CPU Performance Evaluation and Execution Time Prediction Using Narrow Spectrum Benchmarking

We have developed tools to measure the performance of a variety of machines, from workstations to supercomputers. We have also characterized the execution of many large applications, including the SPEC and Perfect benchmark suites. By merging these machine and program characterizations, we can estimate execution times quite accurately for arbitrary machine-program combinations. Another aspect of the research has consisted in characterizing the effectiveness of optimizing compilers. Another contribution of this dissertation is to propose and investigate new metrics for machine and program similarity and the information that can be derived from them.