Evaluating multi-core platforms for HPC data-intensive kernels

Multi-core platforms have proven themselves able to accelerate numerous HPC applications. But programming dataintensive applications on such platforms is a hard, and not yet solved, problem. Not only do modern processors favor compute-intensive code, they also have diverse architectures and incompatible programming models. And even after making a difficult platform choice, extensive programming effort must be invested with an uncertain performance outcome. By taking the plunge on an irregular, data-intensive application, we present an evaluation of three platform types, namely the generic multi-core CPU, the STI Cell/B.E., and the GPU. We evaluate these platforms in terms of application performance, programming effort and cost. Although we do not select a clear winner, we do provide a list of guidelines to assist in platform choice and development of similar data-intensive applications. Categories and Subject Descriptors

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: CF
• Authors: Alexander S. van Amesfoort, Ana Lucia Varbanescu, Henk J. Sips, Rob van Nieuwpoort
• Keywords: Applied Computing, CF 2009, Data-intensive Applications, Platform Choice, Programming Effort