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The problem with prefetch in linux

A few days ago has been published in LWN (Linux Weekly News) an article explaining how old prefetch micro-optimization can slightly slow down the kernel in modern CPUs as it interferes with the logic of the hardware prefetching and branch prediction mechanisms.

This shows how the growing complexity of current processors and the divergent strategies used for increasing the IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) make it necessary to adapt the code to the real system in which it is going to run. Nobody can guarantee that software optimizations for one CPU have a negative effect on a different one.

To the complete article.

"Premature optimization is the root of all evil."

- Donald E. Knuth -