Python benchmarking in unstable environments

The War Owl was asked “How do I deal with AWPs without utility?” The short answer is: Don’t deal with AWPs without utility.

You’re trying to figure out how to benchmark when resources are in contention. The short answer is: Don’t benchmark when resources are in contention.

I’m sure there are ways to get some sort of useful data, but fundamentally, you’re going to be fighting against that. So the obvious follow-up question is: WHY are you trying to benchmark on a stressed-out computer? What do you learn from it that you can’t learn from a quiet computer?

And I’m extremely curious as to what the answers to those questions are.