which kernel for athlonXP-official answer needed

[Bob Nielsen]

Probably the kernel list would be the best place to ask.

The help file for K7 selection in the kernel source (2.6.8.1, at least) 
says:

Select this for an AMD Athlon K7-family processor.  Enables use of      
some extended instructions, and passes appropriate optimization         
flags to GCC.

I've been using these kernels for quite a while and have experienced no 
problems.

On Tue, Mar 29, 2005 at 07:37:24PM +0100, bailout_ubuntu at yahoo.co.uk wrote:
> I am trying to get an official definitive answer as to which kernel is best 
> for AthlonXP chips- the k7 or 686? I have searched the ubuntu forums and read 
> the unofficial guide etc and the results are confusing. The guide indicates 
> 686, the description with the debs in reps don't mention the athlonXP 
> specifically but would seem to suggest k7 and advice on the forum is 
> contradictory with some saying k7 and some saying 686. There is obviously 
> confusion on the issue and it would be nice to be able to answer it 
> conclusively, ideally by getting a response from the developers who compile 
> the kernels.
> 
> I have posted a topic on the forums about it and several other people have 
> expressed an interest in getting the answer as well.
> 
> The main reason I have doubts over the k7 kernel is that I can remember that 
> k7 was the pre-release code-name for the original athlon. Since then the 
> athlon architecture has undergone further development including the addition 
> of some intel routines, ie sse. Hence my wondering whether the k7 kernel was 
> for original athlons and whether the 686 would be better.
> 
> From the split on the forums btw the two it is obvious that both work :D but 
> it would be nice to know which was the best.
> 
> my thread on the forum is here 
> http://www.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=22218
> 
> Perhaps the descriptions on the kernels could be updated to specifically 
> mention athlonXP chips to avoid any confusion in the future?
> 
> thanks