Intel Demonstrates Up to 48% Improvement for AVX-512 Optimized PostgreSQL

Intel has reported significant performance improvements for PostgreSQL 17, particularly with the introduction of AVX-512 optimizations. The new implementation of the pg_popcount() function allows for processing data in 512-bit chunks, which enhances speed, especially for larger data buffers. Intel's findings indicate a performance boost of approximately 46% to 48% for the bit_count() function on their Xeon processors, both on-premise and in cloud environments. This optimization is part of a broader trend, as PostgreSQL has also recently achieved up to four times faster query performance through SIMD-optimized JSON escaping. Additionally, Intel has proposed using AVX-512 for CRC32C operations within PostgreSQL. The upcoming PostgreSQL 17, which includes these enhancements, is nearing its release candidate phase, with a stable version expected later this month.

- Intel's AVX-512 optimizations for PostgreSQL 17 show up to 48% performance improvement.

- The pg_popcount() function now processes data in 512-bit chunks for increased speed.

- PostgreSQL has also improved JSON query performance by up to four times with SIMD optimizations.

- The stable release of PostgreSQL 17 is anticipated later this month.

- Intel's findings highlight the ongoing benefits of AVX-512 in various applications, including databases.