Intel Improves Linux Performance with Thread Director Patch
In an effort to further improve the Intel CPU experience of Linux virtual machines, Intel has patched the Thread Director technology in the Linux operating system. The update has resulted in a performance increase of up to 14%, according to the 3DMark benchmark test.
Thread Director technology, known for its ability to enhance Intel 12th generation and newer CPU performance on Windows systems, also exists on Linux operating systems and works in a similar manner. With many new Intel CPUs using both large and small cores (Performance Core (P-Core) and Efficiency Core (E-Core)), the coordination and distribution of work between the two cores become more complex when virtualization is involved.
A new Intel patch file emphasizes that there is no difference in the way to optimize virtual machines on Linux or Windows systems. The patch includes a table of 3DMark Time Spy and Fire Strike performance benchmarks using the Core i9-13900K CPU. The benchmarks show that in most cases, the performance increment range is within plus or minus 3%, but in 6 of the 17 individual tests, the performance increased by 8 to 14%.
These improvements are particularly significant for Intel’s best gaming CPUs, which are desktop hybrid chips. Cloud gaming providers, who rely on these CPUs, can now use them without encountering performance issues. As Linux is the most common operating system for servers running cloud gaming, this latest patch brings Linux functionality and performance closer to that of Windows systems.
Overall, the Thread Director patch for Linux has proven to be a gamechanger for virtual machine performance, further solidifying Intel’s position in the market.
(Source: Intel)