Question

The fastest memory in a computer system is

• A. ROM
• B. RAM
• C. Cache memory
• D. Pen drive

Hint:

Think of cache memory as a temporary "scratchpad" near the CPU for frequently used information, allowing the CPU to access it quickly without going to the slower main memory (RAM).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the purpose of different types of computer memory.
Each type of memory in a computer system serves a specific role based on its speed, cost, and volatility. Step 2: Define ROM (Read-Only Memory).
ROM is non-volatile memory used to store essential firmware and boot instructions that the computer needs to start up. Data in ROM is typically written during manufacturing and is not easily altered by the user. Its access speed is relatively slow compared to other types of memory used during normal operation. Step 3: Define RAM (Random Access Memory).
RAM is the primary volatile memory used by the computer to store data and instructions that the CPU is actively using. It allows for fast read and write operations, making it suitable for the temporary storage of running applications and data. However, data in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off. Step 4: Define Cache Memory.
Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory located closer to the CPU than RAM. It stores copies of frequently accessed data from RAM to reduce the average time to access memory. The CPU first checks the cache; if the data is present (a "hit"), it can be accessed much faster than from RAM. Cache memory is faster than RAM but smaller and more expensive. Modern CPUs have multiple levels of cache (L1, L2, L3), with L1 being the fastest and smallest, located closest to the CPU cores. Step 5: Define Pen Drive (USB Flash Drive).
A pen drive is a portable, non-volatile storage device that connects to a computer via a USB port. It is used for long-term data storage and transfer. While convenient, its read and write speeds are significantly slower than RAM and cache memory. Step 6: Compare the speeds of the different memory types.
Based on their position in the memory hierarchy and their technology, the access speeds are generally in the following order (fastest to slowest): 1. Cache Memory (especially L1 cache)
2. RAM
3. ROM
4. Pen Drive
Therefore, the fastest memory among the given options is cache memory.