# x86 Published articles for x86. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## Libreboot 20231021 released! DevFeed: [Libreboot 20231021 released!]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [coreboot](), [Hardware](), [boot](), [configuration](), [x86]() Tags: [article](), [asus](), [bios](), [boot](), [build-system](), [canoeboot](), [configuration](), [coreboot](), [free-software](), [hardware](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [opensource](), [release](), [uefi](), [workstation](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20231021 is presented as a new testing release of Libreboot, with build-system improvements and the re-addition of three ASUS boards: KFSN4-DRE, KCMA-D8, and KGPE-D16. The release provides boot firmware for supported x86 and ARM machines and includes coreboot-based firmware support for the listed boards. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20231021 released! Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20231021.html ## Libreboot 20230423 released! DevFeed: [Libreboot 20230423 released!]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [releases](), [coreboot](), [UEFI](), [version](), [boot](), [Debian]() Tags: [bios](), [canoeboot](), [changelog](), [coreboot](), [debian](), [firmware](), [free-software](), [hardware](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [opensource](), [release](), [uefi](), [version](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20230423 is a testing release that adds support for additional coreboot motherboards and includes fixes to the build system. It was build-tested on Debian Sid and is described as basically stable. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20230423 released! Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20230423.html ## Libreboot 20211122 released! DevFeed: [Libreboot 20211122 released!]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [releases](), [coreboot](), [x86](), [Linux]() Tags: [bios](), [bug](), [bug-fixes](), [canoeboot](), [coreboot](), [firmware](), [free-software](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [linux](), [opensource](), [release](), [releases](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20211122 is a testing and bug-fix release based roughly on coreboot 4.15. It fixes several problems from version 20210522 but adds no new boards or major features. The article notes that users should expect some bugs. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20211122 released! Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20211122.html ## Libreboot 20230625 released! DevFeed: [Libreboot 20230625 released!]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [releases](), [coreboot](), [x86](), [Arm]() Tags: [arm](), [bios](), [canoeboot](), [coreboot](), [debian](), [free-software](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [opensource](), [release](), [releases](), [testing](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20230625 is a new stable release of the free software BIOS/UEFI project. It adds support for several motherboards, including the HP EliteBook 2570p, HP 8300 USDT, and Gigabyte GA-G41M-ES2L, and was build-tested on Debian Sid. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20230625 released! Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20230625.html ## Libreboot 20230319 released! DevFeed: [Libreboot 20230319 released!]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [boot](), [coreboot](), [x86](), [chromebook](), [Arm](), [Debian]() Tags: [arm](), [bios](), [bug](), [canoeboot](), [chromebook](), [coreboot](), [debian](), [firmware](), [flashing](), [free-software](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [opensource](), [release](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20230319 is a testing release of Libreboot firmware for supported x86 and ARM machines. It adds boards, fixes, and feature additions, while some Chromebook boards and other ROM image configurations are unavailable as precompiled images. The article also warns about installation issues and a bug affecting T440p/W541 images. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20230319 released! Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20230319.html ## Libreboot 20231106 released! DevFeed: [Libreboot 20231106 released!]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [boot](), [coreboot](), [bug](), [patches](), [Hardware](), [x86]() Tags: [bios](), [bug](), [bug-fixes](), [canoeboot](), [coreboot](), [firmware](), [free-software](), [grub](), [hardware](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [opensource](), [release](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20231106 is a testing release focused on minor bug fixes and GRUB payload changes. It resolves boot issues affecting GM45 ThinkPads and adjusts the DDR2 RAM initialization patch for the Dell Latitude E6400 so it no longer affects other GM45 machines using DDR3 memory. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20231106 released! Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20231106.html ## GM45 no-microcode bug mitigations re-added (ThinkPad X200, T400 etc) DevFeed: [GM45 no-microcode bug mitigations re-added (ThinkPad X200, T400 etc)]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [bug](), [patches](), [Hardware](), [x86]() Tags: [bios](), [bug](), [canoeboot](), [coreboot](), [free-software](), [hardware](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [opensource](), [patches](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot restored mitigations for a broken SpeedStep/reboot issue on GM45 hardware, including ThinkPad X200 and T400 systems. The article explains the relationship between these mitigations and Libreboot's default CPU microcode policy, and notes that the change was included in Libreboot 20230423 for all GM45 targets. ### Source excerpt Article: GM45 no-microcode bug mitigations re-added (ThinkPad X200, T400 etc) Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/gm45microcode.html ## Libreboot 20240612 released! DevFeed: [Libreboot 20240612 released!]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [releases](), [coreboot](), [UEFI](), [x86](), [audit](), [Arm]() Tags: [arm](), [audit](), [bios](), [boot](), [canoeboot](), [coreboot](), [free-software](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [open-source](), [opensource](), [release](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20240612 is a stable bugfix release of the open-source BIOS/UEFI firmware distribution. It fixes bugs from the previous release, incorporates changes from the fifth build-system audit, and adds minor build-system features and fixes. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20240612 released! Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20240612.html ## Libreboot 20241206 released! ThinkPad T480 added. Plus U-Boot UEFI on x86. Fixes for OptiPlex 3050 Micro. DevFeed: [Libreboot 20241206 released! ThinkPad T480 added. Plus U-Boot UEFI on x86. Fixes for OptiPlex 3050 Micro.]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [releases](), [UEFI](), [coreboot](), [x86](), [Arm]() Tags: [bios](), [canoeboot](), [coreboot](), [firmware](), [free-software](), [hardware](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [open-source](), [opensource](), [release](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20241206 is announced as a stable release with ThinkPad T480 support, optional U-Boot UEFI support on x86 machines, and fixes for OptiPlex 3050 Micro. The article also notes an eighth revision released on 6 January 2025. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20241206 released! ThinkPad T480 added. Plus U-Boot UEFI on x86. Fixes for OptiPlex 3050 Micro. Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20241206.html ## Libreboot 20241206, 8th revision released! ThinkPad T480 backlight keys fixed, Pico 2 serprog support, other fixes DevFeed: [Libreboot 20241206, 8th revision released! ThinkPad T480 backlight keys fixed, Pico 2 serprog support, other fixes]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [releases](), [coreboot](), [UEFI](), [audit](), [x86](), [Hardware]() Tags: [arm](), [audit](), [bios](), [canoeboot](), [coreboot](), [firmware](), [free-software](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [opensource](), [release](), [thunderbolt](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20241206 revision 8 is presented as a near-new release with more than 100 changes since revision 7. The release fixes ThinkPad T480 backlight keys, adds Pico 2 serprog support, and includes early changes from the seventh Libreboot Build System Audit. It also documents firmware distribution and other fixes. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20241206, 8th revision released! ThinkPad T480 backlight keys fixed, Pico 2 serprog support, other fixes Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20241206rev8.html ## Libreboot 20210522 released! DevFeed: [Libreboot 20210522 released!]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [releases](), [coreboot](), [boot](), [x86](), [Linux]() Tags: [bios](), [boot](), [build-system](), [canoeboot](), [coreboot](), [firmware](), [free-software](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [linux](), [opensource](), [release](), [uefi](), [update](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20210522 is a testing release of the free boot firmware, released on 22 May 2021. It focuses on build-system changes and updates to coreboot 4.14, with support and testing status varying across hardware platforms. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20210522 released! Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20210522.html ## Libreboot 20141015 release DevFeed: [Libreboot 20141015 release]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [coreboot](), [Hardware](), [x86]() Tags: [article](), [bios](), [canoeboot](), [coreboot](), [documentation](), [free-software](), [git-commit](), [hardware](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [opensource](), [patches](), [release](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview The Libreboot 20141015 release supports several Lenovo ThinkPad X60-series and T60 models, Apple MacBook1,1 and MacBook2,1 systems, and specified hardware configurations. It updates coreboot, SeaBIOS, Flashrom, and GRUB, revises documentation and build dependencies, enables several device features by default, and changes how SeaBIOS is added to ROM images. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20141015 release Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20141015.html ## Libreboot 20240504 released! DevFeed: [Libreboot 20240504 released!]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [libreboot](), [releases](), [coreboot](), [boot](), [UEFI](), [x86](), [Arm](), [Linux]() Tags: [arm](), [bios](), [boot](), [canoeboot](), [changelog](), [coreboot](), [free-software](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [linux](), [open-source](), [opensource](), [release](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview Libreboot 20240504 is presented as a new release of the free and open-source BIOS/UEFI replacement for x86 and ARM systems. The article describes its coreboot-based build system and payload support, but warns users not to use this release because it had problems and recommends Libreboot 20240612 instead. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 20240504 released! Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/libreboot20240504.html ## Libreboot 10-year anniversary and history DevFeed: [Libreboot 10-year anniversary and history]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Leah Rowe Published: 2026-09-17T04:32:50.666044Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [News about Libreboot releases and development]() Topics: [Open Source](), [Operating system](), [Hardware](), [UEFI](), [x86](), [Linux](), [boot](), [releases]() Tags: [anniversary](), [article](), [bios](), [canoeboot](), [coreboot](), [cpu](), [firmware](), [free-software](), [hardware](), [history](), [libre](), [libreboot](), [open-source](), [opensource](), [uefi](), [x86]() ### AI overview This article marks Libreboot's 10-year anniversary and recounts the project's history from the author's perspective. It describes Libreboot as free, open-source boot firmware based on coreboot for selected Intel, AMD, x86, and ARM systems, and discusses its goals and development context. ### Source excerpt Article: Libreboot 10-year anniversary and history Web link: https://libreboot.org/news/10.html ## A custom virtual machine for the Stars! 4X game DevFeed: [A custom virtual machine for the Stars! 4X game]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Published: 2026-09-17T02:00:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Chris Wellons]() Topics: [Emulator](), [win32](), [Windows](), [x86](), [GitHub](), [releases]() Tags: [blog](), [c](), [emulator](), [game](), [github](), [releases](), [vm](), [win32](), [windows](), [x86]() ### AI overview The article presents Stars!VM, a custom virtual machine for running the 1995 16-bit Windows 3.1 game Stars! on modern systems. It combines an 80286 emulator with a Win16-to-Win32 bridge, embeds the original game in signed GitHub releases, and provides 32-bit builds with features such as a modern file chooser and 4K scaling. ### Source excerpt Stars! is a 1995 4X game (explore, expand, exploit, exterminate) for 16-bit Windows 3.1 that I first played ~28 years ago. While Windows is famously backwards compatible, it's notoriously difficult to play Stars! today. Windows x64 cannot run 16-bit applications, and playing requires either retro hardware or emulation (otvdm, DOSBox), sometimes paired with Wine. My new, exciting solution, Stars!VM, or Stars! Virtual Machine, embeds a custom 80286 emulator and a Win16 to Win32 bridge. As native Win32, the game looks and feels exactly as it did originally, except sporting a modern file chooser and 4k scaling. It's indistinguishable from a genuine 32-bit or 64-bit port of the game, especially with the original 16-bit game embedded inside the VM executable. The signed releases on GitHub embed a compressed copy of the original 16-bit game, so that single EXE is ready to play out-of-the-box with no further setup or downloads. I'm distributing 32-bit builds (but requires SSE2) because there's no advantage to 64-bit here, and these builds work (almost) everywhere except 16-bit Windows. 32-bit Windows could run the original 16-bit game, but the VM-encapsulated version is better behaved. It doesn't dump a Stars.ini under C:\WINDOWS, it interacts properly with the task bar, and copy protection is neutralized via the OS bridge. If you ever been curious about Stars!, now's the time to try it. The game has a thorough, built-in tutorial, but also check out the wiki, the official strategy guide, and AutoHost (play-by-email service). The game predates the modern search engine concept, otherwise they might have chosen a better name. I suggest using "stars 4x" in your searches. If you want to build from source and hack on the VM yourself, the best tool for the job is w64devkit, of course, because it comes with everything you'll need. Plus the game itself: stars.exe from stars27jrc3.zip. Implementation details The emulator itself requires x86 or x86-64 because it does not implement x87 ## OpenVDB Introduces SIMD Framework With Some 2~4x Performance Improvements DevFeed: [OpenVDB Introduces SIMD Framework With Some 2~4x Performance Improvements]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Michael Larabel Published: 2026-09-16T10:05:23Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [Phoronix]() Topics: [Data structures](), [Tooling](), [x86](), [releases](), [cudnn](), [Open Source]() Tags: [avx](), [command-line](), [cuda](), [data](), [data-structure](), [desktop-linux](), [github](), [kernels](), [linux-benchmarking](), [linux-hardware-benchmarks](), [linux-hardware-reviews](), [linux-how-to](), [linux-performance](), [linux-server-benchmarks](), [open-source-graphics](), [performance](), [phoronix](), [phoronix-test-suite](), [release](), [ubuntu-benchmarks](), [ubuntu-hardware](), [x86]() ### AI overview OpenVDB 13.1 introduces a SIMD framework using Agner Fog's VectorClass Library for explicit x86 vectorization up to AVX-512. Adapted point transfer algorithms reportedly achieve 2x to 4x performance improvements on modern AVX-512 x86_64 CPUs. The release also includes NanoVDB CUDA resource-management and kernel improvements, plus updates to vdb_tool. ### Source excerpt OpenVDB is the sparse volume data structure and tooling library maintained by the Academy Software Foundation. OpenVDB in turn is used by various CGI software for dealing with sparse volumetric data such as Houdini, RenderMan, and Cinema 4D to the open-source Blender. It's even won an Academy Award for technical achievement while now in 2026 it's finally establishing a SIMD framework for better leveraging modern x86 ISA capabilities... ## Linux Patch Coming To Fix Under-Reported AMD Zen 5 TLB Sizes DevFeed: [Linux Patch Coming To Fix Under-Reported AMD Zen 5 TLB Sizes]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Michael Larabel Published: 2026-09-15T10:05:51Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [Phoronix]() Topics: [Linux](), [cpu](), [x86](), [Kernel]() Tags: [amd](), [cpu](), [desktop-linux](), [issue](), [kernel](), [linux](), [linux-benchmarking](), [linux-hardware-benchmarks](), [linux-hardware-reviews](), [linux-how-to](), [linux-kernel](), [linux-performance](), [linux-server-benchmarks](), [open-source-graphics](), [phoronix](), [phoronix-test-suite](), [processors](), [reporting](), [ubuntu-benchmarks](), [ubuntu-hardware](), [x86]() ### AI overview A Linux kernel patch corrects under-reported Translation Lookaside Buffer sizes for AMD Zen 5 EPYC and Ryzen processors. The change also supports Zen 6 and future AMD CPUs using the same reporting bit. ### Source excerpt A minor reporting issue on Linux that has gone unaddressed until now is for properly conveying the Translation Lookaside Buffer (TLB) sizes on AMD Zen 5 processors... ## Steam Frame vs. Quest 3 Specs: Better PC Streaming, Power & Hackability DevFeed: [Steam Frame vs. Quest 3 Specs: Better PC Streaming, Power & Hackability]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Scott Hayden Published: 2026-09-14T16:59:00Z Content type: comparison Language: en Sources: [Road to VR]() Topics: [Streaming](), [pc](), [Linux](), [Steam Deck](), [Windows](), [Operating system](), [Arm]() Tags: [arm](), [cameras](), [compatibility](), [devices](), [hacking](), [linux](), [meta-quest-3-news-reviews](), [news](), [os](), [pc](), [pc-vr-news-reviews](), [pcie](), [steam-deck](), [streaming](), [windows](), [x86]() ### AI overview This comparison examines Valve's Steam Frame standalone headset against Quest 3. Steam Frame is designed to run Steam's flatscreen and PC VR libraries, stream PC VR games wirelessly through a dedicated Wi-Fi 6E dongle, and support native x86 Windows and Linux content through a compatibility layer. Compared with Quest 3, it offers a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a more open and hackable SteamOS platform, an accessible gen4 PCIe expansion port, and broader compatibility, although its application compatibility is not yet as established. ### Source excerpt Want to know how Valve's Steam Frame standalone headset stacks up against the competition? Read on to find out. Steam Frame is a lot like Steam Deck; it can play pretty much all of Steam's game library out of the box, which includes flatscreen content based on x86 architecture--basically everything on Steam--and also now PC [...] The post Steam Frame vs. Quest 3 Specs: Better PC Streaming, Power & Hackability appeared first on Road to VR. ## EROFS Disables LZ4 Rolling Decompression Due To Data Corruption Possibility DevFeed: [EROFS Disables LZ4 Rolling Decompression Due To Data Corruption Possibility]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Michael Larabel Published: 2026-09-13T00:33:00Z Content type: news Language: en Sources: [Phoronix]() Topics: [Filesystems](), [systems](), [Optimization](), [Linux](), [data](), [Containers]() Tags: [containers](), [data](), [desktop-linux](), [embedded](), [embedded-systems](), [kernel](), [linux](), [linux-benchmarking](), [linux-hardware-benchmarks](), [linux-hardware-reviews](), [linux-how-to](), [linux-performance](), [linux-server-benchmarks](), [memory](), [open-source-graphics](), [optimization](), [phoronix](), [phoronix-test-suite](), [reduce](), [systems](), [ubuntu-benchmarks](), [ubuntu-hardware](), [x86]() ### AI overview EROFS has temporarily disabled LZ4 rolling decompression because a rare interaction with the upstream LZ4 implementation could produce corrupted data. The change prioritizes data correctness in production but increases runtime memory usage. ### Source excerpt The EROFS read-only file-system popular for embedded systems, containers, and other use-cases has resorted to temporarily disabling its LZ4 rolling decompression support due to data corruption concerns... ## Any Nix package, live in your browser DevFeed: [Any Nix package, live in your browser]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Simon Willison Published: 2026-09-10T23:44:15Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Simon Willison's Weblog]() Topics: [Nix](), [WebAssembly](), [qemu](), [x86](), [GitHub Actions](), [Pull Request]() Tags: [browser](), [code-review](), [code-review-16](), [github-actions](), [github-actions-72](), [linux](), [linux-54](), [qemu](), [webassembly](), [webassembly-131](), [x86]() ### AI overview The article describes trynix.dev, which runs an x86_64 Linux virtual machine in the browser using qemu-wasm and WebAssembly. It can boot Nix packages from the past 13 years, including Python 3.6.2, and supports URL-addressable interactive shells. It also highlights trynix-preview, a GitHub Action that links pull requests to browser-based builds without servers. ### Source excerpt Any Nix package, live in your browser Farid Zakaria calls this his "magnum opus of Nix work", and I can see why. trynix.dev provides a qemu-wasm powered x86_64 Linux virtual machine running entirely in your browser through WebAssembly. That VM can then be booted with any Nix package from the past 13 years. They are URL addressable, so you can navigate to this page: https://trynix.dev/?pkg=python3%403.6.2 Then click "Load" and get an interactive shell against a virtual machine running Python 3.6.2 from 2017. Farid is building all sorts of neat things on top of this. One recent example: Review a pull request by booting it introduces trynix-preview, described like this: GitHub action that comments a link on a pull request which lets you boot the PR's build in the browser using https://trynix.dev. No servers, just browsers. Via Lobste.rs Tags: code-review, linux, webassembly, github-actions ## Why is the x86 undefined instruction called ud2? Why 2? DevFeed: [Why is the x86 undefined instruction called ud2? Why 2?]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Raymond Chen Published: 2026-09-10T14:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Raymond Chen]() Topics: [x86](), [Assembly](), [Compiler](), [Exception](), [intel]() Tags: [compiler](), [exception](), [intel](), [old-new-thing](), [other](), [processor](), [x86]() ### AI overview The article explains why the x86 undefined instruction is called ud2. It describes how software used byte sequences that reliably raised an invalid opcode exception, how Intel later provided a standardized instruction, and how compiler output can use it to mark unreachable code and cause a deliberate crash. ### Source excerpt It came after ud0 and ud1. The post Why is the x86 undefined instruction called ud2? Why 2? appeared first on The Old New Thing. ## On Binary Translation and its Consequences DevFeed: [On Binary Translation and its Consequences]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Chester Lam Published: 2026-09-10T09:46:18Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Chips and Cheese]() Topics: [cpu](), [x86](), [Arm](), [Benchmark](), [Windows](), [Emulator](), [pc](), [Microsoft](), [Azure]() Tags: [arm](), [benchmark](), [cpu](), [emulator](), [hardware](), [microsoft](), [microsoft-azure](), [pc](), [windows](), [x86]() ### AI overview This article examines the performance cost of running x86-64 software through Windows 11's Prism binary translator on Arm-based PCs. Using Geekbench 7, it compares translated x86-64 workloads with native Arm performance while noting that the benchmark represents only a limited range of applications. ### Source excerpt The PC market is one of the toughest areas for a CPU designer to compete in. ## Why don't we allow stacks to be sparse, instead of forcing them to be contiguous? DevFeed: [Why don't we allow stacks to be sparse, instead of forcing them to be contiguous?]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Raymond Chen Published: 2026-09-07T14:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Raymond Chen]() Topics: [Vulnerabilities](), [Security](), [x86]() Tags: [code](), [old-new-thing](), [security](), [security-vulnerabilities](), [vulnerabilities](), [x86]() ### AI overview The article explains why stacks are generally kept contiguous rather than made sparse. It discusses the need for explicit stack-limit checks to prevent stack guard-page hopping, the difficulty of reporting failures when a page in the middle of a stack cannot be committed, and possible changes to x86-32 stack probing to avoid unnecessary page-ins. ### Source excerpt Imagining how to report a memory allocation failure for a sparse page. The post Why don't we allow stacks to be sparse, instead of forcing them to be contiguous? appeared first on The Old New Thing. ## Acceleration of Curve25519 Field Operations with Java Software and Intrinsics DevFeed: [Acceleration of Curve25519 Field Operations with Java Software and Intrinsics]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Shawn Emery Published: 2026-09-03T00:00:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Inside Java]() Topics: [Java](), [JDK 27](), [JDK 28](), [Security](), [Post-Quantum]() Tags: [crypto](), [ed25519](), [java](), [jdk](), [jdk-27](), [jdk-28](), [performance](), [post-quantum](), [security](), [tls](), [x86]() ### AI overview JDK 27 and JDK 28 improve Curve25519 field-operation performance through software changes and architecture-specific intrinsics. The improvements benefit X25519, Ed25519, and X25519MLKEM768 operations, with gains varying by algorithm, JDK build, and x86_64 or AArch64 platform. ### Source excerpt Find out about the improved Curve25519 field performance in JDK 27 and JDK 28. [Next page]()