SPEC, the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation, is making headlines after invalidating over 2,600 results for Intel Xeon chips. The non-profit consortium, responsible for maintaining standardized benchmarks for computing components, has chosen to no longer publish SPEC CPU 2017 results for Intel PCs that utilize a specific version of the Intel compiler.
The controversy revolves around allegations of targeted optimization by Intel for specific workloads, which has resulted in better benchmark results. SPEC claims that Intel’s attempts to tweak its products to enhance benchmark performance have compromised the integrity of the results. As a widely used benchmark for high-end servers, data centers, and workstations, SPEC CPU 2017 assesses performance across 43 different benchmarks.
The invalidated results are related to the Intel oneAPI DPC++/C++ Compiler, which stands accused of being optimized specifically for the 523.xalancbmk_r / 623.xalancbmk_s benchmarks. A disclaimer has been added to these results, acknowledging that the compiler used in these cases significantly improves the performance of these particular benchmarks by leveraging prior knowledge. Consequently, these benchmark results have been rendered invalid.
While benchmark figures are not always indicative of real-world usage, they should aim to provide a realistic representation of performance. Optimizations targeting specific benchmarks can introduce a distorted perspective, leading to skewed and unrealistic results. It is noteworthy that the impacted models range from 2022.0 to 2023.0, with those outside this date range unaffected by the disclaimer notices.
TechRadar Pro has attempted to reach out to both SPEC and Intel for additional information regarding this matter, but neither organization has responded promptly. This incident raises questions about the role of standardized benchmarks, the impact of targeted optimizations, and the need for transparency in performance evaluation. It ultimately emphasizes the importance of impartiality and reliability in benchmarking practices to maintain the trust of consumers and industry professionals alike.
Article Summary:
The Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC) has invalidated over 2,600 results for Intel Xeon chips. SPEC, a non-profit organization responsible for maintaining standardized benchmarks for computing components, has decided not to publish SPEC CPU 2017 results for Intel PCs using a specific version of the Intel compiler. The controversy stems from allegations that Intel optimized its products to enhance benchmark performance, compromising the integrity of the results. The invalidated results are related to the Intel oneAPI DPC++/C++ Compiler, accused of being optimized for specific benchmarks. This incident raises questions about standardized benchmarks, targeted optimizations, and transparency in performance evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. What is SPEC?
SPEC, the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation, is a non-profit consortium that establishes and maintains standardized benchmarks for computing components.
2. Why has SPEC invalidated over 2,600 results for Intel Xeon chips?
SPEC has chosen not to publish SPEC CPU 2017 results for Intel PCs utilizing a specific version of the Intel compiler due to allegations of targeted optimization by Intel for specific workloads, which compromised the integrity of the benchmark results.
3. What are the allegations against Intel?
Intel is accused of tweaking its products to enhance benchmark performance, resulting in better benchmark results. This targeted optimization for specific benchmarks has raised concerns about the fairness and accuracy of the results.
4. Which specific benchmarks are affected?
The invalidated results are related to the Intel oneAPI DPC++/C++ Compiler, which is accused of being optimized specifically for the 523.xalancbmk_r and 623.xalancbmk_s benchmarks.
5. Why are benchmark optimizations targeting specific benchmarks problematic?
Optimizations targeting specific benchmarks can introduce a distorted perspective, leading to skewed and unrealistic results. Benchmark figures aim to provide a realistic representation of performance and should not be influenced by optimizations that favor specific workloads.
6. Are all Intel Xeon chips affected?
No, the impact is limited to Intel Xeon chips with models ranging from 2022.0 to 2023.0. Intel Xeon chips outside this date range are not affected by the invalidated results.
7. Has SPEC provided any clarification or response?
The article does not mention any specific response or clarification from SPEC regarding this matter.
8. Has Intel provided any clarification or response?
The article does not mention any specific response or clarification from Intel regarding this matter.
9. What does this incident highlight?
This incident raises questions about the role of standardized benchmarks, the impact of targeted optimizations, and the need for transparency in performance evaluation. It emphasizes the importance of impartiality and reliability in benchmarking practices to maintain trust among consumers and industry professionals.
Related Links:
– SPEC: Official website of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation.
– Intel: Official website of Intel, the manufacturer of Intel Xeon chips.
The source of the article is from the blog exofeed.nl