Linux Kills Ancient x86 Fallbacks
unknownuniverse.uk
As Linux 7.2 makes the Time Stamp Counter mandatory, we look at why dropping legacy x86 fallback timing code is long overdue.

Linux 7.2 has landed, dragging x86 timing clean out of the nineties by making the Time Stamp Counter mandatory.

I wrote up a quick article on why ditching those ancient legacy fallbacks is good housekeeping, plus a few other bits like cache-aware scheduling and memory tweaks worth noting.

Is anyone still using legacy hardware? If so, what do you use it for?

  • notgold@aussie.zoneEnglish
    0·
    1 month ago

    There’s just a few vocals not the majority. I know we still have a few i486 running and even 1 i386 running. There not connected to anything and just perform the same simple task they have for decades so updates are virtually meaningless. Not uncommon in power, water, rail, and other utilities.