Computer Architecture: Cache Memory and Secondary Storage
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Questions and Answers

What is the role of cache memory in the CPU?

  • It powers the CPU.
  • It stores all the data permanently.
  • It temporarily stores frequently used instructions for quicker processing. (correct)
  • It stores images and videos.

    • Where is cache memory located?

  • On the motherboard.
  • Inside the main memory.
  • Inside the CPU. (correct)
  • Outside the computer.

    • What is another name for secondary storage?

  • CPU memory.
  • Virtual memory.
  • Auxiliary storage. (correct)
  • Primary memory.

    • Why is cache memory used?

    <p>To temporarily store frequently used instructions for quicker processing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the speed of cache memory compare to main memory?

    <p>Cache memory is faster.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is not a characteristic of secondary storage?

    <p>Located inside the CPU.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of memory is known for its high speed and availability inside the CPU?

    <p>Cache memory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the cache memory store?

    <p>Temporarily frequently used instructions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory is directly accessible by the CPU?

    <p>Primary storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of primary storage loses its contents when the computer is switched off?

    <p>RAM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory is used to store the instructions to start up the computer?

    <p>ROM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which memory type is non-volatile and cannot be changed by the user?

    <p>ROM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is another name for primary storage?

    <p>Internal memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the CPU access secondary storage?

    <p>Through input/output channels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Computer Storage

    • A computer uses two types of storage: primary storage and secondary storage.

    Primary Storage

    • Also known as internal or main memory.
    • Stored in memory chips that can be accessed by the computer's processor.
    • The CPU continuously reads and executes the instructions stored in primary storage.

    Types of Primary Storage

    • Read Only Memory (ROM)
      • Non-volatile memory.
      • Contents cannot be changed by the user.
      • Contents are not lost when the computer is switched off.
      • Used to store instructions to start up the computer.
    • Random Access Memory (RAM)
      • Volatile memory.
      • Used to store programs and files currently being used by the processor.
      • Loses its contents when the computer is switched off.

    Cache Memory

    • High-speed memory available inside the CPU.
    • Temporarily stores frequently used instructions for quicker processing.
    • Sits between the CPU and main memory.

    Secondary Storage

    • Also known as external memory, auxiliary storage, or backing storage.
    • Not directly accessible by the CPU.
    • Accessed through the computer's input/output channels.
    • Slower than primary storage due to the use of input/output channels.

    Primary and Secondary Storage

    • A computer uses both primary and secondary storage, differing in accessibility by the CPU.
    • Primary storage is directly accessible by the CPU, whereas secondary storage is not.

    Primary Storage

    • Also known as internal or main memory, stored in memory chips accessible by the processor.
    • The CPU continuously reads instructions stored in primary storage and executes them as required.
    • There are three types of primary storage:
    • Read Only Memory (ROM)
      • Non-volatile memory, contents cannot be changed by the user and are not lost when the computer is switched off.
      • Used to store instructions to start up the computer.
    • Random Access Memory (RAM)
      • Volatile memory, used to store programs and files currently being used by the processor.
      • Loses its contents when the computer is switched off.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the basics of cache memory and secondary storage in computer architecture, including their functions and relationships.

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