By Bob Cramblitt The SPEC Graphics Performance Characterization Group (SPECgpc) has released an all-new version of its SPECviewperf benchmark that features updated viewsets, new models, support for both 2K and 4K display resolutions, and improved set-up and results management. This article outlines the major components of the new benchmark. New features SPECviewperf … [Read more...] about Inside the new SPECviewperf 2020 benchmark for measuring professional graphics performance
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Skin deep won’t cut it: graphics benchmarks require real-world working models
Some of the best-looking models, such as those you see spinning at warp speed in hardware demos, may not tax the system realistically enough for benchmarks. by Bob Cramblitt Models, models, everywhere, but few suitable for a good benchmark. That statement pretty much sums up the conundrum faced by the SPEC Graphics and Workstation Performance Group (SPEC/GWPG), the … [Read more...] about Skin deep won’t cut it: graphics benchmarks require real-world working models
Lies, damned lies, and benchmarks: What makes a good performance metric
By Bob Cramblitt There’s a statement popularized by Mark Twain that describes the often-deceptive power of numbers: “There are three types of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Among people concerned with computer performance, the saying rears its head in a slightly altered form: “There are lies, damned lies, and benchmarks.” Like most wide-sweeping statements, … [Read more...] about Lies, damned lies, and benchmarks: What makes a good performance metric
More misconceptions about workstation performance
by Bob Cramblitt Earlier this year, an article in Graphic Speak dealt with widespread misconceptions about the differences between professional workstations and gaming PCs. Given the diversity of applications employed and operations performed on professional workstations, it's only natural that users would have different assumptions about performance. Some of these … [Read more...] about More misconceptions about workstation performance
SPECviewperf 13 benchmark for measuring graphics performance
By Bob Cramblitt An in-depth look at SPEC's latest. The SPEC Graphics Performance Characterization (SPECgpc) subcommittee recently released SPECviewperf 13, a major revision of its software for measuring the graphics performance of workstations running professional applications. SPECviewperf 13 includes new volume visualization viewsets for energy (oil and gas) and medical … [Read more...] about SPECviewperf 13 benchmark for measuring graphics performance
Why application-based benchmarks matter
Hierarchy of benchmarking methodologies explained. By Bob Cramblitt An article last year in Jon Peddie's Tech Watch provided an overview of SPEC/GWPG benchmarks, citing the struggle in the early days of computer graphics between application-based and synthetic benchmarks to measure performance. For the vast majority who are not in the day-to-day performance evaluation … [Read more...] about Why application-based benchmarks matter
Using SPECviewperf website results to measure graphics system performance
It's that time again. By Bob Cramblitt Your CAD package or 3D animation software is running slower than you think it should when confronted with heavy graphics content. Response time is lagging, slowing productivity. It might be a trivial issue if it affected only one system, but when multiple highly paid designers, engineers, or animators are being slowed down, it … [Read more...] about Using SPECviewperf website results to measure graphics system performance
Skin in the game: who are the best people to create benchmarks?
Graphics and workstation vendors have their major interests in performance. By Bob Cramblitt "It's the fox guarding the henhouse." "Sounds like a case of collusion." "Conjures visions of a cabal of hooded individuals meeting secretively in a hotel basement." All these things have been said one time or another about benchmark committees composed primarily of … [Read more...] about Skin in the game: who are the best people to create benchmarks?
SPEC announces wide slate of new benchmarks
This tanker doesn’t turn fast, but when it does you know it. The last version of SPECviewperf 11, the popular benchmark from SPEC’s Graphics and Workstation Performance Group (SPEC/GWPG), was released in June 2010—a mere three years and a bit ago. You can’t rush into these, especially when you use volunteers who don’t respond well to beatings. Expected this … [Read more...] about SPEC announces wide slate of new benchmarks