Why AMD's L2 only has 2MB max.?

mailrapid · Oct 30, 2007, 03:26 PM

Why AMD's L2 only has 2MB max.?
Even if the high-end product, AMD's L2 cache size only featured 2MB.
On the other hand, Intel's L2 cache size can reach 12MB.

Is this a disadvantage of AMD?

Zelig · Oct 30, 2007, 03:30 PM

It's a factor that influences performance, but not one that needs to be examined for purchasing decisions. Just look at the actual performance of the processor, the amount of cache that gives that performance doesn't matter to the end user.

Zardon · Oct 30, 2007, 05:12 PM

Level 2 Cache is used for accepting data directly from the memory (RAM) of the PC and having it ready for the CPU to use a lot quicker than if the CPU had to wait for the RAM to deliver the data over the system bus directly. Level 2 cache is most important for processor intensive applications such as distributed computing.

This is an easy to understand overview (a little outdated but the principals are still correct) PC Architecture. Chapter 11. The L2 cache. A book by Michael B. Karbo

As Zelig said however, its only part of the picture, AMD really don't have a competiting chip right now for the conroe's so there is IMO no decision to be made.

Judas · Oct 30, 2007, 06:53 PM

from what i understood, intel NEEDS the extra cache for a number of reasons.. but one of the major factors is that intel doesn't have an intergrated memory controller (built into the CPU).... this directly affects a number of things...

AMD however has an intergrated memory controller which shows a pretty decent improvement in a number of tasks...

I do beleive that this directly affects the need for extra caches..

Isn't Alot of the cache mostly in the L3 portion of the cpu's though.... i thought it wasn't all L2

mkk · Oct 30, 2007, 07:01 PM

Current and recent Intel designs has had more use/need of a large L2 cache than AMD chips, but no this detail is nothing to think about. Just think price/performance at whatever budget and check out some benchmarks that are relevant to what you need out of it. Figure out the budget first of all.

Oct 30, 2007, 03:26 PM	#1
mailrapid DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 7 Rep Power: 0	Why AMD's L2 only has 2MB max.? Why AMD's L2 only has 2MB max.? Even if the high-end product, AMD's L2 cache size only featured 2MB. On the other hand, Intel's L2 cache size can reach 12MB. Is this a disadvantage of AMD?

Oct 30, 2007, 03:30 PM	#2
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 69 System Specs	It's a factor that influences performance, but not one that needs to be examined for purchasing decisions. Just look at the actual performance of the processor, the amount of cache that gives that performance doesn't matter to the end user. __________________ --

Oct 30, 2007, 05:12 PM	#3
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	Level 2 Cache is used for accepting data directly from the memory (RAM) of the PC and having it ready for the CPU to use a lot quicker than if the CPU had to wait for the RAM to deliver the data over the system bus directly. Level 2 cache is most important for processor intensive applications such as distributed computing. This is an easy to understand overview (a little outdated but the principals are still correct) PC Architecture. Chapter 11. The L2 cache. A book by Michael B. Karbo As Zelig said however, its only part of the picture, AMD really don't have a competiting chip right now for the conroe's so there is IMO no decision to be made.

Oct 30, 2007, 07:01 PM	#5
mkk Cthulhu/Dagon 2012 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Gefle, Sweden Posts: 4,384 Rep Power: 120 System Specs	Current and recent Intel designs has had more use/need of a large L2 cache than AMD chips, but no this detail is nothing to think about. Just think price/performance at whatever budget and check out some benchmarks that are relevant to what you need out of it. Figure out the budget first of all.