Adding memory: cache size issue

[Dan Mitchell]

I have a gateway athlon 1100 pc with 128m of pc133 sdram, to which I would like to add 256m of additional memory. However I understand if the pc has insufficient l2 cache, the new memory may not be an improvement, and may actually slow things down. So far, I haven't been able to determine the cache size. The literature on the pc says "AMD Athlon 1100 mhz processor 'with new performance enhancing cache memory'", whatever that means. No mention of cache size. Is there any direct way to determine this from the pc itself? What are other factors involved in how usable additional memory will be and how much the machine will support (I have already determined the type it requires, how many sockets are available, etc.)? I need to order today from Crucial in order to get FREE SHIPPING! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Thanks,

Dan

[ranchdog]

Dan... The 1100 chip carries 384K total Cache memory on-die. (on-board) 128K of L1 and 256K of L2. Saves the CPU from writing to RAM for a few things. Hence the increase in speed.
Wish I knew the Mfg. of your Mboard. Couple of your questions depend on the Mfg. to be more specific concerning the RAM. There are Mboards that don't recognize 256MB's in a single stick. They will be read as 128's. Also how much can be supported (total) will depend on the Mboard. How usable will additional memory be? If you add memory that is compatable to the system it'll be there when the need arises.
Suggestion: Go for a couple sticks of 128MB and get that free shipping. Crucial is as good as it gets.
Luck.

------------------
......Indecision may or may not be my problem......
...... Kickin' A Rock....