I just bought a 2024 Dell with a 64 AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS processor and would like to try Fedora 41 KDE Plasma from Windows 11 after previously having Mint on my other computer. I’ve heard mixed opinions on compatibility—especially with Wi-Fi connectivity—and wanted to make sure before swapping it out. I’m assuming being a 64 based processor will be fine (according to the documentation)? Not so sure on AMD, though. Would appreciate any advice! Thanks
You can test your hardware using a Fedora live USB image.
You can download the kde image and use the windows version of fedora media writer to create the USB stick image.
I think these docs will have all the info you need. Preparing Boot Media :: Fedora Docs - just get the KDE plasma image not the workstation one.
Once you have the USB stick created you can boot from it and test the hardware.
In particular make sure that sound and WiFi work.
I’m not expecting you to see issues with the CPU.
What GPU does the laptop have?
Hello @sdraney ,
I have run, and still run an AMD processor based system, with Fedora since, well over a decade anyway. No problems here.
Welcome to the 
Community!
I just ordered a new work laptop with the same gen Ryzen processor (albeit a ThinkPad) and it just came in today. I probably won’t set it up for a few days, but I expect it should be fine. I’ll let you know if I encounter any issues, but I’ve had excellent luck with AMD + Fedora in general.
AMD does not make wifi chips, so that will probably be just fine.
The AMD/MediaTek RZ616 wireless controller can be quite hit and miss. I ripped the one in my AMD Framework Laptop 16 and put in a non-vPro version of the Intel AX210 and have had a much fewer dropouts and fewer issues related to power management.
I’ve had three AMD laptops with Mediatek wifi in a row and each have worked well, my current one is a MT7922.
Probably depends on the access points as well. I’ve had issues (especially on 6 GHz) with Ubiquiti and Meraki access points in my two AMD Ryzen laptops when using the MediaTek controllers, but fewer issues with Intel ones.
That’s possible yes. At least it will not be dependent on the linux distribution, Fedora will support it just fine.
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Do you plan to run Fedora under WSL in Windows?
LHDB probes for systems with Ryzen 5 8640HS doesn’t have any Dell systems, all with Radeon 760m graphics, but a couple are using Fedora 40.
Basically, as long as it’s not a RealTek wifi, it should be good. It’s not that it isn’t supported as much as the drivers and the hardware are a mix of hot garbage (regardless of operating system). If it’s a Realtek and acts funny, I strongly recommend replacing it with an Intel wifi card instead. They’re generally a very easy swap for most laptops.