What is Cache Memory
The cache memory component is a smaller and faster memory unit inserted between the CPU and the main memory. To ensure the effectiveness of this arrangement, the cache needs to have a much faster access time compared to the main memory. This approach proves to be more cost-effective than using fast memory devices to implement the entire main memory.
What is Register
The register is the smallest data-holding element that is integrated directly into the processor itself. These memory locations are accessible directly by the processor. Registers hold a small amount of data, typically around 32 bits to 64 bits. They can store various types of data, including instructions, storage addresses, bit sequences, or individual characters.
Difference between Cache Memory and Register
| CACHE MEMORY | REGISTER |
|---|---|
| Cache memory is a smaller and fast memory component. | Registers are small, fast storage elements in the processor. |
| It is a memory unit. | Registers are located on the CPU. |
| Used during reading and writing processes from the disk. | Used to store and retrieve information from the processor. |
| It serves as a high-speed storage area for temporary data. | Registers hold operands or instructions being processed. |
| Copies recently used data into the cache. | Holds data temporarily for processing and transfer. |
| Reduces the average memory access time. | Reduces the time to find items stored in memory. |
| CPU accesses memory at a faster rate than registers. | CPU can operate on register contents in a single clock cycle. |
| Costs less per byte compared to registers. | Costs more per byte than cache memory. |
| Examples include Dynamic Page Cache and Database Query Cache. | Examples include loop counters. |