Unimem: Runtime Data Management on Non-Volatile
Memory-Based Heterogeneous Main Memory
Authors
Event Type
Paper
System Software
TimeThursday, November 16th2:30pm -
3pm
Location402-403-404
DescriptionNon-volatile memory (NVM) provides a scalable and
power-efficient solution to replace DRAM as main memory.
However, because of relatively high latency and low
bandwidth of NVM, NVM is often paired with DRAM to build
a heterogeneous memory system (HMS). As a result, data
objects of the application must be carefully placed to
NVM and DRAM for best performance.
In this paper, we introduce a lightweight runtime solution that automatically and transparently manage data placement on HMS without the requirement of hardware modifications and disruptive change to applications. Leveraging online profiling and performance models, the runtime characterizes memory access patterns associated with data objects, and minimizes unnecessary data movement. Our runtime solution effectively bridges the performance gap between NVM and DRAM. We demonstrate that using NVM to replace the majority of DRAM can be a feasible solution for future HPC systems with the assistance of a software-based data management.
In this paper, we introduce a lightweight runtime solution that automatically and transparently manage data placement on HMS without the requirement of hardware modifications and disruptive change to applications. Leveraging online profiling and performance models, the runtime characterizes memory access patterns associated with data objects, and minimizes unnecessary data movement. Our runtime solution effectively bridges the performance gap between NVM and DRAM. We demonstrate that using NVM to replace the majority of DRAM can be a feasible solution for future HPC systems with the assistance of a software-based data management.
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