Intel Boosts Virtualization Performance on Linux with Thread Director Patch

Intel has recently released a patch for Thread Director in Linux, aimed at enhancing virtualization performance on hybrid Intel CPUs. While the exact extent of the performance improvement remains uncertain for virtual machines, Intel claims that there could be up to a 14% boost in 3DMark scores. This development indicates that more improvements are on the horizon for Linux users, further refining the Intel CPU experience on Linux virtual machines.

Thread Director, known for improving performance on Intel’s newer CPUs in Windows, also functions in the same way and bears the same name on Linux. The necessity of assigning workloads carefully to achieve optimal performance arises from the utilization of big P-cores and small E-cores on many modern Intel CPUs simultaneously. The complexity of this process is further amplified when dealing with virtualization. Intel emphasizes the need for Thread Director, stating that it is indispensable for Windows virtual machines.

Interestingly, Linux and Windows seem to share similar fundamentals when it comes to implementing virtual machine optimizations. It is notable that the patch notes highlight gaming performance in the context of virtual machines. This emphasis on gaming performance reflects Intel’s focus on improving Thread Director, as the company aims to provide an efficient cloud gaming solution. By running games in client Windows virtual machines, cloud gaming providers can make use of Intel’s best gaming CPUs without encountering performance issues.

Although Linux is the primary operating system used on servers for cloud gaming solutions, Windows tends to offer better performance for running games due to greater game compatibility. However, with this recent patch, Linux is closing the gap in terms of feature and performance parity with Windows, particularly in the realm of cloud gaming. This step towards bridging the divide between operating systems brings Linux one step closer to becoming a viable and competitive option for gaming enthusiasts in the cloud gaming industry.

FAQ Section: Intel Thread Director Patch for Linux

1. What is the purpose of Intel’s recently released patch for Thread Director in Linux?
The patch aims to enhance virtualization performance on hybrid Intel CPUs for Linux users.

2. How much of a performance boost can be expected for virtual machines with this patch?
The exact extent of the performance improvement remains uncertain, but Intel claims that there could be up to a 14% boost in 3DMark scores.

3. What is Thread Director and how does it improve performance?
Thread Director is a technology that assigns workloads carefully to achieve optimal performance on Intel CPUs. It is utilized in both Windows and Linux environments and is particularly important for virtual machines.

4. Why is Thread Director important for Windows virtual machines?
The complexity of assigning workloads on many modern Intel CPUs with big P-cores and small E-cores is further amplified in virtualization. Thread Director is considered indispensable for achieving optimal performance in Windows virtual machines.

5. What is the focus of the patch notes and why is gaming performance highlighted?
The patch notes highlight gaming performance in the context of virtual machines. Intel aims to provide an efficient cloud gaming solution, and running games in client Windows virtual machines allows cloud gaming providers to benefit from Intel’s best gaming CPUs without performance issues.

6. Which operating system is commonly used in cloud gaming servers and why?
Linux is the primary operating system used on servers for cloud gaming solutions. However, Windows tends to offer better game compatibility and performance.

7. How does this patch bring Linux closer to becoming a competitive option for gaming enthusiasts in the cloud gaming industry?
By improving feature and performance parity with Windows, particularly in the realm of cloud gaming, this patch helps bridge the gap between the two operating systems. Linux is one step closer to becoming a viable and competitive option for gaming enthusiasts in the cloud gaming industry.

Key Terms:
– Thread Director: The technology that assigns workloads carefully to achieve optimal performance on Intel CPUs.
– Virtualization: The process of creating virtual versions of operating systems, servers, storage devices, or other computer resources.
– P-cores and E-cores: Refers to big P-cores and small E-cores found on many modern Intel CPUs, representing different levels of performance and power efficiency.
– Cloud gaming: Refers to playing video games remotely on servers and streaming the gameplay to a device over the internet.

Related Links:
Intel Thread Director Official Website
Intel Cloud Gaming Solutions

The source of the article is from the blog enp.gr

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