Highlights
- Cache memory stores the most frequently used information required by the CPU in the processor cache.
- There are three types of cache memory in your computer labeled as L1, L2, and L3 cache.
- You can check the system’s cache memory in windows 10 using command prompt and task manager.
- Compared to the main memory (RAM), the Processor Cache provides faster access to information, resulting in faster computer processing of programs and data.
Do you know there are 2 ways to check the system’s cache memory or processor cache memory in windows 10? If you want to know these 2 methods, this article is for you.
So, if you don’t know how to check the system’s cache memory in windows 10, read on!
But before going to the methods to check cache memory, firstly, answer a few questions about it.
Where is the cache memory located?
Cache memory is located in the Processor of your computer. That’s why it is also referred to as processor cache memory. The idea behind providing the Processor with its Cache Memory is to store the most frequently used information required by the CPU in the Processor Cache.
But here, the question arises how processor cache memory increases the speed of your system?
The answer is Since the most frequently used data is readily available within the Cache, the Processor does not have to spend time accessing this information from the main memory (RAM) of the computer.
Comparison of Cache Memory and Main Memory (RAM)
| Cache Memory | Main Memory |
| Processor Cache provides faster access to information, resulting in faster processing of programs and data on a computer. | Whereas the main memory or RAM slows down the processing of data and programs on a computer. |
| Processor Cache Memory is more expensive, which explains why fewer amounts of Processor Cache Memory are used in computers. | On the other hand, RAM costs less and is much cheaper than cache memory. |
What are the L1, L2, and L3 caches?
There are three types of cache memory in your computer labeled as L1, L2, and L3 Cache.
- L1 cache: This is the primary cache embedded in the processor chip. This type of Cache is fast, but it offers very limited storage capacity.
- L2 cache: This secondary cache can either be embedded on the processor chip or made available on its own separate chip with a high-speed bus connecting it to the CPU.
- L3 cache: This type of processor cache is designed to serve as a backup for L1 and L2 caches. While L3 Cache is slower compared to L1 and L2 Caches, it is faster than RAM and offers significant boost to the performance of L1, L2 Cache.
And now that the basic information about cache memory is clear let’s discuss how to check processor cache memory.
How To Check Processor Cache Memory Size Using Command Prompt
Follow the steps below to find Processor Cache Memory size using the command prompt in Windows 10.
- Right-click on Start button and search for CMD in windows 10 search bar.
Note: You can also open the Command prompt by clicking on the Command Prompt (Admin) option.
- On the Command Prompt screen, type wmic cpu get L2CacheSize, L3CacheSize and press the Enter key on the keyboard of your computer.
- Once the command is executed, you will find L2, L3 Cache size information displayed on the screen.
How To Check Processor Cache Memory Size Using Task Manager
The Task Manager in Windows 10 provides detailed information about the Processor installed on your computer, including L1, L2, and L3 Processor Cache sizes.
- Open the search bar and type task, task manager option will appear. Click on open.
- On the Task Manager screen, click on the Performance tab > click on CPU in the left pane. In the right-pane, you will see L1, L2 and L3 Cache sizes listed under “Virtualization” section.
