The L2CacheSize property of the Win32_Processor WMI class may not be populated correctly on specific types of processors (894569)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

Note This article is for enterprise administrators and developers.

SYMPTOMS

When you try to use the Win32_Processor WMI class to query the L2CacheSize property, the L2CacheSize property may not be displayed correctly on specific types of processors.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because the type of processor is identified by running an assembly macro that is named CPUID. The value that is returned to identify the type of processor is used to look up the size of the second-level cache from a static list. However, the value returned for this specific type of processor is not in this list. This causes the L2CacheSize property to be incorrectly populated.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, you can use the Win32_CacheMemory WMI class to return the MaxCacheSize property to obtain the correct Level 2 cache size. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. On a computer that has Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1or Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed and that is running on an "x86 Family 15 Model X Stepping Y" processor, where X is the model number and Y is the stepping level, click Start, click Run, type Wmic, and then click OK.
  2. Type memcache get maxcachesize,description, and then press ENTER. You will receive output that is similar to the following output:
    DescriptionMaxCacheSize
    Cache Memory16
    Cache Memory512

    Note The Cache Memory in the first line is the Level 1 cache. The Cache Memory in the second line is the Level 2 cache.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to reproduce the problem

  1. On a computer that has Windows XP, Windows XP Service Pack 1, or Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed and that is running on an "x86 Family 15 Model X Stepping Y" processor, where X is the model number and Y is the stepping level, click Start, click Run, type Wmic, and then click OK.
  2. Type cpu get l2cachesize,description, and then press ENTER. You will find that the L2CacheSize list displays 0.

    You will receive output that is similar to the following output:
    DescriptionL2CacheSize
    x86 Family 15 Model X Stepping Y0


    Note X is the model number, and Y is the stepping level.

REFERENCES

For more information about the Win32_Processor WMI class, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/wmisdk/wmi/win32_processor.asp



For more information about the Win32_CacheMemory WMI class, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/wmisdk/wmi/win32_cachememory.asp



Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.
For more information about Intel processor identification and the CPUID instruction, visit the following Intel Web site:

http://developer.intel.com/design/xeon/applnots/24161827.pdf

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:3/4/2005
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB894569 kbAudITPRO kbAudDeveloper
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.