docs/content/guides/generic-optimized.md
Aldair Torres ee6d289c98
Re-organize the guide about optimized and generic builds
When downloading Zen, most users will wonder what's the difference between the optimized and generic
build.

The previous version of this topic had that information at the end, which causes users to miss
the information.

I restructured this topic to have that information in a more prominent location. I also simplified
the list as having listed every single supported family is not that helpful (most people will have
issues locating their CPUs in such a long list)
2024-09-29 19:22:07 +08:00

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---
title: Choose between the generic and optimized build
aliases:
- Choose between the generic and optimized build
lastmod: 2024-09-29
---
> [!note]
> This guide only applies to the *Linux* and *Windows* versions of Zen.
This [[guides/index|guide]] provides an overview of the differences between the generic and optimized builds of Zen, so you can make an informed decision on which version to use.
## Differences between the optimized and generic builds
The optimized version of Zen uses [Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2)](https://wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Vector_Extensions#Advanced_Vector_Extensions_2), a CPU instruction set that enhances performance for certain tasks. This instruction set is available only on modern processors.
## Supported CPUs for optimized builds
The optimized builds of Zen are compatible only with the following CPU families:
* AMD
* Carrizo
* Bristol Ridge
* All Ryzen CPUs
* Intel
* Desktop and Mobile Processors
* 4th generation Intel Core and newer (All architectures)
* Celeron and Pentium Tiger Lake and newer
* Intel Core Series 1 and Series 2
* High-End Desktop (HEDT) and Server Processors
* Intel Core X-series (Skylake X, Cascade Lake)
* Xeon Scalable (Cascade Lake)
* Xeon Scalable (Cooper Lake)
* 3rd generation Intel Xeon Scalable (Ice Lake, Cooper Lake)
* 4th generation Intel Xeon Scalable (Sapphire Rapids)
* 5th generation Intel Xeon Scalable (Emerald Rapids)
If your CPU family isn't listed, use the generic build.
## Check the family of your CPU
### Linux
1. Open a terminal
2. Run the following command:
```
lscpu | grep "Model name:"
```
The terminal outputs your CPU model. For example:
```
Model name: 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1135G7 @ 2.40GHz
```
3. Check the model name in either the [Intel](https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark.html) or [AMD](https://www.amd.com/en/products/specifications/processors.html) websites.
### Windows
1. Open the **Settings** app.
2. Go to **System** > **About**.
The settings app displays your CPU model.
3. Check the model name in either the [Intel](https://ark.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ark.html) or [AMD](https://www.amd.com/en/products/specifications/processors.html) websites.