Clarification on Intel Prerequisites: What's Being Built by `make`?

[matte21]

Hello, sorry if it's an obvious question, I'm inexperienced with the Linux kernel.

In the README, the prerequisites section "a - intel only" states:

a- Intel only: For a better accuracy, disable the Kernel NMI Watchdog

Add the below parameter in the kernel boot loader { Grub, SysLinux } ...

nmi_watchdog=0

... and build with the fixed performance counters

make MSR_CORE_PERF_UC=MSR_CORE_PERF_FIXED_CTR1 MSR_CORE_PERF_URC=MSR_CORE_PERF_FIXED_CTR2

Regarding the last sentence/command (i.e. make), what is being built? The Linux kernel or this project?

[cyring]

The Linux kernel or this project?

Only the CoreFreq project is built

Because kernel is consuming one of the 3 PMU fixed counters within Intel hardware, nmi_watchdog=0 prevents it to do so, and let the counter free to the usage of other agents.

However, since my initial R&D I have switched to the two recommended APERF/MPERF counters for measurement purposes. Thus it should be no more required to disable nmi_watchdog. You simply build with make without any other arguments.

[cyring]

Is the answer ok for you ?

[matte21]

Yes, thank you so much for the reply.