Missing the Memory Wall: The Case for Processor/Memory Integration

Current high performance computer systems use complex, large superscalar CPUs that interface to the main memory through a hierarchy of caches and interconnect systems. These CPU-centric designs invest a lot of power and chip area to bridge the widening gap between CPU and main memory speeds. Yet, many large applications do not operate well on these systems and are limited by the memory subsystem performance. This paper argues for an integrated system approach that uses less-powerful CPUs that are tightly integrated with advanced memory technologies to build competitive systems with greatly reduced cost and complexity. Based on a design study using the next generation 0.25

• Type: Conference
• Year: 1996
• Where: ISCA
• Authors: Ashley Saulsbury, Fong Pong, Andreas Nowatzyk
• Keywords: Hardware, ISCA 1996, Main Memory, Main Memory Speeds, Memory Subsystem Performance