Graph-based performance accounting for chip multiprocessor memory systems

Abstract

Chip Multiprocessor (CMP) memory systems share memory system resources between processor cores. While this sharing enables good resource utilization and fast inter-processor communication, it also makes the performance of an application depend on its co-runners. This breaks the system software assumption that a process has the same rate of progress regardless of the co-schedule, potentially leading to priority inversion, missed deadlines, unpredictable interactive performance and non-compliance with service level agreements. In this work, we present a novel graph-based technique that accurately estimates the performance an application would experience without memory system interference. Dynamic interference-free performance estimates can enable scheduling algorithms and management policies that optimize directly for system performance metrics.