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How do I determine my level 1 cache?

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18 replies

by bax2x

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

How do I determine the cache size and where do I find it in the registry to change it if it's actual value isn't reflected there?

This question arose from this post. We've been around the world and back on level 2 cache, now I'm curious about level 1.

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-22_11-5109814.html

18 replies

by bax2x

Wow, what a neat utility. It says 2 x 128KB. How do I know what the registry thinks it has?

by computercookie

can tell you how to get windows to return the processor value, but that doesn't show what the registry value is!

by bax2x

Just because it says something in PC Wizard doesn't mean this is in the registry. I changed the L2 cache in the registry back to 0 and PC Wizard still says 512KB.

by computercookie

it will only report the specs. But it is better than other programs that won't even tell you you what's installed on the computer unless the driver is loaded.

Found handy when you have a machine that has hardware which is not identified by device manager, and windows can't find a driver, even when it does a net search.

by bax2x

I'm gonna try the Memory Diagnostics Tool when I restart in a few minutes. There's a setting adjustment screen that comes on if you hit F1 and I can change the cache setting you want for each test. I wonder if this will be the answer.

by willcomp

You can't change, disable, or otherwise monkey with L1 and L2 cache. Both are built into the CPU package. L1 is internal to CPU and L2 is on die. The CPU controls cache memory and also main memory -- try adjusting amount of RAM in Windows :)

by bax2x

I already changed my L2 cache so how can you say that. Plus, I refuse to be sold short. If it can be done there's no reason why I can't do it.

by willcomp

You cannot change the physical amount of L1 or L2 cache, only the value that is detected by Windows.

Careful how you word your replies.

by seanferd

that refers to Windows CE. It is also not a VBScript. So, no.

by seanferd

Referring to Windows improperly detecting hardware upon installation.

by computercookie

How can you tell if windows has correctly identified cache size.

There seems to be a serious error with XP defaulting to 256KB L2 cache if it can't identify the correct cache size.

There was a fix posted on TR, and there is a MS KB about it. Although it doesn't give you any details for what the DWord value should be other than 256 & 512.

What James wants to know is how can I be sure that the L1 cache size has been detected correctly!

by seanferd

Search web. "registry" "L1" etc.

There are good registry sites out there. You will pick up bits and pieces all over.

There are all sorts of optimizations possible, for different things.

For internet, try the tools at broadbandreports.com

There are also tools that make modifications for you. Right now, the thing is that Vista isn't as documented as XP, etc. For some stuff, you'll just have to wait. But internet search is still your friend.

by mg_roberts

the program CPUZ is the best for determining your hardware and what is being utilized in windows.

you cannot change your physical l1, l2 or l3 cache. not possible. you can only lower the amount windows is able to see in the registry, you cannot raise the value. even if you lower it, windows still utilizes the full amount.

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