Here is this nerdy computer engineer's dime tour of computer memory, likely TMI, but maybe it'll give some folks a better idea of what's going on in their machines:

When a CPU needs to read some data, it checks the storage area closest to it - if the data it needs is not there, it checks the next storage area a little farther away - if not there, then the next, and so on. In general, storage areas closer to the CPU provide their data quicker, but can't hold as much data as the larger, slower areas farther from the CPU.

To put this in terms you've heard of when computer shopping, these "storage areas" include: (from near to far) caches located on the CPU itself, RAM on connected DIMMs, and hard drives. For comparison's sake, typical sizes and access times are:

- L2/L3 cache: 1 MB, ~1 nanosecond (1/1,000,000,000 sec)
- RAM: 1 GB (1,000 MB), ~100 nanoseconds (100/1,000,000,000 sec)
- hard drive: 1 TB (1,000,000 MB), ~10 milliseconds (10/1,000 sec)

If those numbers don't mean much to you, you could say that a hard drive is around a hundred thousand times slower, and a thousand times larger, than RAM.

You want to keep as much data as possible, as close as possible to the CPU. So that's why having more RAM generally speeds things up, you're not having to get data as often from the far slower hard drive. (And also why having larger L2/L3 caches can speed things up as well, you don't have to go as often to the comparatively slower RAM)

What computers and consoles are doing while showing you "Loading..." is reading the data (level info, graphics textures, etc.) it will need for the next level from the hard drive (or CD) into RAM, so it can have the bad guy all drawn and ready for you as soon as you turn the corner. Also, reading optical CDs is even slower than hard drives, so that's why installing a game to your console HD typically results in shorter load screens.

Originally Posted by Cheshire Wolf Wombat - http://marvel.com/digital_comics/unlimited This right here is pretty good ^

I had a sub for a few years. Most story lines are incomplete making it a waste of money.

Guys, great ep this week. When you were talking about all the games that have been delayed until 2013, I was surprised that you didn't think of this little morsel of truth: somebody is going to announce a release date at E3 for a certain game this year, and we're all pretty sure that this game is going to come out some time around the holidays, and this game probably has "G, T, A" and most likely "V" in its title.

Methinks Rockstar is about to turn on the lights and all the other games just scattered like roaches in advance.

Originally Posted by granom Guys, great ep this week. When you were talking about all the games that have been delayed until 2013, I was surprised that you didn't think of this little morsel of truth: somebody is going to announce a release date at E3 for a certain game this year, and we're all pretty sure that this game is going to come out some time around the holidays, and this game probably has "G, T, A" and most likely "V" in its title. Methinks Rockstar is about to turn on the lights and all the other games just scattered like roaches in advance.

That could be, but Rockstar has a track record of releasing their games in April/May. I would be shocked if GTA V was a fall 2012 release.

Originally Posted by Wombat I had a sub for a few years. Most story lines are incomplete making it a waste of money.

Agreed. It was rare when you could read a complete storyline using Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited. It also had a bad habit of cutting off panels and dialog when read in guided view. Comixology does it a lot better. The prices are out of whack because they don't want to upset comic shops. You have to wait for them to have their $0.99 sales. They do several a week.

No one else thinks that renting a movie theater is a bad idea?

Watching a movie is a solo experience (except if you are getting a handy. . . and i doubt that Cheapy and the gang plan on offering that service). So you are going to meet up, sit in a quiet theater, and watch a movie together? Where is the social interaction? Go bowling, kite flying, or something! Do something where you can actually talk to each other. That is what a meet-up is all about?

Hmm I cant seem to find the CAG cast on Itunes anymore, I just see Ship's old pod cast Cag Foreplay.

Firstly, I've been listening to the CAGcast for a long while now, and I have to say it is by far my favorite podcast. I never miss a week. So thanks for a great show.

I just wanted to say that you are right that (as you've noted on past shows) fitbit should really sponsor you guys at this point. I've been working on changing my lifestyle for the last few months, and all your talk of the fitbit inspired me to check it out. I picked mine up today and I can't wait to give it a go (along with the CAG group).

So thanks again and keep up the great show!

Can you guys stop talking about the fitbit now? You sound like my mom talking about: weight-watchers, jenny craig, atkins, and so on...

According to ticketmaster, games 1&2 of the cup are in LA. You'll at least get to witness the 1st or 2nd game in the Devil's sweep of the Kings

Originally Posted by Kazaganthi Can you guys stop talking about the fitbit now? You sound like my mom talking about: weight-watchers, jenny craig, atkins, and so on...

Hate to agree, but unless they come on board as an advertiser it's time to 86 the fitbit talk.

Originally Posted by Kazaganthi Can you guys stop talking about the fitbit now? You sound like my mom talking about: weight-watchers, jenny craig, atkins, and so on...

68% of Americans are overweight or obese. Any fitness talk is probably a good idea.

p.s. I hate the "I have some cool information but I can't say it". It sucks, makes you look douchey, and is terrible conversation to listen to. Save it for your private conversations, please

Originally Posted by Bezerker According to ticketmaster, games 1&2 of the cup are in LA. You'll at least get to witness the 1st or 2nd game in the Devil's sweep of the Kings

They're wrong. The Devils will have home ice over the Kings who were an 8-seed.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=632441

I can't imagine that chrome Xbox 360 controller is great long-term if you're not washing your hands before using it.

The Twilight Zone Kickstarter is to get the licenses so they can release it as DLC for Pinball Arcade.

Originally Posted by xlaxparkax i was pretty excited for Max Payne 3, but the aiming system and the repetitive nature of the game (cut scene, shoot x amount of bad guys, repeat) bored me to death.

I love the game but the aiming is horrible. Free aim...forget it!

Wombat! 'preciate the Mutant League Hockey reference. Just picked up a genesis 1, Mutant League Football & Hockey. Dammit these need to be remade!

Not sure if you guys were serious about the renting the movie screen idea... But I live in downtown LA and could go ask for some quotes...

LMK

Awesome intro music!

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Cheapy, maybe a meet up at a Bar/Restaurant with a few hour time frame (so you guys can leave when you want/need to), let people get their own drinks and stuff, but give us the opportunity to hang out with other CAGS and with you guys. Movie idea is a good idea, but there wouldn't be much interaction with anyone....

Cheapy: can you please clarify how much you paid for last year's party? Also what makes you feel gross about paying for the party? Was it the fact that the owner of the bar was drunk when you had to pay him?

Wombat: don't think you're going to get away with anything im watching you!!!