Re: [PATCH 0/4] x86/cpu: Use SERIALIZE in sync_core()

[Ricardo Neri]

On Mon, Jul 27, 2020 at 01:07:08PM +0200, Ingo Molnar wrote:
> 
> * Ricardo Neri <ricardo.neri-calderon@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> > A recent submission to LKML introduced a CPU feature flag for a new
> > Intel architecture Serializing Instruction, SERIALIZE [1]. Unlike the
> > existing Serializing Instructions, this new instruction does not have
> > side effects such as clobbering registers or exiting to a hypervisor.
> > 
> > As stated in the Intel "extensions" (ISE) manual [2], this instruction
> > will appear first in Sapphire Rapids and Alder Lake.
> > 
> > Andy Lutomirski suggested to use this instruction in sync_core() as it
> > serves the very purpose of this function [3].
> > 
> > For completeness, I picked patch #3 from Cathy's series (and has become
> > patch #1 here) [1]. Her series depends on such patch to build correctly.
> > Maybe it can be merged independently while the discussion continues?
> > 
> > Thanks and BR,
> > Ricardo
> > 
> > [1]. https://lore.kernel.org/kvm/1594088183-7187-1-git-send-email-cathy.zhang@xxxxxxxxx/
> > [2]. https://software.intel.com/sites/default/files/managed/c5/15/architecture-instruction-set-extensions-programming-reference.pdf
> > [3]. https://lore.kernel.org/kvm/CALCETrWudiF8G8r57r5i4JefuP5biG1kHg==0O8YXb-bYS-0BA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx/
> > 
> > Ricardo Neri (4):
> >   x86/cpufeatures: Add enumeration for SERIALIZE instruction
> >   x86/cpu: Relocate sync_core() to sync_core.h
> >   x86/cpu: Refactor sync_core() for readability
> >   x86/cpu: Use SERIALIZE in sync_core() when available
> 
> I've picked up the first 3 preparatory patches into tip:x86/cpu, as 
> they are valid improvements even without the 4th patch. The actual 
> functionality in the 4th patch still needs work.

Thank you Ingo! I'll work on the fourth patch.

BR,
Ricardo