Standards body SPEC has invalidated more than 2,600 performance tests of certain Intel processors after discovering specific software optimizations that artificially inflated results under predefined test conditions, highlighting performance transparency issues announced.
Intel continues to innovate in the field of processors with the launch of its new Core Ultra range, marking a significant advance in the use of artificial intelligence in laptops. The first wave of these revolutionary processors, known as Meteor Lakeintegrates neural processing units (NPU), specialized in the tasks ofmachine learning.
At the same time, Intel decided to renovate the identity of its processorsabandoning the Core i3/i5/i7/i9 designations which had dominated the market since 2008. This change, symbolizing an “inflection point” according to Intel’s director of global communications, introduces the “Ultra” with the Meteor Lake generation. But while these innovations promise to open new technological horizons, the company finds itself facing controversy following the invalidation of more than 2,600 benchmark results of its Sapphire Rapids processors by SPEC, due to disputed software optimizations.
Thousands of Intel performance tests questioned by standards body
THE SPECacronym for Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation, plays a crucial role in the objective evaluation of IT performance thanks to its benchmarks, real tests for processors. However, a recent discovery has cast a shadow over the results of some Intel processors, including the 4th generation Sapphire Rapids of the Intel Xeon Scalable processor family. The manufacturer has optimized its compiler, a tool that translates code for the processor, to excel in these specific tests. Explained in a simpler way, it’s like a student knowing the answers to an exam in advance.
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This case highlights the importance of honest evaluation of technologies. By optimizing your compiler in a targeted mannerIntel was able artificially improve scores of its processors in precise benchmarks, calling into question the reliability of these results to reflect actual performance. In response, SPEC invalidated the results regarding a total of more than 2,600 performance tests to preserve the integrity of its benchmarks, recalling the importance of transparent and ethical practices in the presentation of technological capabilities.
Source: phoronix