Cache Memory is a type of computer memory that is volatile and provides high speed data access to a processor and it stores frequently used computer programs, applications and data.
Thus, when a processor requests data that already has an instance in the cache memory, it does not require to go to the main memory or the hard disk to fetch the data. So, cache memory makes data retrieving easier and more efficient to work.
The speed depends on the proximity and the size of the cache itself. As the more data stored into the cache, the faster it operates, so the chips with a smaller storage capacity tend to be slower even if it’s closer to the processor.
Types of Memories in Computer
There are four different types of cache memory, as discussed below :
Level 1 (Register)
Register is the type of memory in which data is stored and accepted that are immediately or stored in processor. Most commonly used register is accumulator, program counter, address register etc.
Level 2 (Cache Memory)
It is the fastest memory available which has faster access time where data is stored at temporarily basis for faster access.
Level 3 (Main Memory)
It is the memory on which computer works currently. It is small in size and once power is switched off data will no longer be available in this memory.
Level 4 (Secondary Memory)
It is the external memory which is slower than main memory but data stays permanently in this memory.