Lessons Learned from 1-Year Experience with SX-9 and Toward the Next Generation Vector Computing

Abstract

This paper discusses the performance of the latest vector-parallel supercomputer system SX-9. First, we report HPC challenge benchmark results of the SX-9 system, in which it achieves 19 top one scores in the 28 tests. In addition, we also discuss some tuning techniques for SX-9. We present case study analysis, in which the effects of code tuning for ADB, a newly introduced, software-controllable on chip cache of SX-9, on the sustained performance is examined by using science and engineering applications. Finally, we present our on-going research work on design of a multi-vector core processor toward the next generation vector computing. Through the experimental results, we confirm that vector caching plays an important role to extract the potential of the multi-vector core processor.