Fig. 1 shows a simplified memory path for a school computer opening a large graphics file. The cache holds recently used instructions and data close to the ...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a simplified memory path for a school computer opening a large graphics file. The cache holds recently used instructions and data close to the CPU.
(a) State where cache memory is located in relation to the CPU. [1]
(b) Give two characteristics of cache memory. [2]
(c) State how a cache hit can improve computer performance. [2]
(d) Give one reason why a computer cannot use cache memory alone as its main memory. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Cache memory is located on the CPU chip or very close to the CPU. [1 mark]
(b) Cache has small capacity, fast access, and is expensive per byte. It stores frequently or recently used instructions and data. Any two characteristics are required. [2 marks]
(c) On a cache hit, the required data or instruction is already in cache [1]. The CPU does not need to access slower RAM, so execution is faster [1]. [2 marks]
(d) Cache cannot be used alone as main memory because its capacity is too small [1], and providing enough cache for all main-memory contents would be too expensive [1]. [2 marks]
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