Validation of Context Preserving Thread-Level Speculative Execution Using N-Queens: Comparison of Non-CPSE and CPSE-enabled Applications

Due to simulation overhead, validation of proposed microarchitecture enhancements may be limited to simple test scenarios, which focus on the known architectural deficiencies. These test scenarios often avoid a complete simulation of the eventual target environment in which the enhancements will be employed. A case study is presented, comparing and contrasting the performance of an 8×8 N-Queens algorithm, in both a non-Thread-Level Speculation (TLS) configuration, and utilizing the Context Preserving Speculative Execution (CPSE) configuration. Validation is performed within the constraints of a simulated target environment. A brief introduction of TLS proposals is also included.