What is CPU cache architecture and why is it important?

What is CPU cache architecture and why is it important?

CPU cache architecture refers to the design and organization of cache memory in a CPU, which stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing. It's crucial because it reduces latency and improves overall system performance.

How does cache memory differ from RAM?

Cache memory is faster and smaller than RAM. It stores copies of frequently used data from main memory (RAM) to allow quicker access by the CPU.

What are the different levels of cache?

There are typically three levels of cache: L1 (smallest and fastest, located on the CPU), L2 (larger and slightly slower), and L3 (even larger, shared among cores, and slower than L1 and L2).

How does cache size affect performance?

A larger cache can store more data, reducing the need to access slower RAM. However, if the cache is too large, it may slow down access times due to increased complexity.

Can you explain cache coherence?

Cache coherence ensures that multiple caches in a multi-core processor maintain a consistent view of memory. This is vital for data integrity and performance in parallel processing.