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Difference Between Cache Memory and Virtual Memory

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Difference Between Cache Memory and Virtual Memory

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tiwariayush045045
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6/3/24, 10:51 PM Difference between Cache Memory and Virtual Memory

Difference between Cache Memory and Virtual Memory


Computer Engineering Computer Network MCA Computers

In case of a computer system, memory is one of the most important parts of the system.
Computer memory is entirely responsible for storing data, information, instructions, etc. in
the system and it also defines the performance of the system. There are several types of
computer memories available. But in this article, we only discuss about cache memory
and virtual memory, and the important differences between them.

What is Virtual Memory?


Virtual Memory is a technique to increase the main memory capacity. It uses data swap
technology and hard disk area is used as virtual memory. As its name implies, the virtual
memory is not a physical memory in the computer system rather it is technique that
allows the computer to run a large program which cannot be completely stored in the main
memory. Therefore, virtual memory is an imaginary space used to assist the main
memory.

The concept of virtual memory allows us to execute such programs whose size is larger
than the capacity of the main memory. Virtual memory also increases the ability of
multiprogramming of the system. Hence, the virtual memory is responsible for increasing
the CPU utilization. However, the major disadvantage of the virtual memory is that it
places the parts of a program in the hard disk which reduces the performance of the
system.

What is Cache Memory?


Cache Memory is the memory area which contains recently used data and it is used by
CPU to increase speed. Whenever a program is to be executed, it is copied to cache
memory and then CPU executes it. If it is already present, then program is executed.

Practically, the cache memory is implemented on the CPU chip itself. The chief function of
the cache memory is to increase the speed of the CPU. Cache memory holds only those
parts of data and instruction that the CPU uses most frequently.

Difference between Virtual Memory and Cache Memory


The following table highlights all the important differences between Cache Memory and
Virtual Memory −

Factor Virtual Memory Cache Memory

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6/3/24, 10:51 PM Difference between Cache Memory and Virtual Memory

Objective Virtual memory increase main memory Cache memory increase


capacity. CPU access speed.

Memory Unit Virtual memory is a technique and Cache memory is a


involves hard disk and is slower to memory unit and is
access. very fast to access.

Management Operating System manages virtual CPU and related


memory. hardware manages
cache memory.

Size Size of virtual memory is much larger Cache memory is small


than cache memory. in size.

Operation Virtual memory keeps the programs Cache memory keeps


which are not getting accommodated recently used data.
in main memory.

Mapping Mapping structures are required in the There is no need of


Structure virtual memory to map virtual mapping structures in
addresses to physical addresses. the cache memory.

Conclusion
The most significant difference between cache memory and virtual memory is that the
cache memory is used to increase the speed of the CPU, whereas the virtual memory is
used to increase the capacity of the main memory of the system.

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