Qemu is currently based upon a Pentium Pro chipset, which was first released in 1996. It still continues to serve us quite well, but there are a number of limitations, especially in the PCI space. I am currently updating a patchset first brought forward by Isaku Ymahata to add a new machine model based on Intel's Q35 chipset. I will discuss the new features that Q35 introduces, including the topology, the chipset devices, and the pci express features (aer, ari, hotplug, power management). I will provide an update on its status - testing, performance, and any remaining merge hurdles.
The intended audience is qemu/kvm developers. I'd like to get them interested in the new chipset, and and to suggest potential new development areas that Q35 opens.