I've been trying to install FreeBSD on my PC (Switching from Arch Linux) and for some reason installing the drm-kmod package the handbook says to install I no longer even get a console when I reboot. Instead when I boot everything appears to be successful and then randomly my monitor goes black and doesn't come back on, and if I wait for about 15 seconds it just reboots and the cycle continues.
PC Specs:
CPU: Ryzen 9 5900X
GPU: Radeon RX 6600XT (I'm using the amdgpu driver the handbook says to enable)
I'm using the latest version of FreeBSD I could find (14.2) and I'm following the handbook exactly.
If you are making a switch from Arch, I would say use version 14.1 to get up and running to test out FreeBSD for yourself, . The drm-kmod pkg works in 14.1 with no need to use the port. The handbook applies to 14.1 as well. If you are firm on using 14.2 then follow the advice given to compile the driver from ports. From what I understand 14.2 just recently released so it is using pkgs built from14.1 for a few months or next quartly update, someone more experienced can better explain.
I am using Intel graphics. For me the weird thing was I have a test machine that I try things out on before I commit to my 2 dedicated desktops. On my test machine I used a 14.2 iso, installed FreeBSD following the handbook, used the drm-kmod package, and installed and launched xfce after a reboot no problem. I popped out the hard drive in my test machine, put in another one and went through the same steps to install a kde environment instead of xfce. Installed xorg, ran startx to test it before installing and enabling the drm-kmod pkg and a desktop environment, it launched twn, xorg works, installed drm-kmod pkg, enabled it, installed kde, reboot and blam, same blank screen as you get after it said loading kernel modules in the boot sequence. tried to start all over again and install a few times, same problem. Tried the 14.1 iso after all the failed attempts with the 14.2 iso and it all installed no problem.
Why 14.2 worked on one hard drive and not the other, and without compiling drm-kmod from ports is beyond me
Now I find out this is a common issue and the port compile is the way to go for 14.2, cool I like learning.
I will leave you by saying when installing, follow the handbook for sure, right after you finish the chapter on Xorg, as in it is installed and drm-kmod is installed and enabled , reboot before you spend the time installing a desktop enviroment. While it is rebooting if the font size of the boot sequence changes to a smaller font during the process then you are good to go ahead with the desktop of your choice to install
Welcome to the BSD fun
