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CPU versus GPU: which can perform matrix computation faster—performance comparison for basic linear algebra subprograms

Neural Computing and Applications volume 31, pages 4353–4365 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Matrix computing is the core component of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Fast matrix computations can facilitate many large-scale computational projects greatly. Basic linear algebra subprograms (BLAS) are proposed, which classify different matrices and provide a standardized interface. Currently, the most commonly used heterogeneous computing platforms are central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU). At present, BLAS has been implemented on both CPU and GPU. However, due to the different characteristics of algorithms and hardware, a particular matrix method should be designed for a particular processor. It is important to choose the right processor for a particular matrix computation. This paper first briefly reviews the BLAS, and then introduces architecture and optimization methods of CPU and GPU. The effect of different subroutines in BLAS is studied through experiments. Finally, we discuss the reasons and the processor selection scheme of matrix computations.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported in part by NSFC under Grant Nos. 61572158 and 61602132, Shenzhen Science and Technology Program under Grant Nos. JSGG20150512145714247, JCYJ20160330163900579 and JCYJ20170413105929681. And manuscript is approved by all authors for publication. I would like to declare on behalf of my co-authors that the work described was original research that has not been published previously and not under consideration for publication elsewhere, in whole or in part. All the authors listed have approved the manuscript that is enclosed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Internet Information Collaboration, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China

    Feng Li, Yunming Ye & Xiaofeng Zhang

  2. Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowlloon Tong, Hong Kong

    Zhaoyang Tian

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  1. Feng Li
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  2. Yunming Ye
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  3. Zhaoyang Tian
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  4. Xiaofeng Zhang
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Correspondence to Feng Li or Xiaofeng Zhang.

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Li, F., Ye, Y., Tian, Z. et al. CPU versus GPU: which can perform matrix computation faster—performance comparison for basic linear algebra subprograms. Neural Comput & Applic 31, 4353–4365 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-018-3354-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-018-3354-z

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