kernel config - module vs built-in

ccutler · n00b Joined: 19 Jan 2005 Posts: 28

I am in the process of configuring the kernel and I dont know the advantages and disadvantages of having something built-in vs a module.

When would I want it built-in and when would I want it a module?

(I am specifically trying to determine whether my audio chipset & networking chipset should be a module or built-in, but I would like to know the differences in general)

Thanks in advance.

racoontje · Veteran Joined: 19 Jul 2004 Posts: 1290

Built-in: larger kernel image
Modules: can be loaded/unloaded during runtime

I like to make stuff that I always will use (ie primary network card, IDE, but NOT the soundcard because I emerge alsa-driver for that) static, and optional (secondary ethernet card) stuff modular... Don't know why. Probably because I'm too lazy to make an initrd.

lee-jun · n00b Joined: 20 Jan 2005 Posts: 17

also want to have things you need at boot time in built in, like SCSI/SATA drivers. Could not find my hdd (i have a SCSI) without my correct SCSI driver built in, and therefore could not boot up.
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Dual Pentium4 Xeon 1.7GHz
1Gb ECC PC800 RDRAM
GeForce 5700LE 256 mb
28 Gb Ultra160 15k SCSI hdd

dual boot -- WinXP/Gentoo on grub