By Bob Cramblitt More than 25 years ago, the SPEC Graphics and Workstation Performance Group (SPEC/GWPG) developed the Viewperf benchmark and published its first reported results. Viewperf (now SPECviewperf) was unique among synthetic benchmarks for its use of real-world datasets (called viewsets), tests and weighting developed in cooperation with independent software … [Read more...] about 25+ years of the SPECviewperf graphics benchmark
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Inside the new SPECworkstation 3 benchmark
The renamed performance evaluation software features new and updated workloads throughout the suite; it is free of charge to users. By Bob Cramblitt SPECworkstation 3, an all-new version of the benchmark formerly known as SPECwpc, was released on October 31. It is developed and maintained by the SPEC Workstation Performance Characterization (SPECwpc) group, which includes … [Read more...] about Inside the new SPECworkstation 3 benchmark
Using application-based benchmark results for professional workstation performance evaluation
SPECapc benchmark results are available online. By Bob Cramblitt Performance evaluation is complex. There's no silver bullet or one-size-fits-all. Performance is predicated on many factors that change from application to application, model to model, computing path to computing path, display mode to display mode. Nowhere is performance complexity more prevalent than in … [Read more...] about Using application-based benchmark results for professional workstation performance evaluation
Authenticity is the key to good workstation performance benchmarks
Benchmarks should include a variety of tests to characterize performance across a wide spectrum of applications and use cases. By Bob Cramblitt Ask enough people what makes a good professional workstation benchmark and the answers might cut a wide swath, but you should find some common ground. While not exhaustive, the list below is built to last: It's based on 30 years … [Read more...] about Authenticity is the key to good workstation performance benchmarks
Weighing the options for benchmarking workstation performance
Do you measure to get better workstation performance or choose ignorance as bliss? Special to GraphicSpeak by Bob Cramblitt When it comes to measuring workstation performance, clichès spring to mind: Faster is better. You get what you pay for. Mileage may vary. There is a kernel of truth in all of these sayings or they wouldn't be clichès. But if it's so simple, why … [Read more...] about Weighing the options for benchmarking workstation performance