Characteristics of Cache Memory

Characteristics of Cache Memory

Cache memory is an extremely fast memory type that acts as a buffer between RAM and the CPU. Cache Memory holds frequently requested data and instructions so that they are immediately available to the CPU when needed. Cache memory is costlier than main memory or disk memory but more economical than CPU registers. Cache Memory is used to speed up and synchronize with a high-speed CPU....

Levels of Memory

Level 1 or Register: It is a type of memory in which data is stored and accepted that are immediately stored in the CPU. The most commonly used register is Accumulator, Program counter, Address Register, etc. Level 2 or Cache memory: It is the fastest memory that has faster access time where data is temporarily stored for faster access. Level 3 or Main Memory: It is the memory on which the computer works currently. It is small in size and once power is off data no longer stays in this memory. Level 4 or Secondary Memory: It is external memory that is not as fast as the main memory but data stays permanently in this memory....

Cache Performance

When the processor needs to read or write a location in the main memory, it first checks for a corresponding entry in the cache....

Cache Mapping

There are three different types of mapping used for the purpose of cache memory which is as follows:...

Application of Cache Memory

Here are some of the applications of Cache Memory....

Advantages of Cache Memory

Cache Memory is faster in comparison to main memory and secondary memory. Programs stored by Cache Memory can be executed in less time. The data access time of Cache Memory is less than that of the main memory. Cache Memory stored data and instructions that are regularly used by the CPU, therefore it increases the performance of the CPU....

Disadvantages of Cache Memory

Cache Memory is costlier than primary memory and secondary memory. Data is stored on a temporary basis in Cache Memory. Whenever the system is turned off, data and instructions stored in cache memory get destroyed. The high cost of cache memory increases the price of the Computer System....