Analytical performance prediction on multicomputers

Multicomputers have the potential to deliver Gigaflop performance on many scientific applications. Initial implementations of parallel programs on these machines, however, are often inefficient and require significant optimization before they can harness the potential power of the machine. Performance prediction tools can provide valuable information on which optimizations will result in increased performance. This paper describes an analytical performance prediction model. The model is designed to provide performance data to compilers, programmers and system architects to assist them in making choices which will lead to more efficient implementations. Efficient performance prediction tools can provide information which will help programmers make better use of the power of multicomputers.