It depends on the optimization level. Using no optimization, gcc 5.4 will use branches for this case, but using -O2, it avoids the branches (on x86_64). Verifie

It depends on the optimization level. Using no optimization, gcc 5.4 will use branches for this case, but using -O2, it avoids the branches (on x86_64). Verified by using gcc -S to show the assembly generated.