An Interactive 3-D Visualization Tool for Accurate Estimation of Miss Rates

The following applet generates a three dimensional representation of cache miss rates across a wide range of data and cache sizes for several benchmarks from multiple benchmark suites.

In order to run this applet you need a recent version of Java 2 SE and J3D, Java's 3d renderind software. You can download these free of charge from Sun at http://java.sun.com/downloads/. However, at this time there is no version of Java 3D that is compatible with Macs. Once you have downloaded and installed the Java runtime environment and the Java 3D API you can run the applet.

General Instructions for running the applet:

First select what benchmark you wish to run from the menu.

Once the benchmark is loaded you can manipulate the graph using either the buttons at the bottom left hand side of the window, or your mouse. By holding on the left mouse button you are able to rotate the graph. By holding the right mouse button you are able to translate the graph.

To change the parameters used when defining the graph select the "Graph Options" menu from the options menu. Here you can change whether the graph is log or linear in either direction, the granularity of the graph, and the span of the graph. Once you have finished changing the parameters you clicking "OK" or "Apply" makes the changes appear in all future graphs.

Generating two dimensional graphs:

To generate a graph of the miss rates while holding the cache or data size static merely enter the desired cache or data size in the corresponding text field, place a * in the field which you want to vary and click the "Get MR" button.

Finding the miss rate for a specific data size and cache size:

To find the miss rate for a single cache and data size simply enter the values in the corresponding text fields and click on "Get MR". The miss rate will be displayed under the "Miss Rate" label.

Any questions or comments may be sent to astuder at cs dot rochester dot edu.

There is also another version of the applet here that spreads the graph over both the x and y dimensions, disregarding normal mathematical convention of the origin being the starting point. Legal Info:

You are free to use this for any non-profit means at the current time, and any feedback would be appreciated.