How does cache improve the performance of a computer?

Cache improves the performance of a computer primarily by storing frequently accessed data for faster retrieval. This form of memory, typically located closer to the CPU than the main system RAM, is designed to speed up access to data that is used repeatedly. When the CPU needs to access data, it first checks the cache. If the required data is found there—referred to as a cache hit—it can be retrieved much more quickly than if it had to access the slower main memory or hard drive.

This efficiency is crucial because accessing data from RAM or storage drives can introduce significant latency. By keeping commonly used data readily available in the cache, the system can perform operations more swiftly, enhancing overall performance and responsiveness. This mechanism is fundamental to many computer architectures and plays a key role in optimizing processing speed and resource management.