Cache sampling by sets

An approach to workload sampling in which, instead of selection of memory references based on the time parameter, sample decisions are based on where the cache is accessed. More specifically, the sampling heuristics are focused on analysis for set-associative caches. The validity of the heuristics is supported with empirical data. Four sampling policies are discussed, and simulation results based on a commercial database transaction workload are presented. Observations from simulation studies with SPEC 1.0 uniprogram benchmarks are also described. An environment in which congruence class sampling may be useful is illustrated