kernel: [154858.820009] [drm:i915_hangcheck_elapsed] *ERROR* Hangcheck timer elapsed.

[greg@kroah.com (Greg KH)]

On Mon, Dec 15, 2014 at 08:02:13AM -0600, Chris wrote:
> I'm hoping I can get some advice/help here on this list with the above
> problem that is causing system lockups. I didn't want to post to the
> main list as I'm not sure it would be appropriate, I'm not even sure
> it's appropriate here but I'll give it a try. If someone has a better
> list to post to please let me know.
> 
> I have noticed the lockups periodically since 09/13/2014. I can't
> remember what kernel version was in use then possibly kernel
> 3.13.0-35-generic or -36. It has continued periodically through versions
> -39; -40 and now to -43. The last time this has happened was Dec 13
> 14:40:57 localhost kernel: [154858.820009] [drm:i915_hangcheck_
> elapsed] *ERROR* Hangcheck timer elapsed... render ring idle. At times
> when it locks up I will have a cursor on a black screen and will have to
> press the power button to restart other times it will lockup whenever
> I'm in an application. At that time I can usually CTRL>ALT-F1 log in and
> run 'sudo reboot' to restart the system.
> 
> Kernel version information is:
> 
> Linux version 3.13.0-43-generic (buildd at tipua) (gcc version 4.8.2
> (Ubuntu 4.8.2-19ubuntu1) ) #72-Ubuntu SMP Mon Dec 8 19:35:06 UTC 2014
> (Ubuntu 3.13.0-43.72-generic 3.13.11.11)

That's a very old distro-specific kernel, try building a kernel.org
release (like 3.18) and see if the problem is still there or not.  No
one in the community can help with old, distro-specific kernels, except
for the distro itself.

There are lots of Intel graphic driver changes happening in the kernel,
I strongly recommend updating if you have an issue with your hardware.
I got 2 _hours_ battery life extension in the 3.17 kernel alone due to
Intel driver fixes.

good luck,

greg k-h