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What is L1 Cache?

R. Kayne
R. Kayne

Level 1 or L1 cache is special, very fast memory built into the central processing unit (CPU) to help facilitate computer performance. By loading frequently used bits of data into L1 cache, the computer can process requests faster. Most computers also have L2 and L3 cache, which are slower than L1 cache but faster than Random Access Memory (RAM).

When we request programs or files from a standard platter hard drive, the device must search the internal disks for the information by sliding a head mechanism across the platters, roughly analogous to the way a needle reads a phonograph record. However, in the case of a disk drive, there are multiple platters and the head is magnetic, reading at a very high rate of speed. Nevertheless, the standard hard drive is the slowest storage device on the computer, compact disk drives aside.

A computer motherboard.
A computer motherboard.

We normally think of RAM as being quite fast because it is so much faster than hard drives. RAM is a temporary holding area that becomes active when the computer boots. Computers commonly have 1-4 Gigabytes (GB) of RAM. By loading frequently requested programs, files, pictures and other items into RAM, the computer doesn’t have to search the hard drive(s) to retrieve the information on subsequent requests.

A central processing unit. L1 cache is a CPU cache.
A central processing unit. L1 cache is a CPU cache.

While this is a good strategy, the CPU can work faster than RAM, and to speed things along, you might think of L1, L2 and L3 cache as the go-betweens that anticipate what requests will be made of RAM, holding that data at the ready. When a request comes, the CPU checks L1 cache first, followed by L2 and L3 cache (if present). If the CPU finds the requested data in cache, it’s a cache hit, and if not, it’s a cache miss and RAM is searched next, followed by the hard drive. The goal is to maximize hits and minimize misses that slow performance.

While L1 cache is built into CPUs today, it might also reside alongside the CPU on older PCs. L2 cache can be built into the CPU or present on the motherboard, along with L3 cache. In some cases L3 cache is also being incorporated into the CPU. Unlike RAM, cache is not expandable.

Discussion Comments

NathanG

@Mammmood - I agree, however the L1 data cache is pretty much a given on most computers; the only issue would be the size of the cache, and I guess here you could argue that the more discerning shoppers could look for the largest available cache sizes.

Yet even then, it may not make much of a difference. Computers in general are so fast nowadays that any performance differences attributed to the cache size would be negligible to the average computer user.

Most people use computers for productivity applications, not advanced applications where every ounce of performance must be squeezed from a system.

Mammmood

A processor cache is certainly a valuable piece of the computer hardware which helps the system to run faster.

Unfortunately, I don’t think that many new computer users think about the cache when deciding upon what specs to look for in a new computer.

They think of things like processor speed and RAM, and in a few cases, the graphics card. However, I’ve found that it’s not uncommon to find two computers with the same basic specs but which run at different speeds because of different accessories, if you want to call them that, that help to boost the computer’s processing power.

L1 cache is one such accessory. I think a good analogy would be two people owning the same make and model of a car. Yet one person has some turbo charged equipment that he’s installed that gives his car extra power, while the other person doesn’t. The turbo charged car will run faster.

anon30962

"Cache" refers to a hidden stash, just as a cache of jewels. This is a cache of memory, or memory cache. The "L" stands for Level, as indicated in the article.

anon30883

Why do we call it cache and what is L1? Why do we called them L1, L2, L3?

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    • A computer motherboard.
      By: VIA Gallery
      A computer motherboard.
    • A central processing unit. L1 cache is a CPU cache.
      By: Restyler
      A central processing unit. L1 cache is a CPU cache.