[ The PC Guide | Systems and Components Reference Guide | Motherboard and System Devices | System Cache ]

Cache Transfer Technologies and Timing

One of the most important factors directly influencing the performance of the level 2 cache is the technology used to transfer information to and from the processor. There are three main types of cache technology currently in use in motherboards; the capabilities of the chipset (in particular, the cache controller) dictate which your system will use.

"Timing" refers to the number of clock cycles required to perform the data transfers to and from the cache or processor, and this is a function of the technology used (among other things). Timing is a complex matter involving various characteristics of the processor, cache, memory, chipset, etc. Iin general, however, the fewer clock cycles it takes to transfer data, the faster the system. System timing is described in detail here, in the memory chapter.

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