SPEC CPU is a benchmark suite developed by the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC) to evaluate the performance of computer processors. The suite focuses on measuring the computational power of CPUs by running a series of standardized tests that simulate real-world computational workloads. SPEC CPU provides a consistent and objective way to compare the performance of different processors across various systems.

The SPEC CPU benchmark suite consists of two main components: SPEC CPU2017 and SPEC CPU2006.

• ** SPEC CPU2017:** This version includes a diverse set of tests designed to assess various aspects of CPU performance, including integer and floating-point operations. It reflects modern computational demands and includes workloads that are relevant for contemporary applications.
• ** SPEC CPU2006:** An earlier version of the suite, SPEC CPU2006, provides benchmarks for evaluating CPU performance based on both integer and floating-point computations. While older, it remains a widely used reference for performance comparisons.

The benchmarking process for SPEC CPU involves running the benchmark suite on a CPU under test and measuring its performance using standard metrics. The results are typically reported as performance scores, which can be compared across different systems to assess relative performance. SPEC CPU benchmarks are designed to be rigorous and repeatable, ensuring that results are reliable and consistent.

SPEC CPU benchmarks are widely used by hardware manufacturers, system integrators, and researchers to evaluate and compare processor performance. The results help guide decisions regarding hardware purchases, system configurations, and performance optimizations. By providing standardized performance measurements, SPEC CPU plays a crucial role in advancing processor technology and improving computational efficiency.

• https://www.spec.org/cpu2017/
• https://www.spec.org/cpu2006/