Linux 7.2 introduces cache-aware scheduling for performance gains

The Linux kernel has seen significant updates with the release of version 7.2, featuring cache-aware scheduling. This new scheduler aims to improve data access efficiency by grouping threads that share data onto the same last-level cache (LLC) domain, thereby reducing cache bouncing and misses.

Performance improvements have been substantial. Hygon, a Chinese chipmaker, reported that extending this scheduling beyond a single LLC domain can result in up to a 360% increase in transactions per second for MySQL workloads. The update is expected to benefit multithreaded servers, gaming, and AI/machine-learning compute jobs.

The development landscape is also shifting due to artificial intelligence. Linus Torvalds noted a “new normal” in kernel development, characterized by a surge in patch submissions generated by AI tools. Additionally, recent kernel releases have included various fixes for x86 microcode and hardware-specific crashes.