Linux Kernel 5.19 Will Provide Better Power Management for Intel DG2/Alchemist Graphics

In terms of support for DG2/Alchemist graphics cards, Linux Kernel 5.19 not only provides better shadow processing and computing support through IDs but also provides better power management.

Intel’s DG2/Alchemist discrete GPUs claim acceptable L1 exit latencies of less than 1 microsecond, although they can tolerate exit latencies above this threshold. As such, the Linux PCI (PCIe) subsystem in Linux 5.19 has a quirk that treats the initial batch of DG2/Alchemist GPUs as “unlimited” to enable PCI Express Active State Power Management (ASPM) L1 functionality in more configurations. consumption, it can provide less than 1-microsecond egress when resuming PCIe activity.

join us on telegram

Active State Power Management (PCIe ASPM) is very useful for power saving when idle and presumably results in very noticeable power savings. ASPM has always been a headache though, with various weirdness and other issues with different motherboards/chipsets and PCIe hardware over time.

ASPM L1 allows the PCIe link to be put into a low power mode during periods of inactivity and then quickly restarted when needed. ASPM L1 is more power-efficient than the shallow ASPM L0s mode by allowing the PCIe link to power down completely when not in use.

Leave a Comment