For SPECpower_ssj2008, the required minimum PTDaemon version is v1.4.0 as of October 5th, 2010

Accepted Measurement Devices  &  PTDaemon Update Process

• Device Ordering Considerations
• List of Accepted Power Analyzers
• List of Accepted Temperature Sensors
• Compatibility Across OS and Connection Types
• SPEC Power Temperature Daemon (PTDaemon) Update Process
• SPEC Acceptance Process for Power Analyzers

Device Ordering Considerations

Multiple SPEC benchmarks provide infrastructure software to connect, control, and collect data from power and temperature measurement devices.  All measurement devices must be equipped with at least one of the communication interfaces supported by the benchmark. 

When ordering devices for use with this benchmark, be aware that some of these devices can be ordered in multiple configurations, including configurations with no interface or an unsupported communication interface.  Only base configurations of the devices listed below are supported and must include a supported communications interface.  Additional options such as external current transformers are presently not supported.  Please contact SPEC support if you have questions.

Power analyzers are available with wide ranges of capabilities and capacities.  Computer systems have a wide range of power requirements.  Global standards for line voltage are quite different from one country to another.  Therefore, users should be aware that any one combination of the three above contributing factors may not provide the capability or required accuracy to measure very high or sometimes very low power. 

The list of analyzers below have been tested and found to function well for a relatively narrow range of power provider and power consumption conditions, essentially for volume server class computers in the one to four socket range, including similar blade configurations.   The list of accepted power analyzers below also indicates which analyzers have specific limitations which impact compliance with the run and reporting rules for SPEC benchmarks.  When using one of these analyzers, one must ensure that the listed limitations are not violated.  Results will be invalidated in cases where one of these analyzers was used and the system under test (SUT) exceeded the current limits of said analyzer. 

Additional setup instructions specific to each power analyzer can be found in the Power Measurement Setup Guide, formerly called the Hardware Setup Guide.

Prior to purchase of a power analyzer, SPEC recommends that the user consult with a qualified electrical engineer.

BE SURE to read, understand, and follow all of the safety rules and installation instructions that come with your power analyzer and system under test (SUT).

DO NOT USE PTDaemon WITH DC VOLTAGE SOURCES!  SPEC’s PTDaemon is designed only to measure AC power, and will initialize power analyzer settings for AC power measurement.  Using PTDaemon to attempt to measure DC power will not work correctly and may cause damage to your power analyzer.

PLEASE NOTE:   No current sensors or shunts external to the analyzer are allowed in submissions.  They must be either disabled or removed.  This applies to all analyzers.