CPU cache is one of the important components that affect the performance of your computer. A CPU cache is a small memory near the CPU, which stores data frequently used by the CPU. The purpose of CPU caching is to reduce access time to data stored in the main memory (RAM), which is slower and farther away from the CPU. By using CPU cache, the CPU can retrieve the data as it needs faster, increasing the processing speed.
Other Interesting Articles
Types of CPU Cache
There are three commonly used types of CPU caches: L1, L2, and L3. Each has a different size, speed, and function.
- L1 cache is the smallest and fastest cache, located inside the CPU core. L1 caches are typically between 16 KB to 128 KB in size and have an access time of about 1 ns. L1 cache stores data most frequently used by the CPU, such as instructions and registers.
- L2 cache is a larger and slower cache than the L1 cache, which is usually located outside the CPU core, but still inside the CPU chip. L2 caches are typically between 256 KB to 8 MB in size and have an access time of about 5 ns. L2 cache stores data that is used less frequently by the CPU, but still more frequently than data stored in RAM.
- L3 cache is the largest and late cache, which is usually located outside the CPU chip, but still inside the CPU package. L3 caches are typically between 4 MB to 64 MB in size and have an access time of about 15 ns. L3 cache stores data that is rarely used by the CPU, but still more often than data stored on a hard disk or SSD.
Here’s a table comparing the size, speed, and location of the three types of CPU caches:
| Cache Type | Size | Speed | Location |
| L1 cache | 16 KB – 128 KB | 1 ns | Inside the CPU core |
| L2 cache | 256 KB – 8 MB | 5 ns | Outside the CPU core, inside the CPU chip |
| L3 cache | 4 MB – 64 MB | 15 ns | Outside the CPU chip, inside the CPU package |
Factors Affecting Cache CPU Size and Speed
Several factors affect the size and speed of the cache CPU, such as:
- CPU Design: CPU design determines the number of cores, data paths, and instructions that the CPU can process. CPU design also determines the optimal CPU cache size and speed to support CPU performance. For example, CPUs with many cores typically require a larger and faster cache than CPUs with few cores.
- Fabrication technology: Fabrication technology determines the size and distance between transistors used to make a CPU. More advanced fabrication technologies can make transistors smaller and closer, increasing the density and speed of CPU caches. For example, CPUs made with 7 nm technology typically have larger and faster caches than CPUs made with 14 nm technology.
- Application needs: The application needs to determine the type and amount of data that must be processed by the CPU. Application needs also determine the ideal cache CPU size and speed to improve CPU performance. For example, apps that require a lot of math calculations usually require a larger and faster cache than apps that require only simple operations.