Linux 2.6.29+ on PowerMac 8600

[kevin diggs <diggskevin38 at gmail dot com>]

Hi,

I've tried the PowerPC Linux list with no luck. Maybe someone here has an idea.

I have a PowerMac 8600 running Linux (Yellowdog 4.0). The stock
compiler is 3.3.3. I tried building the latest 3 series I could find.
That was 3.4.6. It can not compile the kernel sources. As a test of
the compiler I used it to compile Firefox 2. It will run. Experience
with Yellowdog 6.0 on a G5 (970FX x 2) suggests you need 4.1.2+ to
build Linux 2.6.29+.

So it off to version 4.3.5. After lots of fun tracking down why
Firefox won't run (issues with which libstdc++ is being used) I
finally get a kernel to compile. It won't run. I also can't get 2.6.28
to run when it is compiled with 4.3.5. I can get 2.6.28 to run
compiled with 3.4.6.

Now it gets a little weird ...

I also have a dual G4 GigE (dual 7455 @ 1.1 GHz) that is running YDL
4.0. Using the same procedure to bootstrap 4.3.5 (3.3.3 -> 3.4.6 ->
4.3.5) I CAN build 2.6.36 and boot it. I don't think the YDL installer
supports the 8600 so I am pretty sure the 4.0 installation on the 8600
was cloned from this system.

Off to the twilight zone ...

I decided to try cross system kernel building. Not recommended by the
FDA but I'm desperate. I have built a kernel for the GigE using the
8600 and 4.3.5 and it seems to boot on the G4.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

kevin

P.S.:  I also have a fun issue involving a Quadra 700:  stock 25 MHz
68040 vs 50 MHz cpu upgrade and the -fno-gcse option if anyone is
interested.