The ASUS Zenbook S 16 (UM5606WA) with Ryzen AI HX 370 is a capable machine — but running Linux on it isn't completely smooth out of the box. Here's a quick summary of the known issues and how to fix them.
This link covers Bluetooth, keyboard, and audio issues.
This link covers Bluetooth, keyboard, and audio issues.
No Bluetooth
Bluetooth doesn't work without a kernel patch. You'll need to apply the patch manually to get the device detected correctly. Not a dealbreaker, but annoying on first boot.
Bluetooth doesn't work without a kernel patch. You'll need to apply the patch manually to get the device detected correctly. Not a dealbreaker, but annoying on first boot.
Random Display Hangs (PSR Issue)
Panel Self Refresh (PSR) — a power-saving feature — can cause random freezes. The fix is straightforward: add amdgpu.dcdebugmask=0x600 to your kernel boot parameters. If you're on systemd-boot, add it to your entry config file in /boot/loader/entries/.
Panel Self Refresh (PSR) — a power-saving feature — can cause random freezes. The fix is straightforward: add amdgpu.dcdebugmask=0x600 to your kernel boot parameters. If you're on systemd-boot, add it to your entry config file in /boot/loader/entries/.
Audio Sounds Thin and Low
By default, only the tweeters play — the subwoofer is ignored. The fix involves configuring PipeWire to upmix stereo to 4.0, then setting the audio profile to Analog Surround 4.0 in pavucontrol or pwvucontrol. After that, the full speaker system kicks in properly.
By default, only the tweeters play — the subwoofer is ignored. The fix involves configuring PipeWire to upmix stereo to 4.0, then setting the audio profile to Analog Surround 4.0 in pavucontrol or pwvucontrol. After that, the full speaker system kicks in properly.
Keyboard Backlight Not Working
The keyboard backlight fades in and out randomly, and manual controls don't work reliably on Linux. The root cause is in how the ACPI/EC firmware handles backlight state — it works correctly after booting from Windows, but breaks under a cold Linux boot. Still being investigated.
The keyboard backlight fades in and out randomly, and manual controls don't work reliably on Linux. The root cause is in how the ACPI/EC firmware handles backlight state — it works correctly after booting from Windows, but breaks under a cold Linux boot. Still being investigated.
Standby Battery Drain
Standby power usage sits around 30% per day (~1.0–1.1W), which is higher than ideal. Some of this is because peripherals like the keyboard backlight remain active during standby. Room for improvement once the firmware/driver situation matures.
Standby power usage sits around 30% per day (~1.0–1.1W), which is higher than ideal. Some of this is because peripherals like the keyboard backlight remain active during standby. Room for improvement once the firmware/driver situation matures.
Idle Power Usage
Windows reviews show idle power around 5W. On Linux, the best achieved so far is 6.8W — even with display set to 60Hz and minimum brightness. A roughly 35% efficiency gap compared to Windows at idle.
Bottom Line
Great hardware, rough Linux edges. Bluetooth, audio, and display hang all have workable fixes. Keyboard backlight and battery efficiency are still works in progress. If you're comfortable with some manual configuration, it's usable — just not plug-and-play.
Great hardware, rough Linux edges. Bluetooth, audio, and display hang all have workable fixes. Keyboard backlight and battery efficiency are still works in progress. If you're comfortable with some manual configuration, it's usable — just not plug-and-play.
Worth watching as kernel and driver support matures for Ryzen AI 300 series.
13 May 2025
Potato Codex
Potato Codex