A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for processing instructions are provided. Instructions are received at a processor in the data processing system. If a selected indicator is associated with the instruction, counting of each event associated with the execution of the instruction is enabled. In some embodiments, the performance indicators may be utilized to obtain information regarding the nature of the cache hits and reloads of cache lines within the instruction or data cache. These embodiments may be used to determine whether processors of a multiprocessor system, such as a symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) system, are truly sharing a cache line or if there is false sharing of a cache line. This determination may then be used as a means for determining how to better store the instructions/data of the cache line to prevent false sharing of the cache line.
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for monitoring a device in a data processing system. A register associated with the device is accessed from a reduced function processor core through a connection between the register for the device and the reduced function processor core. The device is monitored using the value of the register.
In one embodiment, a processing node includes a plurality of processor cores each including a cache memory coupled to a cache monitor unit and to a configuration unit. Each cache monitor unit may be configured to independently monitor a current utilization of the cache memory to which it is coupled and to determine whether the current utilization is below a predetermined utilization value. The configuration unit may selectably disable one or more portions of the cache memory in response to the cache monitor unit determining that the current utilization is below the predetermined utilization value.
In one embodiment, a processing node includes a first processor core and a second processor core. The first processor core includes a first cache memory, such as an L2 cache, for example. The second processor core includes a second cache memory, such as an L2 cache memory. The processing node further includes a configuration unit that is coupled to the first processor core and the second processor core. The configuration unit may selectably disable portions of the first and the second cache memories.
