Linux 7.1 kernel drops i486 support, fixes Steam Deck audio, and brings new NTFS driver

The latest Linux 7.1 kernel has been released, delivering significant advancements in hardware support and power management efficiency. On the AMD front, the updated amd-pstate driver now incorporates Dynamic Energy Performance Preference (EPP), enabling automatic transitions between power profiles based on usage context; laptops can now seamlessly switch from Performance mode when plugged in to Balanced mode on battery power. Intel users benefit from the default enablement of FRED (Flexible Return and Event Delivery), a technology that accelerates transfers between processor privilege levels. This optimization yields noticeable performance gains under heavy workloads, such as audio production, and is anticipated to extend to future Zen 6 processors. Beyond processor-specific updates, the release resolves critical hardware compatibility issues and enhances file system performance. Notably, audio functionality on the OLED version of the Steam Deck has been corrected, broadening the hand...