Kernel upgrades, are we stuck with 8.4.1 forever?

[mega]

Will we ever be able to run a kernel newer than 8.4.1 ?

[bofors]

No way. Leopard will certainly require something new.

[blkblt]

The problem is that the newer kernel has specific code in there for the newest Intel processors (Core Duo/Core Solo). From what I understand, it includes high resolution timers, etc.

 

Now there are two approaches to this:

 

1) Port forward support for the older hardware to the new kernel. This is what Maxxuss was talking about before he disappeared, and seems like the harder approach.

 

2) Port the hacks over to the newer kernel and deal with the fact that it only supports the newer Intel chips. This seems much easier, and more and more people are buying the chips.

 

I unfortunately, have neither the experience nor the time to do either!

 

/blkblt

[bofors]

The other thing to add here is that with the release of Woodcrest (next gen. Xeon), the "Mac Pro" and Intel XServe, there will be a lot of demand here to hack a new kernel if necessary.

[djtrix]

So users with a Intel Core Duo chips should be able to run the latest kernel? how?