Cache (pronounced cash) memory is extremely fast memory that is built into a computer’s central processing unit (CPU), or located next to it on a separate chip. The CPU uses cache memory to store instructions that are repeatedly required to run programs, improving overall system speed. The advantage of cache memory is that the CPU does not have to use the motherboard’s system bus for data transfer. Whenever data must be passed through the system bus, the data transfer speed slows to the motherboard’s capability. The CPU can process data much faster by avoiding the bottleneck created by the system bus.
As it happens, once most programs are open and running, they use very few resources. When these resources are kept in cache, programs can operate more quickly and efficiently. All else being equal, cache is so effective in system performance that a computer running a fast CPU with little cache can have lower benchmarks than a system running a somewhat slower CPU with more cache. Cache built into the CPU itself is referred to as Level 1 (L1) cache. Cache that resides on a separate chip next to the CPU is called Level 2 (L2) cache. Some CPUs have both L1 and L2 cache built-in and designate the separate cache chip as Level 3 (L3) cache.
Cache that is built into the CPU is faster than separate cache, running at the speed of the microprocessor itself. However, separate cache is still roughly twice as fast as Random Access Memory (RAM). Cache is more expensive than RAM, but it is well worth getting a CPU and motherboard with built-in cache in order to maximize system performance.
Disk caching applies the same principle to the hard disk that memory caching applies to the CPU. Frequently accessed hard disk data is stored in a separate segment of RAM in order to avoid having to retrieve it from the hard disk over and over. In this case, RAM is faster than the platter technology used in conventional hard disks. This situation will change, however, as hybrid hard disks become ubiquitous. These disks have built-in flash memory caches. Eventually, hard drives will be 100% flash drives, eliminating the need for RAM disk caching, as flash memory is faster than RAM.
|
anon270921
Post 88 |
Where is cache memory located with respect to a Central Processing Unit and main memory? |
|
anon212393
Post 85 |
That was a precise and excellent explanation of cache. - vinod |
|
anon165723
Post 82 |
very helpful and precise. hope you will explain all parts of the computer like this one. |
|
anon165441
Post 81 |
this cache memory is built right into the processor. |
|
anon163253
Post 80 |
then what is the difference between SRAM and DRAM? |
|
Adaickalavan Palamneeyappan
Post 76 |
Clear information. Good! |
|
anon149373
Post 72 |
this is very nice and clear information. thanks for you who has written this. |
|
anon132765
Post 67 |
it is primary or secondary? |
|
anon131839
Post 66 |
which one these is on chip memory? a.main memory b.cache |
|
anon130079
Post 65 |
what is the main role of cache memory and where is it? |
|
anon128820
Post 63 |
I love wise geek. Thanks for the info on cache. I wasn't even pronouncing it right. |
|
anon126520
Post 62 |
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. |
|
anon111795
Post 59 |
can you help me with some details about cache? and some information? |
|
anon107959
Post 56 |
thanks, just what i needed - short, clean and simple explanation. |
|
anon106955
Post 55 |
Excellent and precise piece of information. Thanks. cool. |
|
anon105772
Post 54 |
I can say only thanks. i got what i needed. |
|
anon105530
Post 53 |
I just want to ask: what are the various types of i/o buses and what are their functions? |
|
anon96783
Post 49 |
I want to know where's the cache memory is located? Is it in RAM? |
|
anon90222
Post 48 |
Very nice concept. Simple and short. Thanks. |
|
anon89129
Post 47 |
should a cache ever be cleared? |
|
anon87760
Post 46 |
Really crisp and clear definition. Was searching Web and was getting idea which was not penetrating my dumb head. It is really awesome. Thanks for it. Satya |
|
anon86901
Post 44 |
flash memory is not faster than RAM. Get your facts straight. |
|
anon79018
Post 41 |
very helpful and precise. hope you will explain all parts of the computer like this one. thanks |
|
anon78804
Post 40 |
What's the general size allocated for cache memory? |
|
anon72439
Post 39 |
it's simply awesome. |
|
anon70727
Post 38 |
Super, dude. Very short and clear. |
|
anon70689
Post 37 |
short and sweet. Thanks. |
|
anon68923
Post 36 |
what is the performance of the system when it has more cache? |
|
anon68521
Post 35 |
Thanks for the info, short but to the point and clear. |
|
anon65757
Post 34 |
what is your prediction when hdd will be 100 percent flash? What are your predictions on when common cpu's will reach 1gb/10gb/100gb of L1? |
|
anon58594
Post 31 |
Well informed. good job Pro |
|
anon57899
Post 30 |
Thanks a lot. This post is extremely superb. The explanation is really really cool.
|
|
anon55307
Post 28 |
Please help me. MY L2 cache's value is 0 when it is read by my TuneUp Utilities... but by reading it with CPU-Z it has its values. |
|
anon54404
Post 27 |
how can you rank speed from primary memory and secondary memory? |
|
anon54390
Post 26 |
thank you for giving the good answer, but i just wanted to how many levels are there in a cache. |
|
anon52025
Post 24 |
Simply superb! |
|
anon47752
Post 23 |
Thank you, this article was very helpful. I'm doing A Level IT, and I found it extremely useful! |
|
anon43965
Post 22 |
"if i clean my cache will this fix my youtube? the sound works but the picture freezes." ROFL |
|
anon43232
Post 20 |
Marvelous article. Just continue to write this type of articles. Thanks. |
|
anon43120
Post 19 |
if i clean my cache will this fix my youtube? the sound works but the picture freezes. |
|
anon42487
Post 18 |
Great effort. Any computer user could understand it. hats off. |
|
anon39147
Post 17 |
The way of explanation is excellent. |
|
anon37529
Post 16 |
does intel 8086 has a cache memory???? answer me please?? thanks. |
|
anon37366
Post 15 |
It was excellent article. i want to ask about the difference between the role of Ram and cache in mother board |
|
lsujatha
Post 14 |
cache memory is made of? From which processor cache started? What is the speed and width? |
|
anon35242
Post 11 |
Fantastic answer. It explains it so well! |
|
anon31732
Post 10 |
It would be better to have 2MB cache and 1GB RAM as Cache is generally a lot faster (2-3 times) than RAM. |
|
anon31727
Post 9 |
Basic Factors to consider before buying a new computer are: 1. What will it be used for? This will determine whether or not you need a powerful processor, extra RAM or overall performance capabilities. 2. Reliability. Will all the components work correctly and efficiently? 3. Will it require space for future improvements? If in the future you wish to upgrade your pc, you will need to have extra space such as extra PCI slots and drive bays. 4. Spacial Awareness. How much room have you got to put your PC? Do you need a small, more compact PC or can you manage with a big pc that takes up a lot of space? |
|
anon21965
Post 6 |
What are the basic factors that I should consider before I buy a new computer? |
|
anon17823
Post 5 |
does cache memory prevent the processor from being idle? if yes then how? |
|
glassbarrel
Post 3 |
I have a similar question....is it better to go with 1mb L2 cache and 1gb ram or 2mb cache and 1gb ram? |
|
anon8020
Post 1 |
hi i just wanted to ask if there is a big difference in performance between a 1mb & 2mb cache and any way in which i would feel the difference when im using the laptop? thnx a lot |
