CACHE LEVELS 1, 2, AND 3


The processing and calculation of information takes place inside the processor itself. When the processor needs quick, predetermined information, it relies on cached memory. Cached memory is a special set of memory chips that are internal or external to the processor itself. Cached memory is physically closer to the CPU than RAM and is therefore much faster. Cache memory is designed for quick access by the processor.

Level 1 cache, otherwise known as internal or primary cache, is internal to the processor. It is not part of any other memory and is not restricted by the system clock. It is fast memory that the CPU uses first for quick storage and calculation. Unfortunately, Level 1 cache is not very large in storage capacity. Its storage capability ranges from 8K to 64K. Level 2 cache, otherwise known as external or secondary cache, is external to the processor. It is slower than Level 1 cache, but can provide more than 512K of storage space. Performance gains are mostly realized from the storage capacity of the Level 2 cache.

Technology advances again! Recently, manufacturers such as Intel have developed technology that brings an additional 1MB (512K) Level 3 (L3) cache onto the CPU chip. This Level 3 cache addition has dramatically increased the speed at which a processor or dual processors can access stored information. This in turn provides better processor support for overall application access speed and system support.

To educate yourself further on cache, processors, and other newer components, you should check out the specifications listed at the following Intel Web site: http://program.intel.com/SHARED/products/servers/index.htm.

Note

You will be tested on cache Levels 1, 2, and 3. Make sure you know their differences.




The A+ Certification & PC Repair Handbook
The A+ Certification & PC Repair Handbook (Charles River Media Networking/Security)
ISBN: 1584503726
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 390

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