What is Cache?
| Types of Cache |
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Caches come in many types, but they all work the same way: they store information where you can get to it fast. A Web browser stores the pages, graphics, sounds, and URLs of online places you visit on your hard drive; that way, when you go back to the page, everything doesn't have to be downloaded all over again. Since disk access is much faster than Internet access, this speeds things up. Of course, disk access is slower than RAM access, so there's also disk caching, which stores information you might need from your hard disk in faster RAM. What is Primary Cache? By caching data in faster, more expensive memory, you speed up your system performance. Primary is fast, usually integrated into the CPU chip, and not very large (16-128K). While it's useful for storing some instructions, it usually relies on a secondary (L2) for an all-around boost of system performance. What is Secondary Cache? Secondary is bigger than the primary cache (256-500K) and fits between it and main memory (RAM). It's faster than main memory, but slower than primary memory. What is Pipeline Burst Cache? This type of secondary cache is an advanced type of SRAM installed on the motherboard to boost computer performance. Pipeline burst SRAM replaced the older Sync Burst cache, which works less efficiently with fast processors. |
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