http://funroll-loops.info/
Don't worry - you'll get over this phase ;-)
It's easy to say when you're a developer for the most efficient OS in the world, damn you
But for X86 (and if you ACTUALLY KNOW what you're into and what are you trying to archieve), Gentoo Linux is the best option.
I've been three years in Gentoo phase by now: I think I'll never get over it...
