Benchmark Characterization

Thomas M. Conte, Wen-mei W. Hwu

Abstract: An abstract system of benchmark characteristics that makes it possible, in the beginning of the design stage, to design with benchmark performance in mind is presented. The benchmark characteristics for a set of commonly used benchmarks are then shown. The benchmark set used includes some benchmarks from the Systems Performance Evaluation Cooperative. The SPEC programs are industry-standard applications that use specific inputs. Processor, memory-system, and operating-system characteristics are addressed.< >