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[talos] Set cpu frequency scheduler to performance #1898

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[talos] Set cpu frequency scheduler to performance #1898

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5 changes: 5 additions & 0 deletions packages/core/talos/hack/gen-profiles.sh
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Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -73,6 +73,11 @@ arch: amd64
platform: ${platform}
secureboot: false
version: ${TALOS_VERSION}
customization:
extraKernelArgs:
- cpufreq.default_governor=performance
- amd_pstate=active
- intel_idle.max_cstate=0
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@gemini-code-assist gemini-code-assist bot Jan 21, 2026

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high

The setting intel_idle.max_cstate=0 is very aggressive as it disables all deep power-saving C-states for Intel CPUs. While this can reduce latency, it has significant drawbacks:

  • Increased Power Consumption & Heat: Idle power consumption will increase significantly, leading to more heat.
  • Potential Performance Impact: On some Intel CPUs, disabling deep C-states can negatively affect the maximum Turbo Boost frequency. For peak performance, some cores need to enter deep sleep states to free up power/thermal budget for other cores to boost higher.

This setting is applied to all profiles, including the installer and ISO, which might be undesirable (e.g., on a laptop).

Consider using a less aggressive setting like intel_idle.max_cstate=1. This still provides good latency characteristics while being safer regarding power and turbo performance. If max_cstate=0 is intentional, please consider adding a comment to the script explaining the rationale.

Suggested change
- intel_idle.max_cstate=0
- intel_idle.max_cstate=1

input:
kernel:
path: /usr/install/amd64/vmlinuz
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5 changes: 5 additions & 0 deletions packages/core/talos/images/talos/profiles/initramfs.yaml
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Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -4,6 +4,11 @@ arch: amd64
platform: metal
secureboot: false
version: v1.12.1
customization:
extraKernelArgs:
- cpufreq.default_governor=performance
- amd_pstate=active
- intel_idle.max_cstate=0
input:
kernel:
path: /usr/install/amd64/vmlinuz
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5 changes: 5 additions & 0 deletions packages/core/talos/images/talos/profiles/installer.yaml
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Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -4,6 +4,11 @@ arch: amd64
platform: metal
secureboot: false
version: v1.12.1
customization:
extraKernelArgs:
- cpufreq.default_governor=performance
- amd_pstate=active
- intel_idle.max_cstate=0
input:
kernel:
path: /usr/install/amd64/vmlinuz
Expand Down
5 changes: 5 additions & 0 deletions packages/core/talos/images/talos/profiles/iso.yaml
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Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -4,6 +4,11 @@ arch: amd64
platform: metal
secureboot: false
version: v1.12.1
customization:
extraKernelArgs:
- cpufreq.default_governor=performance
- amd_pstate=active
- intel_idle.max_cstate=0
input:
kernel:
path: /usr/install/amd64/vmlinuz
Expand Down
5 changes: 5 additions & 0 deletions packages/core/talos/images/talos/profiles/kernel.yaml
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Open in desktop
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -4,6 +4,11 @@ arch: amd64
platform: metal
secureboot: false
version: v1.12.1
customization:
extraKernelArgs:
- cpufreq.default_governor=performance
- amd_pstate=active
- intel_idle.max_cstate=0
input:
kernel:
path: /usr/install/amd64/vmlinuz
Expand Down
5 changes: 5 additions & 0 deletions packages/core/talos/images/talos/profiles/metal.yaml
View file
Open in desktop
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -4,6 +4,11 @@ arch: amd64
platform: metal
secureboot: false
version: v1.12.1
customization:
extraKernelArgs:
- cpufreq.default_governor=performance
- amd_pstate=active
- intel_idle.max_cstate=0
input:
kernel:
path: /usr/install/amd64/vmlinuz
Expand Down
5 changes: 5 additions & 0 deletions packages/core/talos/images/talos/profiles/nocloud.yaml
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Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -4,6 +4,11 @@ arch: amd64
platform: nocloud
secureboot: false
version: v1.12.1
customization:
extraKernelArgs:
- cpufreq.default_governor=performance
- amd_pstate=active
- intel_idle.max_cstate=0
input:
kernel:
path: /usr/install/amd64/vmlinuz
Expand Down
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