What does 'BSB (Backside Bus)' mean?

The backside bus (BSB) is a bus that connects the CPU to the level 2 (L2) cache on a computer. It is called the “backside” bus because it is located on the backside of the CPU, opposite the side where the frontside bus (FSB) is located. The FSB is the main bus that connects the CPU to the main memory and other peripherals.

The BSB is used to improve the performance of the CPU by allowing it to access the L2 cache more quickly. The L2 cache is a type of memory that is located closer to the CPU than the main memory and is used to store frequently accessed data. By using the BSB to access the L2 cache, the CPU can avoid the slower process of accessing the main memory, which can significantly improve its performance.

The speed of the BSB is commonly much faster than the FSB, and it is usually designed to run at the same speed as the CPU. It is also typically wider than the FSB, which means it can transfer more data at once.

In modern computers, the BSB is generally integrated into the CPU itself rather than being a separate component. This allows for even faster access to the L2 cache and further improves the performance of the CPU.