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Windows 10/11 segment heap stretches CPU resources, tests show
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Published onJuly 17, 2020
published onJuly 17, 2020
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Key notes
Microsoft introduced segment heap inWindows10 forWin32 appsto use RAM more efficiently. Its Chromium-based browser,Edge, is one of the beneficiaries of the memory-saving technology.
But a recent discovery by an Intel engineer appears to throw cold water on all the optimismWindows10 segment heap has elicited among browser users so far. According to the engineer, the technology sacrifices processing performance for RAM efficiency.
Chrome 85 drops Windows 10 segment heap
Chrome has a well documented RAM hogging history. That’s why Google was quick to embrace thememory-saving technologythatWindows10 introduced recently.
But a Chrome developer, Bruce Dawson, nowsaysthat segment heap introduces an unacceptable CPU cost. So, they’re disabling the feature for the upcoming Chrome version 85.
The CPU cost (10% slowdown on Speedometer 2.0, 13% increase in CPU/power consumption) is too great for us to keep.
In other words, tests show that anyWindows10 app that starts using segment heap gobbles up more CPU power than before.
Dawson adds:
We are taking the decision to revert this change (for now) very seriously. I think that the increased CPU cost is enough that it will harm battery life. I’m sure it won’t be postponed for long.
Did Microsoft know this? One might wonder. According to the company’s internal tests, the new technology enables apps to cut memory use by up to 27%.
With that said,Microsoft Edgecould still use this level of RAM efficiency as an alternative to RAM-hogging browsers.
But how do apps find a balance between CPU and RAM efficiency?
Perhaps developers should consider supportingWindows10 segment heap as an opt-in feature. This way, users get more control over how their apps utilize the mission-critical system resources.
Have you experienced the impact of the newWindows10 RAM-saving feature with Edge or any other Win32 app? You can let us know in the comments section below.
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More about the topics:Microsoft Edge guides,windows 10
Don Sharpe
Tech Journalist
Don has been writing professionally for over 10 years now, but his passion for the written word started back in his elementary school days. His work has been published on Livebitcoinnews.com, Learnbonds.com, eHow, AskMen.com, Forexminute.com, The Writers Network and a host of other companies.
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Don Sharpe
Tech Journalist
Don has been writing professionally for over 10 years now, simplifying the tech universe for the mases.
