It makes sense to equip multi-core processors with a dedicated memory utilized jointly by all available cores. In this role, fast third-level cache (L3) can accelerate access to frequently needed data. Cores should not revert to accessing the slower main memory (RAM) whenever possible.
That’s the theory, at least. AMD’s recent launch of the Athlon II X4, which is fundamentally a Phenom II X4 without the L3, implies that the tertiary cache may not always be necessary. We decided to do an apples to apples comparison using both options and find out