The variable innodb_buffer_pool_size
Set the amount of memory allocated to both InnoDB data and index buffer cache. If the server requests data available in the cache, the data can be processed right away. Otherwise, the operating system will request that the data be loaded from the disk into the buffer. It is important to set this value as high as possible to use the more efficient innodb data and index buffer cache instead of operating system buffer.
It is better to set innodb_buffer_pool_size to 50 - 80% of physical memory.
Please have a look at post on Choosing innodb_buffer_pool_size.Choosing innodb_buffer_pool_size.
Also have a look at some other links on optimizing buffer pool