Which level of CPU cache is typically shared among all processor cores on a modern multi-core die, rather than being private to an individual core?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Level 3 (L3) cache
- Step 1: Cache hierarchy is tiered: lower levels are smaller, faster, and located physically inside each core.
- Step 2: Level 3 (L3) cache (also known as the Last-Level Cache or LLC) is a large shared pool (often 16 MB to 96 MB+) accessible by all cores, facilitating inter-core communication and reducing trips to main RAM.
Answer
Level 3 (L3) cache
Why not the others: 'Level 1 Instruction (L1i) cache' L1i is a tiny, ultra-fast private cache dedicated exclusively to instructions for an individual core; 'Level 1 Data (L1d) cache' L1d is a private cache dedicated exclusively to data operands for an individual core; 'Level 2 (L2) cache' On almost all modern x86 desktop processors, L2 cache is dedicated privately to each individual core.
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