Platforms¶

Hardware¶

IGT GPU Tools is designed to validate few DRM drivers across a variety of Intel and non-Intel platforms. While virtual environments help with development, real hardware is recommended for full test coverage, performance metrics, and regression tracking.

General Guidelines¶

• Use modern GPUs for maximum test compatibility.
• Prefer dedicated test systems for kernel and firmware flexibility.
• Ensure reliable cooling to avoid throttling during performance tests.

Intel¶

Older GPUs (Gen7/Gen8) are still useful for regression testing but may not support new test features.

Non-Intel GPU Support¶

Although IGT is Intel-focused, basic support exists for other platforms:

• AMD (AMDGPU): Some display and KMS tests run; feature support may vary.
• NVIDIA (nouveau): Partial functionality; manual testing encouraged.
• VirtIO-GPU / QEMU / GVT-g: Useful for automation and limited pipeline testing.
• ARM SoCs (e.g., Mali, Vivante): Experimental – not all tests apply.

Community contributions are welcome to expand non-Intel support!

Software¶

Intel¶

i915 vs Xe Drivers¶

IGT supports two major Intel GPU drivers in the kernel:

Here are some basic information, for more please visit an official Intel Graphics for Linux - Documentation

i915 Driver¶

• Supports older Intel platforms (Gen9–Gen12).
• Mature, well-tested, and fully integrated into kernel and userspace stacks.
• Tests targeting i915 must include proper documentation (using igt_describe) and follow test plan validation rules.

Xe Driver¶

• Next-generation Intel GPU driver for DG2 (Arc) and newer architectures.
• Designed to replace i915 for future platforms.
• Modular, uses a new codebase and device model.
• Tests targeting Xe must follow the same documentation and validation practices but may focus on newer UAPI/ABI interactions.

Key Differences¶

If you're unsure which driver your hardware uses, check:

lspci -nn | grep VGA
dmesg | grep drm