metriX: an approach for characterizing the performance potential of system architectures

This paper discusses using precise measurements of customized code segments for characterizing system architecture performance. A methodology for obtaining precise computer system performance measurements is presented. These techniques allow one to make accurate measurements of code segments as trivial as one machine instruction or complex code sequences involving function calls and I/O. This methodology has been successfully implemented in a software tool called metriX. An accuracy with an error of less than 1% can be obtained for the measurements with a repeatability of 0.1% or better. This tool provides a platform for the experimental design of customized performance studies. We demonstrate how this tool cab be used to develop experiments that evaluate different architectural features and that characterize and quantify the architecture in terms of code performance. Results indicate the metriX's measurements are a very effective means for characterizing quantitatively the performance features of a system, for comparing architectural alternatives, and for judging the difference between two similar architectures.<
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