7. Caches
Caches play a crucial role in enhancing system performance by acting as a high-speed storage layer between the CPU and main memory. The chapter discusses various levels of cache, principles governing cache access, the types of cache misses, write policies, coherence issues in multi-core systems, and strategies for optimizing cache performance. It emphasizes the importance of design considerations in balancing speed, cost, and power consumption for effective cache operation.
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What we have learnt
- Cache memory is essential for reducing the time it takes to access frequently used data.
- Cache hierarchy includes multiple levels (L1, L2, L3) with different speed and size characteristics.
- Understanding cache misses and replacement strategies is crucial for maintaining optimal performance.
Key Concepts
- -- Cache Memory
- A small, fast storage area that temporarily holds frequently accessed data to improve overall system performance.
- -- Locality of Reference
- The tendency of a CPU to access the same set of memory locations repeatedly within a short timeframe, exploited by caches.
- -- Cache Miss
- An event where the requested data is not found in the cache, necessitating retrieval from a slower memory source.
- -- WriteThrough Policy
- A caching technique where all write operations to the cache are immediately reflected in the main memory.
- -- Cache Coherence Protocol
- A protocol that ensures that multiple caches in a system maintain a consistent view of the shared data.
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