[KDE Plasma] KDE Plasma on Framework Laptop 16" having very weird graphical issues

Framework Laptop 16 Linux
1

Which Linux distro are you using?
I am using Arch Linux. Just the default version. No Manjaro or anything like that.
Which release version?
(if rolling release without a release version, skip this question)

(If rolling release, last date updated?)

Which kernel are you using?
The one that installs when you do “pacstrap /mountpoint linux”

Which BIOS version are you using?
I don’t know, but I don’t think it’s the latest one. Probably the one that just got shipped out when I purchased the laptop.
Which Framework Laptop 16 model are you using? (AMD Ryzen™ 7040 Series)
I’m using the Framework Laptop 16 with the AMD Ryzen 7040 Expansion Bay.

With those answers out of the way, I can try to explain in some more detail. For some reason, starting today, I’ve been having really strange and interesting graphical glitches on Arch Linux running KDE Plasma. I’ll include photographs too, but the first time it happened, it was really bad. It was green in some areas, it was black in some areas and all that. Then, it just completely froze up and then it came back even worse. It had a white triangle in the top left part. It had gone black in some places again, and all that too. Even while typing this all out, it’s flickering and being buggy. I don’t know if it’s an issue with the graphics bay or an issue with the software, but I would like some help if possible. Thank you!

Photographs attached below for more visual clarity.

390bb604-46bd-4156-8327-d5bc5d1f6ef3 (1)
390bb604-46bd-4156-8327-d5bc5d1f6ef3 (1)1920×2560 456 KB

fa6d0b3a-8286-439a-bb6f-dfcf5875a237 (1)
fa6d0b3a-8286-439a-bb6f-dfcf5875a237 (1)1920×2560 330 KB

Thank you in advanced!
RedLintu16

Will the laptop 16 work on Linux? And some questions about it
Graphical Glitches
Display has visual glitches that won't appear when screen recording
2

Which linux kernel version?
uname - (minus a, it won’t let me post the a)

3

I guess this a new install or are u saying you have never updated your system?

If you have when was it and what got updated (check pacman logs for packages)

4

Yeah, it’s new, but by like a day or two.

5

Lemme check after I’m done updating the BIOS

6

Linux Framework 6.11.6-arch1-1 #1 SMP PREEMPT_DYNAMIC Fri, 01 Nov 2024 03:30:41 +0000 x86_64 GNU/Linux

7

Have seen this also with kernel 6.11.5-arch1-1 on my Framework 16 with dGPU (running EndeavorOS, which is based on Arch), thought it might have something to do with my using it isolated for pci passthrough to a VM, but apparently it is more widespread.
I went back to the 6.6.58-1-lts kernel, which does not have these issues.

8

So should I try that kernel?

Screen flickering on Linux kernel 6.12
9

Try installing the LTS kernel and using that. I have both installed on my arch system on this Framework and I found the LTS kernel provides a vastly more stable experience.

10

If you have no specific reason to be on the latest and greatest kernel (e.g. for a new driver or feature that you need and does not exist in the LTS kernel), the LTS kernel is a better choice as it is more stable, just like jared_kidd mentioned.

11

Hi,

This appears to be a regression bug introduced in more recent Linux kernels as the above says:
6.11.5 - Not OK
6.6.58 - OK.
If you wish this to be fixed then it would be a good idea for the people seeing the problem to raise a issue/bug over at:

That is where AMD GPU developers view and fix stuff.

12

Also running Arch + Plasma on my FW16, I have not seen this issue. I use the latest zen kernel, so whatever 6.11 version that is as of last night.

13

X-posting: Folks, please bump the tracking bug at https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/drm/amd/-/issues/3388 and mention your Framework 16s!

14

FW16-specific bug: Graphical Glitches on 780M (#3752) · Issues · drm / amd · GitLab

15

Updated my EndeavorOS today to kernel 6.12.1-arch1-1, and it seems the glitches are gone, so I’m going to switch back from lts kernel. Let’s see how things hold up.

16

Oops, spoke too soon, i did notice it again today, so it is still not entirely gone.

17

I saw one of these for the first time last night while running a dungeon in WoW (Arch + Plasma). It was only visible for a fraction of a second, not long enough to capture it even if I could do so by hitting the screenshot button. As such, I am forced to redact my “I have not seen this issue” statement.

18

One thing I just noticed is that this artifact is easier for me to reproduce when my laptop is unplugged. A few things happen when I’m unplugged:

  • Display is automatically set to 60hz
  • Power Profile automatically set to power-saver
  • Any applicable integrated controller settings apply (e.g. potential power limit changes)
19

I been getting some issues after 6.11.5, like screen freezing.

Still not resolved at latest stable kernel tho.

If you use latest 6.10, it should be fine.

20

I’ve been getting this issue since installing Fedora KDE 41 with all packages updated (Kernel 6.12.11-200) & latest UEFI firmware. Extremely easy to reproduce while using Spectacle to take a screenshot.