Chapter 11, Problem 6E

Explanation of Solution

Limitations of the synthetic benchmarks such as Whetstone and Dhrystone and methods to overcome:

• System performance is considered as one of main factor of a processor.
• It is used to determine the speed a problem can be solved.
• It is also used to determine the factors such as number of problems that can be allocated at particular amount of time and also the number of problems that can be handled by the processor.
• The speed of the CPU is a key factor that often decides the performance of the system.
• But this factor speed is applied only to identical architecture and which will be misled at many cases.
• A detailed analysis is made to arrive at a detailed decision for different architecture.
• Ensuring reliability with the users in terms performance certain set of standards are established.
• Benchmarks are being established such that user can compare the metrics to get a clear idea about the performance.

Example:

Whetstone, Dhrystones.

• The main problem with the benchmarks that are obtained is that are very simple in such a way the manufactures are able to optimize their products in a way it is capable to meet their requirements based on the benchmarks derived.
• Thus it would be difficult for its user to obtain a decision because product will be available in the market without any differentiation.
• Thus to make the benchmarks being more meaningful and comprehensive the consortium of computer manufactures created a magazine where the technology are being brought together in the form of SPEC(Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation) in 1988.
• The main objective of the SPEC is to obtain a reasonable and practical means where the performance of the system could be measured...