L1 cache vs L2 cache

[NickFas]

I was looking on newegg at processors, and i saw that the x2 series has 2x128kb L1 cache and a 2x512kb L2 cache, the opterons have a 2x64kb L1 cache but a 2x1mb L2 cache. What is the difference between these two and which one is more important?

 

[chevytrucknut]

I think the L2 cache is more important, but someone more knowledgable should pipe in in a moment

 

[Disillusion]

Neither cache level is "more important". Cache level 1 is accessed faster than level 2, but is significantly smaller. You want a processor with a lot of cache on both levels. Usually, you would want a processor with about 1mb or more of level 2.

But, cache memory doesnt make the CPU itself any faster. Just makes retrieving data faster after it has already been loaded on to the cache.

 

[Flanker]

People are getting smart on this Forum nice answer OI.