News: 0001531452

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Optimized AMD SEV Cache Flushing Patches Posted For Linux

([AMD] 6 Hours Ago Secure Encrypted Virtualization)


The newest upstream-focused work around [1]AMD SEV for Secure Encrypted Virtualization with EPYC server processors is a set of patches to better optimize cache flushing.

Sean Christopherson of Google sent out the set of patches last week that use the WBNOINVD instruction rather than WBINVD for better cache maintenance efficiency within the context of SEV. Additionally there are some cache flushing optimizations for flushing the cache only on CPUs running the SEV guest(s).

These build off patches posted by Google engineer Kevin Loughlin and Chinese engineer Zheyun Shen. No performance numbers were provided as part of this patch series, but any help to further optimize cache flushing tends to be useful and of measurable impact for helping with Linux VM performance.

Those interested in this latest cache flushing optimization work for AMD SEV can find the patches under review on the [2]the kernel mailing list .



[1] https://www.phoronix.com/search/AMD+SEV

[2] https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20250227014858.3244505-1-seanjc@google.com/


phoronix

Extraordinary claims demand extraordinary proof. There are many examples
of outsiders who eventually overthrew entrenched scientific orthodoxies,
but they prevailed with irrefutable data. More often, egregious findings
that contradict well-established research turn out to be artifacts. I have
argued that accepting psychic powers, reincarnation, "cosmic consciousness,"
and the like, would entail fundamental revisions of the foundations of
neuroscience. Before abandoning materialist theories of mind that have paid
handsome dividends, we should insist on better evidence for psi phenomena
than presently exists, especially when neurology and psychology themselves
offer more plausible alternatives.
-- Barry L. Beyerstein, "The Brain and Consciousness:
Implications for Psi Phenomena".