Configuring GNU/Linux on the HP 17z-ca300 with AMD Ryzen 4700U
Overall, GNU/Linux works pretty well on the HP 17z-ca300 with AMD
Ryzen 4700U. Performance is great, and most features work with no or
minimal workarounds. Wi-Fi isn't working yet for me, but there may be
workarounds for people who need it. The optional backlit keyboard is
great.
What Works (And What Doesn't)
Works:
Fast 8-code AMD 4700U CPU
Brightness*
Volume controls
Keyboard backlight (definitely request this option)
Bluetooth (sees devices)
Trackpad, including scroll, 2- and 3-finger taps (right/center mouse)
Video Card
* I had to upgrade to a newer kernel and stop using XFCE for brightness to work.
Doesn't work
Wi-Fi (haven't tried much, may be fixable)
Tricks
You may need to disable 'PalmCheck' when playing games. Use xinput to
list devices, find the touchpad, list-props to list its properties,
and set-prop to turn off palm check (Disable While Typing Enabled).