Know what computer memory is

Cache
Cache
  • Cache is a very fast type of RAM directly attached to particular components such as the CPU. It enables a certain amount of data to be copied from the main memory so the component can access it faster. Cache is usually a small amount of static RAM, which is much faster than SDRAM, however it is also far more expensive to produce.

  • Data stored in a component’s cache is immediately available to the component — it doesn't have to access the main memory and copy the data across before it can be used.

  • CPUs usually have a certain amount of cache built into them. AMD AthlonXP chips have a built-in cache of 512KB or more. Some motherboards also have cache installed on them, and modern hard disks usually have 8Mb of cache or more.