The Linux community continues to refine the kernel to make it a true alternative to Windows in the gaming arena and, incidentally, to enable the system to run on a wider range of hardware. Version 7.3, currently under development, brings with it a handful of changes that, while not always immediately apparent, have a direct impact on system performance and flexibility. Two of the most notable new features are the optimization of the task scheduler to improve smooth gameplay and the first steps toward enabling Rust code to be compiled with GCC, which would open the door to architectures that were previously incompatible.
These improvements are no accident. On one hand, contributor Peter Zijlstra has restructured how scheduling weight is distributed across cgroups, modifying the EEVDF algorithm to use a single execution queue in certain situations. This reduces rescheduling fluctuations, a factor that has historically hampered frame rates on low-end or older systems. On the other hand, the team led by Miguel Ojeda has submitted the first round of bug fixes so that the experimental backend rustc_codegen_gcc can generate code using GCC, instead of relying exclusively on LLVM.
More FPS on modest hardware thanks to the new scheduler
Tests performed with an Intel Core i7-2600K (an older Sandy Bridge CPU) paired with an AMD Radeon RX 580 yielded surprising results. In the game Shadows: Awakening, running through GOG and Proton 10-34, the average FPS jumped from 47,5 to 59,2 , an increase of approximately 25%. But the most striking improvement was the leap in minimum FPS, which jumped from 4 to 29, a difference of up to 7,25 times . Frame rates also improved by an average of 50%, resulting in a much more stable and enjoyable experience.
These numbers don't guarantee that all systems will see such a drastic improvement, but they do demonstrate that the kernel has found a more efficient way to distribute the workload across the cores. The key lies in reducing rescheduling fluctuations, which particularly affected processors with fewer cores or older architectures. With the new scheduler, task distribution is more predictable, and this is reflected in the frame rate.
The potential impact is enormous, especially for devices like the Steam Deck or handheld consoles that use low-power hardware. Although Valve has already confirmed that these changes will come to SteamOS, the community expects gaming-oriented distributions to integrate them soon. In fact, Natalie Vock, a Valve engineer, has been working in parallel on vRAM management, another area of ​​focus for improving the gaming experience on Linux.
Rust is getting closer to GCC: more supported architectures
The Rust language has been gaining ground within the kernel for some time, primarily due to its memory safety and ability to avoid common C errors. However, its adoption has been limited by the fact that the official compiler, rustc, uses LLVM as its backend, and LLVM does not support all the architectures that GCC does. To address this, the Rust team on Linux has begun integrating the first fixes to ensure the experimental backend rustc_codegen_gcc functions correctly.
This backend allows rustc to generate code using GCC, opening the door to architectures like the m68k, Alpha, and other microcontrollers not supported by LLVM. According to the integration request submitted for Linux 7.3, the goal is to use GCC code generation for architectures not supported by LLVM . While the work is still experimental and not production-ready, it's an important step toward expanding Rust's reach within the kernel.
In addition to these fixes, the update includes corrections to future Clang warnings and updates to several Rust kernel modules. This is all part of a broader effort to make Rust a viable option for embedded systems and older hardware, where GCC is practically the only choice. Developers can already test the code in Natalie Vock's 'vramstuff-rebase' branch, although the GCC backend will require further development.
The combination of these two lines of work demonstrates that Linux 7.3 is not only focused on adding visible features, but also on refining the system's foundations. Both the scheduler improvements and the move towards GCC are changes that, in the long run, will benefit a wide range of users: from gamers with modest rigs to developers working with specialized hardware.
In short, Linux 7.3 is shaping up to be a key release for solidifying the system as a serious alternative for both desktop and server environments. The improvements to the scheduler have already proven their worth in real-world testing, and Rust's support for GCC, while still in its early stages, lays the groundwork for a more flexible and secure kernel. It remains to be seen how these changes will evolve in future releases, but what is clear is that the community is not resting on its laurels.
Finally, it's important to remember that these optimizations also have an indirect effect on laptop battery life and component temperatures, since more efficient task management reduces unnecessary processor workload. All in all, Linux 7.3 promises to be an update that, quietly and effectively, will improve the experience for millions of users worldwide.