Explain how cache memory can improve system performance.

Cache is a small amount of memory which is part of the CPU which is physically closer to the CPU than RAM is. The more cache there is, the more data can be stored closer to the CPU.

Cache memory is beneficial because:

• Cache memory holds frequently used instructions/data which the processor may require next and it is faster access memory than RAM, since it is on the same chip as the processor.

• This reduces the need for frequent slower memory retrievals from main memory, which may otherwise keep the CPU waiting.

-The more cache the CPU has, the less time the computer spends accessing slower main memory and as a result programs may run faster.