L2 Cache

Definitions

1. A mid-level CPU cache, typically 256 KB to 1 MB per core, that sits between L1 and L3 in the memory hierarchy with access latencies of roughly 10–20 cycles — serving as a fallback when L1 misses.

   In plain English: A medium-sized, still very fast memory in the processor that catches data requests when the smallest cache does not have what is needed.

   Example: "The working set is too big for L1 but fits in L2, so we're still getting sub-10ns access times."

Related Terms

• Swap
• connection pool
• WebAssembly
• Clock Speed
• Branch Prediction
• L1 Cache
• L3 Cache
• Machine Instruction
• Memory Alignment
• Program Counter
• Spectre