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Explain why a processor with larger cache would outperform an identical processor with smaller cache. - Scottish Highers Computing Science - Question 4 - 2022
Question 4
Explain why a processor with larger cache would outperform an identical processor with smaller cache.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain why a processor with larger cache would outperform an identical processor with smaller cache. - Scottish Highers Computing Science - Question 4 - 2022
Step 1
Larger cache stores more instructions/data
Answer
A processor with a larger cache can store a greater amount of data and instructions than one with a smaller cache. This increased capacity allows the larger cache to hold more frequently accessed information, reducing the need for the processor to fetch information from the slower main memory.
Step 2
More cache hits/fewer cache misses
Answer
With a larger cache, the likelihood of 'cache hits' increases—meaning that the required data is found in the cache. This reduces 'cache misses', where the data must be retrieved from the slower main memory. Fewer cache misses lead to faster processing times and overall improved performance.
Step 3
Reduces fetches from main memory
Answer
Reducing the number of fetches from main memory is a critical advantage of a larger cache. Since accessing data from main memory is significantly slower than accessing it from the cache, a larger cache minimizes that delay, allowing the processor to execute instructions more quickly and efficiently.