Memory Transfer Speed
Interactive comparison of sequential read speeds between L1 Cache, RAM, SSD and HDD.
L1 Cache
The fastest memory in a computer, built directly into each CPU core. Typically 32-64 KB, with access in 1-4 clock cycles. Used to store the most frequently accessed instructions and data.
L2 Cache
A secondary cache per CPU core, larger than L1 (256 KB to 1 MB) but slightly slower. Acts as a buffer between the ultra-fast L1 and the shared L3 cache, with access in 4-12 cycles.
L3 Cache
Shared cache across all CPU cores, ranging from 4 to 64 MB. The last stop before the CPU accesses the much slower main memory. Access latency of 20-40 clock cycles.
RAM DDR3
Standard desktop memory from 2007 to 2014, operating at 800-2133 MHz. Delivers around 17 GB/s bandwidth. Still found in older systems and budget machines.
RAM DDR4
The mainstream memory standard since 2014, with frequencies of 2133-5333 MHz. Delivers around 50 GB/s and is the most common memory in modern computers.
RAM DDR5
Latest generation of RAM since 2021, starting at 4800 MHz and reaching 8000+ MHz. Delivers up to 90 GB/s with improved efficiency and doubled capacity per module.
SSD SATA
SSDs using the SATA interface, limited to ~550 MB/s by the interface itself. Still 3-5x faster than HDDs, making them a solid upgrade for older systems.
SSD NVMe
NVMe SSDs connect directly to the CPU via PCIe, bypassing the SATA bottleneck. Reach up to 3,500 MB/s on PCIe 3.0, ideal for OS and applications.
SSD NVMe 5.0
Latest NVMe SSDs on PCIe 5.0, pushing sequential reads to 12,000 MB/s. Built for heavy workloads like video editing, large databases, and next-gen gaming.
HDD 5400rpm
The slowest traditional hard drive, spinning at 5,400 RPM. Common in laptops and external drives, offering large capacity at low cost but limited to ~100 MB/s.
HDD 7200rpm
Standard desktop hard drive at 7,200 RPM, delivering ~200 MB/s sequential read. A good balance of capacity and performance for secondary storage and backups.
HDD 10000rpm
Enterprise drives spinning at 10,000 RPM, found mainly in servers. Best HDD performance at ~300 MB/s, but increasingly replaced by SSDs.
Floppy Disk 3.5"
The iconic 3.5-inch floppy disk, with a maximum capacity of 1.44 MB and a transfer speed of ~500 KB/s. Dominant in the 80s and 90s, it was the standard for distributing software and sharing files before CDs and USB drives took over.
LTO-9 Ultrium
LTO-9 Ultrium is the latest generation of Linear Tape-Open technology, offering up to 18 TB native capacity (45 TB compressed) and transfer speeds of 400 MB/s. Widely used in enterprise backup, archival, and cold storage due to its durability, low cost per TB, and 30+ year data retention.