed up the phone by any chance, reduce any lag?
Thanks in advance for helping!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1369817.
thats an amazing link thanks for posting that i was wondering the same thing
but can someone tell us noobs the main reason for updating your kernel like Kt's kernel?
android2.0 said:
thats an amazing link thanks for posting that i was wondering the same thing
but can someone tell us noobs the main reason for updating your kernel like Kt's kernel?
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Well, I personally use KT's kernel for a few reasons: his Ktoonservative governor which is great for battery life yet equally responsive, the ability to undervolt to maximize battery and a cool running device, and the ROW scheduler which offers me superior performance.
imcol said:
Hi all,
I am fairly new to the whole flashing kernels thing. I was looking through the Android Development threads and I saw the KT kernel and the IX kernel. I wanted to flash either of these kernels just for the improved battery life (from stock). Here are some of my questions:
1. What is the main reason to flash a new kernel.
2. Once I flash the kernel, What is a governed and do I need to constantly change it or set values? (asking cause I see others doing this)
3. Once I flash, lets say I want to go back to stock kernel, how can I do this?
4. Will I really get better battery life, or is it just for those who currently have horrible battery life.
5. Would it speed up the phone by any chance, reduce any lag?
Thanks in advance for helping!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Some people flash a different kernel so they can overclock and under-volt. Also it may make the phone a bit snappier and get better battery life.
2. You don't need to constantly change the governor. You can try one for a few days and see how it goes. If youd like to experiment then you can try another to see if its any better/worse.
3. Depending on your ROM. Sometimes you can just boot in to recovery and re-flash the kernel you want. Again it depends on what kernel you flash to.
4.This is a tough one. Kernels act differently on each phone. You would need to try it out for yourself. When you flash a kernel it is suggested you give it a good 3 full battery cycles to really see how battery life is.
5. Yes, it may speed up the phone responsiveness a little. But again each phone reacts differently to each kernel.
The ability to control vibration, and the wide variety of i/o sched and govs is a main reason why I choose KT over any other kernel
still how can i revert
lets say i use kt and want to go back to stock kernel, how do i do this?
imcol said:
lets say i use kt and want to go back to stock kernel, how do i do this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reflash the rom and gapps