What Is a PC Cache? A Basic Definition

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A CPU cache (pronounced cash) is found in the processor and holds data a PC frequently uses so that the processor can access it quickly to perform repetitive tasks more rapidly. A CPU usually has three levels of caches and 1-4MB of total memory.

For consumer CPUs, there are three different types of cache: 

  • L1 - the fastest but smallest
  • L2 - the second fastest and second smallest
  • L3 - the slowest and biggest

Note that when buying a CPU, cache isn’t that important because it’s hard to correlate a CPU’s cache size with your real-life experience.

This article is part of the Tom's Hardware Glossary.

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Scharon Harding
Scharon Harding

Scharon Harding has over a decade of experience reporting on technology with a special affinity for gaming peripherals (especially monitors), laptops, and virtual reality. Previously, she covered business technology, including hardware, software, cyber security, cloud, and other IT happenings, at Channelnomics, with bylines at CRN UK.