Framework 13 freezing during GPU load (Linux)

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1

I got my Framework 13 in early September, and it was working fine until late November. Whenever the laptop GPU is placed under light or high load, the system can permanently freeze and/or display GPU artifacts. Most of the time, the caps lock light flashes when crashed (Which seems to be a hardware error). The crashing happens faster when the GPU is placed under more load. Video watching can take multiple hours, but playing a game, like Dead By Daylight, can freeze in less than 10 minutes.

Now, a list of things I have tried to fix the issue:

Run a Windows 10 dual boot, full reinstall of Ubuntu 24, Installation of Ubuntu 25.10, install Linux kernel 6.18.4, downgrade firmware to 3.06, re-seat RAM and SSD, run a memtest with zero errors, and disable different parts of the AMD driver based on online threads.

When trying these fixes, the freeze took different forms, like crashing (Windows 10 dual boot) or instant rebooting (Ubuntu 25.10). When updated to kernel 6.18.4 on Ubuntu 25.10, the laptop would be responsive, and no apps could be opened. Except that the terminal could be opened, but nothing could be typed in it. Disabling parts of the AMD driver changed nothing.

My current system details:

  • OS? Linux
  • Distribution? Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS
  • Laptop? AMD Ryzen™ 5 7640U

Nothing I have done has reduced or prevented the issue. Any ideas on things I can try to resolve this issue?

Occasional hard reboot in Zoom or YouTube
2

This could be the same issue that I’m seeing along with a few other people, especially since you mentioned the instant reboot.

Maybe look at Occasional hard reboot in Zoom or YouTube and see what data you can collect. Especially interesting is the kernel message on 6.18.x that says the reason for the last reset.

3

If the caps lock flashes when it crashes, it signifies a kernel crash, so there should be a stack trace available.

So, i think this is different from the FTR and FTH, when one gets no log or flashing caps lock.

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4

I did figure out this issue. I updated my kernel to 6.18.7, but also switched windowing systems from Wayland to x11. Updating the kernel may not be needed, but now that the issue is fixed, I’d rather not touch anything.