What is the difference between L1, L2, and L3 cache sizes?

What is the difference between L1, L2, and L3 cache sizes?

L1 cache is the smallest and fastest, located closest to the CPU. L2 is larger but slower, and L3 is even larger and shared among cores.

Why does L1 cache have a smaller size compared to L2 and L3?

L1 cache is designed for speed, so it uses faster, more expensive memory. Its small size helps maintain high access speeds.

How does cache size affect overall system performance?

Larger caches can store more data, reducing the time the CPU spends waiting for data from main memory, thus improving performance.

Is it better to have a larger L2 cache or a larger L3 cache?

It depends on the workload. L2 cache is faster and benefits single-threaded tasks, while L3 cache helps multi-threaded applications.

Can cache size be increased in existing systems?

No, cache size is determined by the CPU architecture and cannot be changed after manufacturing.