Essentials of Computer Organization and Architecture, 5th Edition

11.4 BENCHMARKING

Performance benchmarking is the science of making objective assessments of the performance of one system over another. Benchmarks are also useful for assessing performance improvements obtained by upgrading a computer or its components. Good benchmarks enable us to cut through advertising hype and statistical tricks. Ultimately, good benchmarks will identify the systems that provide good performance at the most reasonable cost.

MIPS . . . OR . . . OOPS?

During the 1970s and 1980s, competition was fierce between two leading computer makers: IBM and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). Although DEC did not manufacture huge mainframe systems, its largest systems were suitable for the customers that might be served by IBM’s ...