> =m means it's a loadable module (but still takes up some kernel memory and more on disk as a .ko) Loadable modules are not present in memory, in any form, un

> =m means it's a loadable module (but still takes up some kernel memory and more on disk as a .ko) Loadable modules are not present in memory, in any form, until they are loaded. Building them has no impact on kernel memory usage. (Consider that it's possible to build the kernel with all the modules set to "n", then switch the modules to "m" and build them afterwards. The resulting kernel is identical, save for having a slightly different embedded .config.)