How to Install XanMod Kernel on Debian 12/11/10 Linux

The XanMod Kernel is a custom Linux kernel designed to provide better performance, responsiveness, and a smoother experience for desktop, multimedia, and gaming workloads. It is optimized with numerous improvements and patches that enhance system performance and stability, making it an excellent choice for users seeking to maximize their Debian system’s potential.

To install the XanMod Kernel on Debian 12, 11, or 10, you can use the official XanMod APT repository and a specialized script. The installation process involves configuring the repository and running the XanMod Kernel Check Script, which helps identify the most compatible XanMod Kernel package for your Debian system. This ensures that you get the best performance enhancements tailored to your setup.

Update Debian Before XanMod Installation

Before the XanMod kernel installation, updating your Debian system is necessary. This update minimizes potential conflicts during the XanMod installation. To perform the update, run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command refreshes your package lists and upgrades them to their latest versions.

Install Required Initial Packages

Before installing the XanMod kernel, specific dependencies must be in place. These packages might already be installed, but to ensure their presence, execute:

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl -y

This command installs key packages necessary for managing repositories and secure communication.

Import the XanMod GPG Key and Repository

The first major step in installing the XanMod kernel is adding the XanMod repository to your system. Here, we’ll use the apt package manager for simplicity.

Import the XanMod GPG Key

Begin by importing the GPG key:

curl -fSsL https://dl.xanmod.org/gpg.key | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpg > /dev/null

This command retrieves the XanMod GPG key and integrates it into your system’s keyring, a crucial step for verifying the authenticity of the XanMod packages.

Add the XanMod Repository

Next, add the XanMod repository:

echo 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpg] http://deb.xanmod.org releases main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod-kernel.list

This command adds the XanMod repository to your APT sources, enabling you to install packages from it.

Verify the Repository Addition

To confirm the successful addition of the repository, use:

grep xanmod /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod-kernel.list

A successful addition will produce an output resembling:

deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpg] http://deb.xanmod.org releases main

Update Packages List After Import

Now, update your APT repository source listing to include the newly added XanMod repository:

sudo apt update

Download and Prepare the XanMod Kernel Check Script

To align the XanMod Kernel with your system’s CPU, acquire the XanMod Kernel Check Script. This script is instrumental in identifying the most compatible XanMod Kernel package for your Debian system.

Execute the following commands to download the script and modify its permissions:

wget https://dl.xanmod.org/check_x86-64_psabi.sh
chmod +x check_x86-64_psabi.sh

This step is crucial because the XanMod Kernel has various versions, such as linux-xanmod-x64v1, x64v2, x64v3, and x64v4. Each version is specifically optimized for different CPU architectures.

The script’s output will display the compatible x86-64 version. For instance, you might see:

CPU supports x86-64-v2

Your CPU might support different versions like x86-64-v1, v3, or v4, as the script indicates.

Finalize XanMod Kernel Installation

Once you have identified the correct version, install the XanMod Kernel. For example, if your CPU supports x86-64-v2, the installation command would be:

sudo apt install linux-xanmod-x64v2

Note: Remember to adjust the command based on the CPU version (v1, v3, or v4) you determined earlier.

For comprehensive information on each kernel version and its CPU compatibility, consult the XanMod Kernel’s official website or check out the information below.

Quick Overview of XanMod Versions:

MAIN Versions:
- linux-xanmod-x64v1: Best for older CPUs like AMD K8-family and Intel Pentium 4 / Xeon (Nocona).
- linux-xanmod-x64v2: Fits newer CPUs, such as AMD Family 10h (Barcelona) and Intel Core 2 variants.
- linux-xanmod-x64v3: Ideal for modern CPUs including AMD Family 17h (Zen) and Intel 6th Gen Core (Skylake).
- linux-xanmod-x64v4: Suitable for the latest CPUs, like AMD Family 19h (Zen4) and Intel Xeon / 10th Gen Core (Ice Lake).
EDGE Versions:
- linux-xanmod-edge-x64v2: Tailored for CPUs like AMD Family 16h (Jaguar) and Intel 2nd Gen Core (Sandybridge).
- linux-xanmod-edge-x64v3: Optimal for CPUs including AMD Family 17h (Zen+) and Intel 7th Gen Core (Kaby Lake).
- linux-xanmod-edge-x64v4: Designed for advanced CPUs such as Intel 11th Gen (Rocket Lake) and AMD Family 19h (Zen3).
LTS Versions:
- linux-xanmod-lts-x64v1: Supports older, long-term stable CPUs, like Intel Core 2 and AMD K10-family.
- linux-xanmod-lts-x64v2: Compatible with various CPUs, including Intel 3rd Gen Core (Ivybridge) and AMD Family 15h (Steamroller).
- linux-xanmod-lts-x64v3: Fits recent CPUs such as Intel 10th Gen Core (Comet Lake) and AMD Family 17h (Zen2).
- linux-xanmod-lts-x64v4: For the newest CPUs offering long-term stability, like Intel 13th Gen (Raptor Lake) and AMD Family 19h (Zen3).
RT Versions:
- linux-xanmod-rt-x64v2: Real-time version for CPUs like Intel 1st Gen Core (Nehalem) and AMD Family 15h (Bulldozer).
- linux-xanmod-rt-x64v3: Real-time version optimized for newer CPUs, including Intel 8/9th Gen Core (Coffee Lake) and AMD Family 17h (Zen+).
- linux-xanmod-rt-x64v4: The most advanced real-time version for CPUs such as Intel Xeon (Cooper Lake) and AMD Family 19h (Zen4).

Selecting the appropriate version for your CPU architecture is essential for optimizing performance with the XanMod Kernel on Debian systems.

Confirming the XanMod Kernel Installation

After restarting your Debian system, it’s important to confirm the successful installation of the XanMod Kernel. This verification step ensures that your system is running the new kernel.

Check the Installed Kernel Version

To verify the installed kernel version, execute:

cat /proc/version

This command will output the currently active kernel version. If the installation is successful, the output will display the XanMod kernel version.

Example of Kernel Verification

Additional tools like Neofetch can provide a more detailed view of your system information, including the kernel version.

Managing XanMod Kernel

Update XanMod Kernel

After adding the XanMod APT repository, you can update the kernel like any other package. Use the following command to check for updates and apply them:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command refreshes your package list and upgrades your system to the latest kernel version available in the XanMod repository.

Remove XanMod Kernel

Remove the XanMod Source from the Repository

To begin removing the XanMod Kernel, first delete its source from your repository list:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xanmod-kernel.list

This command removes the XanMod repository, preventing future updates from being fetched.

Remove the GPG Key

If you do not intend to use XanMod in the future, it’s a good security practice to remove its GPG key:

sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/xanmod.gpg

This step ensures the security integrity of your system by removing external authentication keys.

List Installed XanMod Kernel Packages

Identify the XanMod Kernel packages installed on your system:

dpkg --list | grep `uname -r`

This command lists all XanMod Kernel packages associated with your current running kernel.

Remove the XanMod Kernel Packages

To remove the identified XanMod Kernel packages, execute:

sudo apt remove linux-image-*.*.*-xanmod* linux-headers-*.*.*-xanmod* --purge

This command purges XanMod Kernel packages from your system.

Restart Your System

Reboot your computer to apply the changes:

reboot

This step is crucial to switch back to the default kernel.

Verify the Installation Rollback

After rebooting, confirm that the XanMod Kernel has been successfully removed and the default Debian kernel is active:

cat /proc/version

The output should display the default Linux Kernel version, indicating a successful rollback to the standard Debian kernel.

Conclusion: Installing XanMod Kernel

By following this guide, you have successfully installed the XanMod Kernel on your Debian 12, 11, or 10 system using the official XanMod APT repository and the XanMod Kernel Check Script. This custom kernel should provide better performance and stability for your system, especially for desktop, multimedia, and gaming use.

Remember to check for updates regularly to keep your XanMod Kernel current. While the XanMod Kernel offers many advantages, test critical applications after kernel updates to ensure they work correctly. Enjoy the improved performance and efficiency of your Debian system.