Chinese x86 CPU developer Zhaoxin is working on integrating support for scheduling optimization on its processors with "preferred cores" into the Linux kernel. Similar to Intel and AMD's asymmetric core designs, Zhaoxin's chips may have specific high-performance cores that the OS scheduler should prioritize for critical workloads. To enable this, Zhaoxin has proposed Linux patches that utilize existing ACPI functionality to indicate differences in maximum frequency or capabilities on a per-core basis. The CPUfreq driver has been updated to reflect these changes, allowing the scheduler to prioritize the designated high-performance cores when assigning threads and processes. This ensures that tasks can dynamically utilize the faster cores to maximize performance. This approach is similar to tuned scheduling, which takes into account core topology and heterogeneity already present in Intel and AMD processors.
Zhaoxin's patches do not specify which existing or upcoming CPUs will support preferred core hints. The company likely wants this functionality in place for future server-class products where asymmetric designs would be beneficial for efficiency. The new code contribution reflects Zhaoxin's broader effort to support its Yongfeng server CPU family in the Linux kernel. Establishing a strong open-source foundation is crucial for gaining developer support and adoption in data centers. By adding sophisticated features like preferred core scheduling, Zhaoxin's chips are evolving from basic x86 compatibility to more refined performance optimization. While they still lag behind Intel and AMD in terms of cores and clocks, closing the gap in software ecosystem and efficiency is essential for competitiveness. The ongoing work to enable Linux support is laying the groundwork for more capable Zhaoxin processors.
