linux-kernel - Re: [PATCH 2/2] perf, x86: Enable PDIR precise instruction profiling on IvyBridge

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Date:	Wed, 13 Jun 2012 23:26:21 +0200
From:	Peter Zijlstra <a.p.zijlstra@...llo.nl>
To:	Andi Kleen <andi@...stfloor.org>
Cc:	mingo@...e.hu, linux-kernel@...r.kernel.org,
	Andi Kleen <ak@...ux.intel.com>
Subject: Re: [PATCH 2/2] perf, x86: Enable PDIR precise instruction
 profiling on IvyBridge

On Wed, 2012-06-13 at 12:20 -0700, Andi Kleen wrote:
> From: Andi Kleen <ak@...ux.intel.com>
> 
> Even with precise profiling Intel CPUs have a "skid". The sample
> triggers a few cycles later than the instruction, so in some
> cases there can be systematic errors where expensive instructions never
> show up in the profile log.
> 
> Sandy Bridge added a new PDIR instruction retired event that randomizes
> the sampling slightly. This corrects for systematic errors, so that
> you should in most cases see the correct instruction getting profile hits.
> 
> Unfortunately the SandyBridge version could only work with a otherwise
> quiescent CPU and was difficult to use. But now on IvyBridge this
> restriction is gone and can be more widely used.
> 
> This only works for retired instructions.
> 
> I enabled it -- somewhat arbitarily -- for two 'p's or more.
> 
> To use it
> 
> perf record -e instructions:pp ...
> 
> This provides a more precise alternative to the usual cycles:pp,
> however it will not account for expensive instructions.

This patch is just wrong on too many levels.. where do you want me to
start. Lets go with the restriction you mention is lifted, the SDM
doesn't mention this, nor does the patch actually lift it.

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