On: Analyzing the memory ordering models of the Apple M1

[gpderetta]

My understanding is that x86 implementations use speculation to be able to reorder beyond what's allowed by the memory model. This is not free in area and power, but allows recovering some of the cost of the stronger memory model.

As TSO support is only a transitional aid for Apple, it is possible that they didn't bother to implement the full extend of optimizations possible.

[Someone → gpderetta]

Or chose not to fully implement it. Speculative execution has its share of security issues, so they may have chosen to be cautious.

[adgjlsfhk1 → Someone]

based on the value speculation they do, side channel security doesn't seem to have been one of the primary goals