In the world of computer memory, there are two broad categories: RAM and cache. As most people are familiar with, RAM is a high-capacity storage modality that holds data about programs currently in use. On the other hand, cache data can be used to store data that can quickly be retrieved in the future. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about high-performing cache memory.
Cache memory serves as a buffer between the RAM and CPU, and by storing data about highly frequented programs, this data can be immediately used by the CPU when needed. In the CPU, there are four memory levels or caches that store data. The register, which is the first memory level, is a quickly accessible storage location that contains a limited amount of data. The second memory level, cache memory, is where data is stored for a short amount of time but can be accessed immediately. Main memory is the third memory level and consists of data that the computer is currently using. This type of memory stores very little data and loses it when the power is off. Finally, level 4 memory includes all external memory devices that permanently store data.
Before the CPU uses data from the main memory source, it first looks to see if the same entry exists in the cache. If the CPU finds the corresponding data in the cache, it will read from there instead of the main memory. On the contrary, the CPU will pull the data directly from the main memory if it is not found in the cache. These events are called cache hit and cache miss, respectively, and the ratio of the two is often used to define the performance of a cache.
In general, there are three mapping methods that are used to store data in a cache. In direct mapping, several addresses from the main memory component are mapped to a single block in the cache index. As new blocks move to be stored in the index, older iterations will be trashed to free up room. Associative mapping is faster and easier to implement than direct mapping but is also more expensive. In this method, both the address and data from the memory word are stored in the cache blocks. Finally, with set-associative mapping, two or more memory words and their tags are stored in the same block in the cache index. The last method is the most optimal as it maintains the highest hit rate but is also much more expensive than the other options.
Unfortunately, customers looking to upgrade their cache memory must also upgrade their CPU, as there are currently no external cache options. AMD and Intel have long been the top-selling manufacturers for new CPU units, and both have a wide range of products that suit a variety of needs. In general, Intel follows the monolithic CPU approach in which the cores, cache, and I/O resources exist on the same chip, whereas AMD uses a multi-chip module. While monolithic chips are generally faster and have fewer latency issues, they are more expensive than the multi-chip module design.
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