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Importance of Cache Memory

Importance of Cache Memory

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James Del Pilar
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
84 views3 pages

Importance of Cache Memory

Importance of Cache Memory

Uploaded by

James Del Pilar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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## Importance of Cache Memory

- Cache memory is crucial for understanding how processors efficiently handle data, as seen in the
example of managing game data, where game files can reach 100 GB but only require minimal main
memory to operate smoothly.

- The concept of virtual memory and demand paging allows systems to function with smaller main
memory while executing larger programs.

## Levels of Cache Memory

- Modern systems utilize three levels of cache memory: L1, L2, and L3.

- L1 cache is embedded in the processor and is the fastest but smallest.

- L2 cache also resides in the processor and stores frequently accessed data that can't fit in L1.

- L3 cache is the largest and is shared among different cores of the processor.

## Cache Operations and Terminology

- A 'cache hit' occurs when required data is found in the cache, and the time for this is called hit latency.

- A 'cache miss' happens when data is not found in the cache, leading the processor to check the main
memory.

- If data is absent in both the cache and main memory, it's called a 'page fault'; the OS then retrieves it
from secondary storage.

- The time taken for the OS to handle a page fault is known as 'page fault service time'.

## Locality of Reference

- Cache prioritization relies on the concept of locality of reference, which ensures that frequently
accessed data is kept in cache.

- Two approaches guide this prioritization: spatial locality (nearby memory locations are likely to be
accessed soon) and temporal locality (recently accessed memory locations are likely to be accessed
again).

## Conclusion

- Understanding the organization of cache memory lays the foundation for studying cache memory
mapping techniques and the interaction between cache and main memory.
01:32

Introduction to Cache Memory

Modern computer systems efficiently use memory and demand paging, allowing games to run without
needing the entire code at once, even if it's large. Additionally, systems utilize multiple levels of cache
(L1, L2, and L3) to enhance performance, with L1 cache located in the processor and L2 cache now also
integrated into processors for different cores. As processors have evolved into multi-core designs, these
caching levels provide necessary data storage closer to the CPU for improved processing speed.

01:32

Introduction to Cache Memory

Modern gaming efficiently utilizes memory and demand paging, allowing games to run without needing
the entire code at once, even with smaller main memory. Understanding cache memory introduces its
three levels—L1, L2, and L3—each optimizing processor performance, particularly in multi-core systems,
where L1 cache is embedded within the processor and L2 has transitioned to being part of the processor
architecture as well.

03:06

Virtual Memory and Demand Paging

Caches within processors are structured in levels: L1 is the smallest and fastest, L2 stores frequently
accessed data with limited space, and L3 is the largest shared cache for all cores. A cache hit occurs
when the processor finds the required information in the cache, with hit latency referring to the time
taken for this process, facilitated by a tag directory. Future discussions will simplify cache levels but will
include detailed illustrations for numerical problems.

03:06

Virtual Memory and Demand Paging

Cache memory consists of three levels: L1, L2, and L3, with L1 being the fastest and smallest, followed by
L2 which stores frequently accessed data, and L3 being the largest and shared among processor cores. A
cache hit occurs when the processor finds the required information in the cache, facilitated by a tag
directory, whereas the time taken is referred to as hit latency. For clarity, we will primarily consider a
single cache in future discussions while detailing various cache levels as needed.

04:33

Levels of Cache Memory

When information is not found in the cache, it is called a cache miss, prompting the processor to fetch it
from main memory, which also gets stored in the cache. If the required data is absent from main
memory, a page fault occurs, leading the operating system to retrieve the information from secondary
storage, a process known as page fault service. The prioritization of which memory data to cache is
determined based on locality of reference, focusing on spatial locality to maximize data retrieval
efficiency.
04:33

Levels of Cache Memory

Cache misses occur when requested data is not found in the cache, prompting the processor to fetch it
from the main memory, entailing a delay known as FYI. If data is also missing from the main memory, a
page fault occurs, which triggers the operating system to retrieve data from secondary storage,
encompassing a process called page fault service. The decision on which data to cache relies on the
principles of locality of reference, primarily addressing spatial locality for efficient memory access.

06:01

Locality of Reference

Processors tend to reference nearby memory locations, which indicates spatial locality, while temporal
locality suggests that recently accessed memory is likely to be accessed again. Understanding these
concepts enhances comprehension of cache memory organization and prepares us for exploring various
cache mapping techniques and the relationship between cache and main memory. The session
concludes with appreciation for the viewers and anticipation for future discussions.

06:01

Cache Hit and Miss

Memory locations accessed by the processor often lead to the retrieval of nearby locations, highlighting
the concept of spatial locality. Additionally, temporal locality suggests that recently accessed memory
locations are likely to be accessed again. This understanding serves as a foundation for exploring cache
memory mapping techniques and the interaction between cache and main memory.

06:01

Cache Hit and Miss

Memory access patterns indicate that if a processor refers to a memory location, nearby locations are
likely to be accessed soon, highlighting the concept of spatial locality. Additionally, temporal locality
suggests that once a memory location is accessed, it is probable that it will be accessed again in the near
future. Understanding these principles lays the groundwork for exploring cache memory mapping
techniques and the interaction between cache and main memory.

06:01

Locality of Reference

The concept of locality of reference highlights that if a processor accesses a memory location, nearby
locations are likely to be accessed soon after. Temporal locality suggests that if a memory location is
referenced, it will probably be referenced again. Understanding these principles provides a foundation
for studying cache memory mapping techniques and the interaction between cache and main memory.

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