Optimisations for the new Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 5300 series
New Layered Architecture
In Version 10.0 of Intel MKL Intel have re-architected the product to provide multiple layers so that the base Intel MKL package supports numerous configurations of interfaces, compilers, and processors in a single package. Many other library vendors have specific versions that must be found, downloaded, installed, and tested depending on the particular configuration of your development environment. This new Intel MKL architecture is intended to provide maximum support for our varied customers' needs, while minimising the effort it takes to obtain and utilise the great performance of Intel MKL. For more information, please refer to the “Using Intel MKL Parallelism" section of the Intel MKL User’s Guide.
Threading Layer
All Intel MKL threading has been isolated to this layer. Link to the version of this layer that matches your development environment and rest assured that Intel MKL will not have threading incompatibilities with the threading in your application.
- Fully Compliant with Microsoft, GCC, and Intel Compiler Threading
Separate versions of this layer are provided that have been compiled with different compilers (Intel, MSFT, GCC) enabling Intel MKL to be fully compliant with threading mechanisms used by whatever development environment your overall application is using.
- Serial Version of Intel MKL
A version of the threading layer that has no threading is also provided. This ensures that Intel MKL will not conflict in any way is your application should you choose not to use the threading within Intel MKL.
Interface Layer
This layer enables:
- LP64, ILP64 interfaces
- An ILP64 (64-bit integer data) interface is now included in the base package of Intel MKL (no longer a separate download). New layered model has made this possible minimal increase in product package size.
- Separate layers for different compiler parameter return value mechanisms (Intel, GCC, MSFT)
- Cray-style naming support
Computational Layer
- The heart of Intel MKL. A runtime check is performed so that processor-specific optimised code is executed. Users can build custom shared objects to include only the specific code needed and thus reduce the size of this layer if size is an issue.
PARDISO Direct Sparse Solver
- New support for Out-of-core memory for real symmetric matrices
Sparse BLAS
- Single precision support added
- Level-3 Sparse BLAS triangular solvers were threaded
Iterative Solver Preconditioner
- ILUT accelerator/preconditioner for the Intel MKL RCI iterative solvers
Vector Math Functions
- New Mul, Conj, MulbyConj, CIS, Abs functions.
- New “Enhanced Performance" mode
EP Mode is for applications where math function inaccuracies don’t dominate parameter inaccuracies (e.g. Monte Carlo simulations and Media applications)
- All VML functions are now threaded
User’s Guide
- Intel have greatly improved our Intel MKL User’s Guide. It is an indispensable tool for working with Intel MKL.
Outstanding performance on Intel processors
Achieve outstanding performance with the math library that is highly optimized for Intel Itanium 2, Intel Xeon, Intel Pentium 4, and Intel Core2 Duo processor-based systems. Special attention has been paid to optimizing multi-threaded performance for the new Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 5300 series. Intel MKL performance is competitive with that of other math software packages on non-Intel processors.
Multi-core ready
- Excellent scaling on multiprocessor systems Use the built-in parallelism of Intel MKL to automatically obtain excellent scaling on multiprocessors including the latest dual and quad-core systems. Intel MKL Level-3 BLAS, Fast Fourier transforms, and Vector Math are threaded using OpenMP.
- Thread-Safety All Intel MKL functions are thread-safe. A non-threaded version of Intel MKL is also available.
Automatic runtime processor detection
A runtime check is performed so that processor-specific optimized code is executed, ensuring that your application achieves optimal performance on whatever system it is executing on.
Support for C and Fortran interfaces
Unlike some alternative math libraries that require you to purchase multiple products to get C and Fortran interfaces, Intel MKL includes both.
Support for all Intel processors in one package
Alternative math libraries require you to purchase multiple products for support of Intel Itanium 2, Intel Xeon, and Pentium 4 processors. Intel MKL includes support for ALL of these processors in a single, inexpensive package.
Royalty-free distribution rights
Redistribute unlimited copies of the runtime libraries with your software.
User forum
Share experiences with others at the Intel engineer moderated Intel MKL Discussion Forum.
Intel Premier Support
Receive one year of world-class technical support with every purchase of Intel MKL. During this period, you can download product upgrades free of charge, including major version releases. For more information, visit the Intel Registration Center.
Every purchase of an Intel Software Development Product includes a year of support services, which provides access to Intel Premier Support and all product updates during that time. Intel Premier Support gives you online access to technical notes, application notes, and documentation. Install the product, and then register to get support and product update information.
If it has been more than a year since the product was purchased, your support service has expired. Your product still runs, but you will not have access to newer product versions or updates. You may renew, using Support Service Renewal (SSR) Licenses at a discounted price to continue receiving those services.
See supporting documents for System Requirements.