Difference between L1 cache and L2 cache?

Answer 1

A memory cache, sometimes called a cache store or RAM cache, is a portion of memory made of high-speed static RAM (SRAM) instead of the slower and cheaper dynamic RAM (DRAM) used for main memory. Memory caching is effective because most programs access the same data or instructions over and over. By keeping as much of this information as possible in SRAM, the computer avoids accessing the slower DRAM.

Short for Level 1 cache, a memory cache built into the microprocessor.

Short for Level 2 cache, cache memory that is external to the microprocessor. In general, L2 cache memory, also called the secondary cache, resides on a separate chip from the microprocessor chip.

As more and more processors begin to include L2 cache into their architectures, Level 3 cache is now the name for the extra cache built into motherboards between the microprocessor and the main memory.

the l2 cache is now always built onto the processor for x86 archetechure

Answer 2

L1 cache is physically next to the processing core and is implemented in SRAM, or Static RAM which is fast and constant when powered on. It does not require refresh cycles. It is generally split with half used for instruction code and the the other used for data. L2 cache is physically close to the core, but is implemented in DRAM or Dynamic RAM and goes through refresh cycles many time a second to retain its memory. It is not as fast as L1 and cannot be accessed during refresh. L3 cache has come into vogue with the advent of multi-core CPUs. Whereas these chips will have both L1 and L2 caches for each separate core; there is a common fairly large L3 shared by all cores. It is usually the size of all other caches combined or a few multiples of all other caches combined. It is also implemented in DRAM. One unusual thing is that a multi-core chip that is running software that may not be capable of or need all cores will have a core flush its caches into the L3 before that core goes dormant.

Answer 3

Each one is larger, cheaper and slower than the next. L1 cache tends to be direct mapped and L2 tends to have higher associativity. I don't believe that any current processors use L3 cache yet, but it would likely be fully associative or almost fully associative.

Answer 4

i feel the best way to answer this iis by telling u how L1 AND L2 came about . it started with With the 486 processor, an 8 kB cache was integrated directly into the CPU die. This cache was termed Level 1 or L1 cache to differentiate it from the slower on-motherboard, or Level 2 (L2) cache

Answer 5

Each one is larger, cheaper and slower than the next. L1 cache tends to be direct mapped and L2 tends to have higher associativity. I don't believe that any current processors use L3 cache yet, but it would likely be fully associative or almost fully associative.

Answer 6

An L1 cache is on the same chip as the microprocessor. (For example, thePowerPC 601 processor has a 32 kilobyte level-1 cache built into its chip.) L2 is usually a separate static RAM (SRAM) chip. The main RAM is usually a dynamic RAM (DRAM) chip.

Answer 7

there are two types of cache

1. current cache

2. grandfathered cache

There are different types of caches in both.

Answer 8

l1 cache is soldered on the printed ciecuit board l2 cache is plug-in type

Answer 9

l1 cache is in the processor,it is called level 1 cache whereas the level 2 cache ,it can be anywhere in motherboard.there is also l3 cache,which can be wherever in motherboard or processor

Answer 10

The CPU can access the Level 1 cache (L1 cache) faster, but the L1 cache is smaller than the L2 cache.