Cache is a portion of memory that acts as a buffer to speed operations. The
most common reference is to two types of cache - there is "disk cache" and
"RAM cache".

The disk cache simply means that some RAM has been set aside to keep some of
the disk drive data so that if you need to access the disk again, it may
already be in RAM and respond much faster. Some new hard disks even have
cache built in on the drive itself.

RAM cache is high-speed memory that can work at or near the speed of the
CPU. Normal dynamic RAM, including SDRAM cannot run at the speed of the CPU.
The CPU itself has a small amount of internal cache to speed operations, and
this is called Level 1 cache. You have no control over this other than
selecting a CPU that has more or less of this type of cache. Level 2 cache
is on the motherboard and consists of STATIC RAM rather than DYNAMIC RAM.
Static RAM is faster, but is also more expensive, produces more heat, and is
larger than dynamic RAM.

Hope this helps.

Peter
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The NoSpin Group
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-----Original Message-----
What does the word "cache" mean when talk about hardware? Thanks in advance.
Huynh Minh Huong
Email: [log in to unmask]

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