RISC microprocessors and scientific computing
David A. Bailey · 1993
This paper discusses design features in currently available RISC microprocessors that result in less-than-optimal sustained performance on large-scale scientific calculations. Recommendations for future designs are suggested. The author is with the Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation (NAS) Systems Division at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035. 1. Introduction Scientists accustomed to running large-scale, computationally intensive applications have traditionally utilized conventional vector supercomputers, such as those manufactured by Cray Research, Inc., Fujitsu or NEC. However, with the recent popularization of RISC workstations, many of these same scientists are using their workstations not just to edit their source codes and display their results, but to perform their computations as well. Another avenue from which scientific computer users have been introduced to RISC processors, an avenue which is potentially very significant for the future of scientific computin...