# ps5-linux-loader Public release by [Andy Nguyen / TheFlow](https://github.com/TheOfficialFloW) of a reproducible Linux-on-PS5 toolchain — the polished version of community work demonstrated in March 2026 with GTA V Enhanced running at 60 FPS / 1440p with ray tracing on a console most people use as a media box. ## What ships in the repo - **Linux payload** that exploits a now-patched PS5 hypervisor vulnerability - **Build script** that produces a bootable Ubuntu 24.04 image - **M.2 SSD install tools** for using the PS5's expansion slot as a dedicated Linux disk - **Fan and CPU/GPU boost control utility** — required for stable operation when boosting clocks beyond Sony's profile Credit list includes c0w, resulknad, flatz, fail0verflow, and the ps5-payload-dev team. This is consolidation of multi-year community PS5 hacking work, not a single-author project. ## How to use The boot path is *not* one-click: 1. Independently obtain the **umtx2 jailbreak** for initial code execution (separate from this release) 2. Set up a fake DNS server and HTTPS host on a local PC 3. Redirect the PS5's manual page lookup through the fake DNS — this triggers the entry point 4. Send the ps5-linux-loader payload over TCP 5. Console enters rest mode, LED goes solid orange 6. Press the power button — LED turns white on success It's a soft mod: must be re-run each Linux boot. Normal reboot returns the console to stock PS5 operation. Internal SSD is never modified. ## Hardware exposed once booted - All 8 Zen 2 cores @ 3.5 GHz / 16 threads - RDNA 2 GPU @ 2.23 GHz - HDMI 1080p / 1440p / 4K @ 60 Hz - Full USB - Optional M.2 install in the expansion slot (separate Linux disk) Comparable performance to a 2020-era mid-range Linux gaming PC. More capable than a Steam Deck OLED on raw silicon (8 cores vs 4, larger GPU). ## Constraints - **PS5 Phat only.** Slim and Pro use different hypervisor code paths. - **Firmware 3.xx-4.xx only.** Sony patched the vulnerability in later firmware, and the PS5 auto-updates aggressively. - **The umtx2 jailbreak is a separate prerequisite** — its own setup and dependencies. - **Some monitors don't handle 1440p/4K HDMI output** — fall back to 1080p, see project Discord. - **No real-hardware testing of every code path.** Bug reports are filed; this is hobbyist driver work. - **Boosting clocks requires the bundled fan profile** — Sony's stock cooling is tuned for Sony's stock power management. ## Why it matters April 2026 context: discrete GPU prices remain elevated due to AI data center demand (see [[hold-on-to-your-hardware]]), and Valve [delayed the Steam Machine](https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/console-gaming/valve-delays-steam-machine-and-says-it-is-reconsidering-pricing-critical-component-shortage-and-costs-behind-the-move) past its early-2026 launch window. A used PS5 Phat on old firmware becomes a legitimately interesting budget Linux gaming option for the price of the console alone — assuming you can find one that hasn't been auto-updated. ## Related - [[ps5-linux-loadr]] — wiki summary - [[hold-on-to-your-hardware]] — why people are looking for cheaper consumer hardware in 2026 Repo: