Releases/FeatureTicklessKernel

= Tickless kernel =

Summary
Make the default x86_64 kernel tickless.

Owner

 * Names: DaveJones, IngoMolnar

Current status

 * Last modified: [[DateTime(2007-08-20 T19:00:03Z)]
 * Targeted release:  Fedora 8
 * Percentage of completion: 100%

x86_64 tickless is now in rawhide.

Detailed Description

 * http://kerneltrap.org/node/7749
 * http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=article&item=651&num=1

Benefit to Fedora

 * Improves power management by not waking up 100 (or 1000, or whatever) times a second.

Scope

 * Kernel changes

Test Plan

 * Examine built kernel config, make sure CONFIG_NO_HZ is set.
 * Boot kernel ; use powertop or similar software to determine that it is running in a tickless manner.

User Experience

 * Should not affect user's experience in a noticeable way, aside from increasing battery life.

Dependencies

 * Depends on upstream kernel work.

Contingency Plan

 * Back out the tickless patch, or build without CONFIG_NO_HZ

Documentation
Should not be needed.

Release Notes
Should not be needed.