A CPU cache (pronounced kash) is found in the processor and holds data a PC uses often, so that the processor can access it quickly in order to perform repetitive tasks more rapidly. A CPU usually has three different levels of caches and 1-4MB of total memory.
A cache can perform rapid writing and rewriting of data thanks to its being made up of SRAM (static RAM) chips, as opposed to DRAM (dynamic ram) chips. SRAM chips access data faster than DRAM. Also, because the cache memory is right on CPU die, the data doesn’t have to travel all the way over from the DRAM chips or storage drive.
There are three different types of cache:
- L1 – the fastest but smallest
- L2 – the second fastest and second smallest
- L3 – the slowest and biggest
Note that when buying a CPU, cache isn’t that important because it’s hard to correlate a CPU’s cache size with your real-life experience.
Further reading: