Cache memory architecture: A comparative analysis of Intel and AMD cache memory systems
TL;DR
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of cache memory, including its historical evolution, hierarchical levels (L1–L3), architectural design, and functional significance in modern computing systems, and indicates that cache size alone does not present a statistically significant difference between AMD and Intel processors.
Abstract
Cache memory is a critical determinant of computer system performance, serving as a high-speed intermediary between the processor and the main memory to mitigate the Von Neumann bottleneck. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of cache memory, including its historical evolution, hierarchical levels (L1–L3), architectural design, and functional significance in modern computing systems. The study evaluated state-of-the-art cache architectures, tracking performance through key efficiency metrics including data throughput in Gigabytes per second (GB/s), memory access latency in nanoseconds (ns), and power consumption in picojoules per bit (pJ/bit). While these architectures offer strengths such as reduced latency and improved energy efficiency, they face clear limitations in cost, scalability, and workload dependency. Empirical performance data were compiled from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel processors, specifically the AMD Ryzen™ 9 HX PRO 475, 7 PRO 450, 5 PRO 440, Intel® Core™ i9-10850K, i7-1160G7, and i5-1130G7, and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to compare cache performance. The results indicate that cache size alone does not present a statistically significant difference between AMD and Intel processors. Architectural design and cache management strategies substantially influence the performance outcomes, with Intel processors exhibiting superior cache efficiency under the tested conditions. The findings underscore the pivotal role of cache memory in enhancing processor speed, energy efficiency, and overall system performance, while guiding future innovations in hybrid and adaptive cache architectures.