Update: I performed an extensive diagnostic test on my iMac 27" (2017),
equipped with an AMDGPU graphics card and a Cirrus Logic CS8409 audio
chip, running Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS with Wayland.

System configuration:

OS: Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS, Wayland

Kernel: 6.11.0-29-generic

Graphics: AMDGPU 25.10.1 (official driver from AMD)

Audio: CS8409, compiled manually from GitHub

Findings:

ALSA detects the CS8409 as card 0 (aplay -l), and the device works
properly.

PipeWire correctly recognizes the mixer and nodes (pw-dump confirms
CS8409/CS42L83 detection).

PulseAudio lists the output as alsa_output.pci-0000_00_1f.3.analog-
stereo, driven via PipeWire and using the CS8409 mixer.

The kernel module snd_hda_codec_cs8409 is loaded (lsmod), and dmesg
confirms autoconfiguration for line outs, headphone outs, and internal
mics.

The system has the latest headers installed: linux-
headers-6.11.0-29-generic and linux-headers-generic-hwe-24.04, matching
the active kernel — no legacy packages were needed.

Note: The CS8409 driver must be compiled manually and breaks after
kernel updates unless recompiled. This clearly shows the need to
integrate the driver into either alsa-ucm-conf or the mainline Linux
kernel. Modern Ubuntu systems are fully capable of supporting it without
older headers — the only missing piece is native module inclusion.

Additional note (graphics): To ensure proper graphical performance on
iMac 27" (2017) with AMD Radeon GPUs, I highly recommend that AMDGPU
drivers be prioritized in kernel-level integration. When I installed
AMDGPU 25.10.1 for Ubuntu 24.04.2, the system instantly detected native
5K resolution without any manual configuration. Mesa fallback drivers
caused incorrect resolution detection and had a negative impact on audio
subsystem behavior. Using AMDGPU significantly improves both graphical
and system stability.

Recommendation: Please consider adding native support for the CS8409
codec into alsa-ucm-conf or the Linux kernel. Additionally, prioritize
AMDGPU over Mesa drivers when detecting Apple hardware during OS setup.
These changes would ensure reliable functionality across graphics and
audio systems for affected users.

Thank you for your work!

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https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/2114760

Title:
  Missing drivers for Cirrus Logic CS8409 and AMDGPU on iMac 27" (2017)
  5K

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