Dean Kent wrote:
I'm not sure I follow your reasoning. Part of mainframe processing
"power" lies in its ability to do effectively use SMP (up to 54-ways now
... more later). It's part of the equation. Good benchmarks are based on
computing throughput ... not individual chip speed.
If you are comparing processors (which was the basis of the original
question), then the compute speed of the chip *is* relevant. If you are
comparing systems, then your benchmarks simply have to be testing the same
thing (memory bandwidth/latency, I/O rate, transaction rate, etc.).
I think part of the confusion comes from a terminology problem. Precise
up-front definitions of what's meant by the words "processor" and
"system" are important. Perhaps "better" (i.e., more
universally-understood terms) should be chosen.
To get a feel for how IBM uses these terms in hardware manuals, I picked
up "System z9 Business Class Installation Manual for Physical Planning
GC28-6855-01" and found:
"The use of the terms server, processor, system and all models
in this publication refer to the IBM System z9 Business Class."
IBM seems to mostly use the term "Central Processor" (CP) to refer to
what you seem to simply calling a "processor". And, it sounds like you
use the word "system" to refer to the CEC. I've not heard that usage
before. Of course, in my world, a "system" is usually a z/OS image...
--
Edward E Jaffe
Phoenix Software International, Inc
5200 W Century Blvd, Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90045
310-338-0400 x318
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.phoenixsoftware.com/
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