Perform experiments to determine the size of the data cache on christa.unh.edu.
You should write a C/C++ program for which you can easily vary such parameters as data size and data access pattern. Time the execution of the program for different settings of the parameters. Design the experiments so that from the performance results you can conclude what the data cache size is for the machine. Be sure to adequately document this program.
You can develop your program on any machine. However, perform the experiments on christa.unh.edu. Try to perform your experiments when there is a light load on the machine.
To time your program, simply use "time a.out" (or "/bin/time a.out") at the command line. You will want to repeat each run several times to be sure the results are fairly consistent.
You should clearly describe in a report the goals of your experiments, how your program achieves those goals, the results of the experiments, and your conclusions. This report should be in a simple Ascii file called "REPORT", but take some care with the writing of this report: make sure your points are well-thought out and clearly presented (concise but insightful reports will be highly valued); structure your document appropriately (paragraphs and sections); and, check your spelling.
Your programs should be submitted for grading from either hopper or christa. To turn in this assignment, type:
~cs611/bin/submit progec <list of files to submit>
Turn in all source files and the REPORT file.
Notes:
Submissions can be checked by typing:
~cs611/bin/scheck progec
This is an extra-credit assignment that is worth one-half the value of a normal programming assignment. Since a normal assignment is worth 8 course percentage points, this assignment is therefore worth 4 course percentage points. Your score on this assignment will simply be added to your total from the normal assignments and quizzes.
To receive credit for the assignment, you must turn in your files prior to 8am on Monday May 19. No late submissions will be accepted!
Remember: as always you are expected to do your own work on this assignment.
Comments and questions should be directed to pjh@cs.unh.edu