Linux gaming is getting a performance boost with scheduler changes coming in Linux Kernel 7.3. The merge request, noted in a kernel mailing list archive post, introduces several changes that make the scheduler more efficient, improve latency, and add support for asymmetric CPU architectures like Intel's mix of P-Cores and E-Cores.

These improvements should notably enhance average game FPS, 1% and 0.1% low FPS, and frame time consistency on low-power hardware. In the Shadows Awakening benchmark running via GOG and GE-Proton 10-34 on an Intel Core i7-2600K and AMD Radeon RX 580, average frame rates improved by 25%, average frame times were 50% better, and minimum FPS jumped from 4.0 to 29.0—a 7.25× boost.

The Cachy OS development team announced these improvements will be available in Cachy OS 7.2 Kernel soon. While effectiveness on modern hardware remains to be tested, devices like the Valve Steam Deck may benefit significantly due to their lower-spec CPUs.

Lower scheduler latency should make the biggest difference across the board, enabling more efficient load balancing.