Cache memory

Define cache memory? 

    Cache memory has higher speeds compared to others. Because of the high speeds that it offers, it is used mostly in computers where the RAM is slower than the processor. The memory area of this can be a part of main memory (or) a completely different storage device. This reduces the overall processing time as the program is loaded less number of times into the processor from the storage. There are two main cache types. Memory cache and disk cache. The memory cache is present in the high-speed SRAM and it is very much useful as the same program, data (or) instructions can be used again and again. The cache memory of two types levels 1 and level 2 (or) level 3.

    In some computers, level-1 (L1) is present on the processor whereas level 2 and level 3 are present on the motherboard. In some other computers, level-1 (L1) and level 2 (L2) are present on the processor where as the level 3 is present on the motherboard.

  

  The main intention of cache memory is not only to improve speed but also to provide a bigger memory size at the lowest possible price. The cache is the first level of memory in the memory hierarchy. It is based on the principle of the locality of reference. The term cache is also used with those buffers that hold commonly occurring data. For example, file caches and name cache. Cache memory stores only a copy to a block of memory which is actually stored on the main memory. And thus, the cache memory is an extension of the main memory which improves the overall performance. 

     The cache memory acts between the CPU and  RAM. Whenever the CPU needs a word, it accesses the cache memory to check whether the requested word is available or not. If the requested word is present, then fetched from a cache. On a cache miss, the request nem is moved from main memory to cache, and the CPU gets the requested item. 

 

Cache memory works on the principle of?

Cache memory works on the principle of the locality of the reference.

 

cache memory acts between?

cache memory acts between Central Processing Unit and the RAM

Cache Vs RAM 

 

    Both Cache and RAM are volatile memories that are used to store data. Cache memory has higher speeds compared to others. Because of the high speeds that it offers, it is used mostly in that computers where the RAM is slower than the processor. RAM is a form of computer memory that is used to temporarily store all the information your computer is actively using for faster access. Cache memory is on other hand and is a type of random-access memory that works between RAM and the CPU, and that provides the fastest access to frequently used program instructions or data that the CPU is most likely to the need next.

Comparison Table

Cache	RAM
The cache is the type of random access memory that works between RAM and CPU.	RAM is a type of memory that Allows which information stored and retrieved computer.
Cache dramatically reduces the average time it takes for the CPU to access the frequently used program or data .	RAM is where all the active data and programs are stored so that they can be easily accessed by the CPU.
The cache is super fast and extremely expensive, so little cache memory is used compared to RAM.	RAM is basically cheaper than cache memory but is more expensive than hard drives.
Accessing the cache memory is much faster than accessing the main memory.	RAM is much faster than a hard disk, floppy disk, compact disk, or just any secondary storage media.
The cache is used to store the frequently used program instructions or data that the CPU is most likely to need next.	RAM is a computer’s short-term digital storage that stores data and programs actively used by the CPU.