GCC vs. ICC comparison using PARSEC Benchmarks

Abstract--Our goal is to compare the impact of various compiler optimizations on program performance using two widely used state-of-the-art compiler suites: GNU C Compiler and Intel’s C/C++ Compiler using PARSEC benchmarks. Compiler optimization is the process of tuning the output of a compiler to minimize or maximize some of the attributes of an executable computer program. Optimization of a compiler can be done by turning on optimization flags. In this paper, we investigate the chances of enhancing the program performance by better utilization of the existing architectural features such as compiler optimization. Proper utilization of such architectural features would not only enhance the program performance, but also reduce the need for costly upgrades as well as the system cost under development. Index Terms-- compiler, icc, gcc, PARSEC