Computer Cache Check
Simply put, your computer cache is like an intermediary storage that
keeps data 'nearby' in anticipation of future need.
So it may be considered a type of memory or storage. There are
different types of caches. A cache mechanism may be part of memory (RAM),
built into the processor OR may be external to the memory and the CPU
(i.e. on the motherboard).
Cache Types
Level 1 (or L1) cache is typically part of the CPU architecture. It is
built into the processor. It is provides very fast acquisition of
information, naturally.
Level 2 (or L2) cache resides on the motherboard. It provides added
efficiency to the processor and motherboard.
It is the combination and amounts of L1 and L2 cache that actually make
the difference between the
- Intel Pentium chips (have both L1 and L2), and
- Intel Celeron chips (only L2 cache)
The situation is similar for the AMD Athlon and Duron procesosrs.
So by disabling the L1 cache in the Intel processors, you have a
Celeron chip - you pay less. If you get the extra functionality of the L1
cache in the Pentium your system costs more, but physically, the two are
same. How much cache is necessary?
Obviously, the more powerful the processor, the greater the amount and
speed of the L1 and L2 cache is necessary. As an example, the new AMD
Athlon 64 Processor 3400+ is configured with 1MB L2 cache. Previous Athlon
chips were satisfied with 256 K and 512 K. Usually, L1 cache is less
than L2 cache. For high processing power, you will need both L1 and L2
cache types in your system PLUS lots of RAM. Disk Cache
The Operating System may also cache information on disk. Internet
Explorer uses a section of regular disk storage to store (or cache) files
that it uses to build and display a web document. That is, all
repetitive functions or information may be cached. This makes the computer
work faster. With time, the disk cache can get really bulky and be
counter effective. hence it is necessary to carefully manage your
temporary internet file cache.
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