DFI K6bv3+: maximum cacheable memory?

pigdos · Guest

I have a DFI k6bv3+ w/2MB L2 cache. I'm figuring that if the VA503+ can
cache 256MB w/1MB of L2 cache the k6bv3+ can probably cache 512MB w/2MB of
L2 cache? The tag RAM size would be the determining factor here right? I'm
assuming write-through mode for the L2 cache.

--
Doug

Alex Zorrilla · Guest

Yes, that is correct for the MVP3/MVP4. If you were using write-back
mode for the L2 cache, that would limit you to 1/2 the cacheable RAM, so
that would be 256 MB with 2 MB L2 cache. For write-through, a 2 MB L2
cache would give you 512 MB cacheable RAM.

pigdos wrote:

farmuse · Guest

I was under the impression that it was more dependent on the CPU used
than any BIOS setting. The K6-2 can cache 256, where as the K 6 III line
can cache much more than that. I doubt if either board would be able to
use 512 MB modules, so 512 total would be the max with a K 6 III.

Alex Zorrilla wrote:

pigdos · Guest

We're not talking about the on-board cache on the CPU we're talking about
the motherboard cache, which could be L2 (if you had a K6, Pentium, K62 or
Cyrix CPU) or L3 (if you had a K62+ or K63+).

--
Doug
"farmuse" <farmuse@cows.net> wrote in message
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John and Karen · Guest

it is dependent on the cpu not the size of the L2

On Sat, 08 Jul 2006 23:11:54 -0400, pigdos <NA@nowhere.com> wrote:

Alex Zorrilla · Guest

In the case of the K6-2, K6, Pentium MMX, Cyrix M-II, and other similar
processors, it is quite dependent on the amount of the L2 cache on the
motherboard. These CPUs do not have their own L2 cache, so the chipsets
designed to run them (e.g., Intel 430TX, VIA MVP3, SiS 5597/5598) make
use of the tag RAM on the motherboard's L2 cache to determine the amount
of cacheable system RAM. The actual amount of cacheable RAM depends on
the chipset, the amount of tag RAM available in the L2, and certain BIOS
settings.

Now, when the L2 was moved to the CPU (Pentium Pro, Pentium II, K6-III,
Athlon), the amount of tag RAM still makes a difference, but now it
becomes a function of the CPU in question, as opposed to the motherboard.

John and Karen wrote:

John and Karen · Guest

I know all that, but for the K6 2 vs K6 III is makes a difference.

On Mon, 17 Jul 2006 11:58:15 -0400, Alex Zorrilla <apz@zxeng.com> wrote:

Alex Zorrilla · Guest

Ahhh, OK. Now I see what you mean. Agreed.

John and Karen wrote:

pigdos · Guest

And you're still wrong because it STILL makes a difference in how much RAM
the motherboard cache can handle REGARDLESS of the type of CPU you have
installed.

--
Doug
"John and Karen" <wythevillecat@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:op.tcwmrrylqi9s1q@tower.belkin...

farmuse · Guest

I know the FIC 503+ can cache more ram with the K6 III than it can
with the K6-2. there are many instances where this is true, where what
CPU you use makes a difference. There are some P II that can cache a lot
less than other P II that run at the same speed. Believe it or not.
Because the L2 cache is on the K6 III chip itself then it is a different
configuration than with the K6-2.

pigdos wrote:

pigdos · Guest

You really don't know much about cache architecture do you? The cache
implemented on the FIC VA503+ or K6bv3+ is entirely independent of the CPU
used. If you have L2 cache on the CPU, the on-board motherboard cache
becomes L3. The CPU used DOESN'T make a difference at ALL in the amount of
cacheable memory w.r.t. the motherboard cache. The tag RAM (and how it's
configured [write-through or write-back]) and cache size on the motherboard
are the ONLY determining factors in how much memory is cacheable on the FIC
VA503+ or DFI K6bv3.

--
Doug
"farmuse" <farmuse@cows.net> wrote in message
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John and Karen · Guest

two words, bull shit. You are clueless. It is well documented the K6
III can cache more ram than a K6-2, ask anyone on this newsgroup. I have
been building computers for nine years, and have used many FIC
motherboards. So you just go on and believe what you want. I mean why did
you come here in the first place ?

On Fri, 28 Jul 2006 10:47:25 -0400, pigdos <NA@nowhere.com> wrote:

John and Karen · Guest

scroll down and see that the K6 III can cache 4 GB total ram. You did
not state what CPU you plan on using. You might be right, with 2 MB
external L2 cache on the motherboard the total ram that can be cached
might go up to 512 MB or maybe even 768, when using a K6-2. With the K6
III of any flavor, I know it can use all 768 when using the DFI board you
have.

http://www.sandpile.org/impl/k6.htm

On Fri, 28 Jul 2006 10:47:25 -0400, pigdos <NA@nowhere.com> wrote:

pigdos · Guest

Do you know what motherboard cache is? Do you realize it has nothing to do
w/the CPU installed? I don't care if you've been installing computers for
nine years
or 20 years (I've been working with computers since 1987, I've worked on the
original IBM PC). It's obvious you don't understand the difference between
cache built into a motherboard (which was common 10 years ago) and that
which resides in the CPU. I was never asking about how much RAM the CPU can
cache.

--
Doug
"John and Karen" <wythevillecat@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:op.tdhoyqvzqi9s1q@tower.belkin...

pigdos · Guest

Once again you have the right answer to the WRONG question. You really don't
have a clue do you? Are you even an A+?

--
Doug
"John and Karen" <wythevillecat@earthlink.net> wrote in message
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