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Vector performance estimation for CRAY X-MP/Y-MP supercomputers

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Abstract

Optimization of vector-intensive applications for the CRAY X-MP/Y-MP often requires arranging the operations to take full advantage of such architectural features as the memory system, independent memory ports, chaining, and independent functional units. Estimation of performance is not straightforward since many operations can occur concurrently. As a tool for making trades between vector algorithms, a method has been developed and used successfully at E-Systems Inc. to predict the execution time of a sequence of vector operations without resorting to actual code development. This method reduced our software development time, produced significantly more efficient code, and provided for a systematic approach to optimization. The performance estimation is generally accurate to within 10% and accounts for memory conflicts that result from fixed stride references.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. E-Systems Inc., Garland Division, Processing Systems, 75042, Garland, TX, USA

    Allen R. Hainline, Steven R. Thompson & Lawrence L. Halcomb

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  1. Allen R. Hainline
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  2. Steven R. Thompson
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  3. Lawrence L. Halcomb
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Hainline, A.R., Thompson, S.R. & Halcomb, L.L. Vector performance estimation for CRAY X-MP/Y-MP supercomputers. J Supercomput 6, 49–70 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00128642

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