AVX-512 returns to Intel desktop CPUs with Nova Lake – Linux Patch claims

Intel is bringing back support for AVX-512 with Nova Lake, according to this new Linux Kernel Patch

According to a new Linux kernel patch, Intel’s upcoming Nova Lake desktop CPUs will feature support for AVX-512, something that has been missing from Intel’s desktop CPUs since the release of Alder Lake in 2021. This should arrive through Intel’s support for AVX 10.2, which Intel first unveiled in 2023.

AVX-512 is an advanced vector extension that can accelerate certain workloads. With optimised software, AVX-512 can deliver significant performance benefits. For example, the RPCS3 PlayStation 3 emulator runs fastest on CPUs with AVX-512 support, as it can complete many workloads in fewer clock cycles than other CPUs. This significantly accelerates the performance of certain tasks. The same applies to many other workloads. Sadly, AVX-512’s adoption has been hampered by Intel’s lack of AVX-512 support on all of its modern processors.

The new Linux kernel patch adds an AVX-512-optimised path for RAID mode, and “Intel Nova Lake and later” is listed as a supported client platform. This implies that AVX-512 will be supported on all future Intel CPUs.

Intel’s “Hybrid” CPU architectures hampered AVX-512’s adoption

With the arrival of Alder Lake came Intel’s P-cores and E-cores. With Intel’s P-cores supporting AVX-512 and their E-cores lacking it, Intel’s hybrid CPUs couldn’t run AVX-512 workloads. Starting with Nova Lake, Intel may be adding AVX-512 support to its E-cores through AVX 10.2. Through AVX 10.2, Intel plans to deliver instruction-set parity across its P-cores and E-cores.

With Nova Lake, Intel desktop/client CPU users will finally be able to benefit from AVX-512. AMD has supported AVX-512 on its client CPUs since Zen 4. With support from both AMD and Intel in new mainstream CPUs, here is a chance that broader adoption of AVX-512 software may finally happen. This may even happen within the gaming space, as both the next-generation PlayStation and Xbox should feature CPU cores that support AVX-512 instructions.

Has the era of mainstream AVX-512 support finally arrived?

With instruction-set support across a broader range of hardware, AVX-512 may be adopted by more mainstream applications over the next few years. This is good news for consumers, as it will allow applications to run faster on supported processors.

You can join the discussion about Intel reportedly adding AVX-512 support to Nova Lake on the OC3D Forums.

Mark Campbell

Mark Campbell

A Northern Irish father, husband, and techie that works to turn tea and coffee into articles when he isn’t painting his extensive minis collection or using things to make other things.

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