Cache+memory+What+is+it

Cache memory What is it

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.

It is interesting to note that when a program is opened and running, it uses very few resources. In consequence these resources when kept in cache, programs can operate more quickly and efficiently.

When Cache built into the CPU itself it 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, it has to be accepted that a separate cache is still roughly twice as fast as Random Access Memory (RAM). Cache is more expensive than RAM, but it is well worth the additional expense. 