Linux patch fixes Alder Lake core priority issue
In the near future, the Linux kernel will release a new patch to solve the problem of Intel’s 12th-generation Core series processors, about the core priority of the performance core based on the Golden Cove architecture (Performance Core) and the energy efficiency core based on the Gracemont architecture (Efficient Core). It comes from enabling the XMP memory profile in UEFI, or manually overclocking Alder Lake. If the user operates one of these two items manually, it will cause Linux to place inappropriate workloads on the wrong core, which will eventually lead to system performance degradation.
According to Phoronix, the problem comes from Intel Turbo Boost Max technology. The Linux kernel needs Turbo Boost Max code to enable the appropriate kernel and allocate priority levels. If the motherboard has an XMP memory profile enabled or overclocked manually, the corresponding code will be automatically disabled. After being disabled, the highest performance state of ACPI CPPC will be applied to all cores, causing the system to think that all P-Core and E-Core are the same in performance, and then use this as a benchmark for task assignment.
Since Alder Lake relies on its high-performance hybrid architecture, how to allocate tasks between P-Core and E-Core is an important function. If the system puts the key tasks of heavy load on the E-Core or puts the simple tasks of light load on the P-Core, there may be a loss of overall performance.
Through the new Linux kernel patch, these problems can be solved. If users want to overclock on the Linux system, it will not have a negative impact on performance.
