What is L2 cache?

Topache 2 or L2 is part of a multi -level storage strategy to improve your computer's performance. This model uses up to three levels of cache, called L1, L2 and L3, each of which converts the gap between a very fast computer processing unit (CPU) and much slower random access memory (RAM). While the design develops, the L1 cache is most often built into the CPU, while the L2 cache was usually built into the motherboard (along with L3 cache when it is present). However, some CPUs now include L2 and L1 cache cache, and several of them even include L3 cache.

The CPU cache is to predict data requirements, so when a user clicks on a frequently used program, for example, instructions to run this program are shown in the cache. If this happens, the CPU can process the request without delay and drastically improve the performance of the computer. The CPU first checks the L1 cache, follows the L2 and L3 cache. If he finds the needBreak pieces of data, this is the cache hit , but if the cache does not expect a request, the CPU gets cache miss and the data must be pulled out of a slower RAM or hard disk that is getting slower.

Since the task of the CPU cache is to store data, you can wonder why there is more than one level of cache. Why has L2 cache at all, much less L3 when you can enlarge L1 cache?

The answer is that the greater the cache, the longer the latency. Small cache is faster than a large cache. To optimize overall performance, the best result is obtained by having the smallest and fastest cache most often to the CPU itself, followed by a slightly larger L2 cache group and an even larger L3 cache group. The aim is to leave the most commonly used instructions in L1, while L2 cache holds other most likely pieces of data and L3 on a suit. If the CPU needsThe process is a request that is not present in the L1 cache can quickly check the L2 cache, then L3.

The cache design is a key strategy for the highly competitive microprocessors market because it is directly responsible for improved CPU and system performance. Multi -level cache is made of more expensive chips of static RAM (SRAM) versus cheaper RAM dynamic chips (DRAM). DRAM and SYNCHRONOUS DRAM chips are what we usually refer to as RAM . SRAM and SDRAM chips should not be confused.

Looking at the new computers check the amounts of the L1, L2 and L3 cache. All others are the same, the multiple cPU system will work better and the synchronous cache is faster than asynchronous.