- AMD has released a new driver for Linux which optimizes cache usage on Ryzen 9 9950X3D processors.
- Tests with PyPerformance and Z3 Theorem Prover show performance improvements of up to 50%.
- However, not all programs benefit; in some cases, performance decreases compared to the standard configuration.
- This driver is part of the Linux 6.13 kernel and allows tasks to be managed more efficiently based on the cache type.
AMD has introduced a new driver for Linux with the aim of improving the performance of its 3D V-Cache technology on the latest Ryzen 9 series processors. In particular, this optimizer has been designed for efficient cache management in the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, a model that has 16 cores and was recently launched alongside the 9-core Ryzen 9900 3X12D.
This new controller, called AMD 3D V-Cache Optimizer, has been integrated into the Linux 6.13 kernel and its main function is to optimize the allocation of tasks in the processor, prioritizing the use of the chiplet that has the 3D cache in those cases where performance is most benefited.
Tests show significant improvements in some applications
The first performance testing have revealed very interesting figures in certain scenarios. In the benchmark PyPerformance, used to measure the efficiency of script execution Python, an improvement has been recorded about 50%, reducing There execution time from 668 to 444 microseconds. On the other hand, in tests with Z3 Theorem Prover, which evaluates efficiency in symbolic calculations, a performance increase of over 40% has been observed.
Other applications have also shown significant performance gains when using cache optimization. This is the case of Zstd Compression, a data compression algorithm that has improved performance by adjusting the priority of cache usage based on processor frequency. This optimization may also be of interest to those looking to run programs like FL Studio on Linux.
Performance is not always better: some cases show losses
Despite good results in certain tests, the Driver does not always guarantee better performance. In specific applications, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D has shown drops in performance when the optimizer is active. A clear example is the FLAC Audio Encoding, where converting WAV files to FLAC was a 36,5% faster without using the controller.
In addition, there are other programs where the improvement with the optimizer enabled is barely noticeable. In certain benchmarks, the differences between having it enabled or not are below a 5%, which makes it practically irrelevant to most users.
The arrival of the optimizer in Linux 6.13 makes it accessible to more users.
One of the most notable aspects of this development is its direct integration into the Linux kernelThis means that users of Ryzen processors with 3D V-Cache won't need to install external packages or perform advanced configurations to take advantage of it. Simply update to a modern kernel version and you'll be able to experience its effects.
The fact that the optimizer allows performance to be improved by selecting which CCD to prioritize, depending on whether the user prefers more cache or a higher frequency, can make a significant difference in utilization of the hardware in certain work environments. For those looking to enhance their experience, it's a good idea to consider the wide range of emulators available for Linux.
Processors with AMD's 3D V-Cache technology have proven to be powerful options for Gaming y development environments in Linux, and with these improvements at the software level, its performance in certain applications can be even better. However, it is important to keep in mind that significant benefits are not achieved in all cases and that the actual impact will depend on the type of workload to be used.
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