Cache memory is a large determinant of system performance. The larger the cache, the more instructions can be queued and carried out. Storing instructions in cache reduces the amount of time it takes to access that instruction and pass it to a CPU core.
How does a cache affect computer performance?
Cache is a small amount of high-speed random access memory (RAM) built directly within the processor. It is used to temporarily hold data and instructions that the processor is likely to reuse. The bigger its cache, the less time a processor has to wait for instructions to be fetched.
How does cache memory improve performance?
Cache memory holds frequently used instructions/data which the processor may require next and it is faster access memory than RAM, since it is on the same chip as the processor. This reduces the need for frequent slower memory retrievals from main memory, which may otherwise keep the CPU waiting.
What affects cache performance?
Cache performance depends on cache hits and cache misses, which are the factors that create constraints to system performance. Cache hits are the number of accesses to the cache that actually find that data in the cache, and cache misses are those accesses that don’t find the block in the cache.
How do the cache memory and main memory affect the performance of a computer system?
Cache memory allows for faster access to data for two reasons: cache uses Static RAM whereas Main Memory (RAM) uses dynamic RAM. cache memory stores instructions the processor may require next, which can then be retrieved faster than if they were held in RAM.
