Cache Memory

What is Cache Memory?

Cache memory is an ultra-high speedy, directly accessible, relatively small semiconductor memory block which is physically closer to the CPU than RAM and used to store data or instructions that the computer may need in the immediate future.

It increases system bandwidth by reducing the number of external memory fetches required by the processor i.e. speeding up the operation.

How does cache memory speed up the operation of the microprocessor?

• Cache memory holds frequently used instructions or data that the processor may need in the immediate future. This, it makes the CPU faster.  
• It is faster to access memory than RAM since it is on the same chip as the processor.
• This reduces the need for frequent slower memory retrievals, which may otherwise keep the CPU waiting.