Which type of memory is used for storing temporary data processed by the CPU?

Cache memory is specifically designed to store temporary data that the CPU processes. It acts as a high-speed storage area that holds frequently accessed information and instructions, allowing the CPU to access them more quickly than if it had to retrieve this data from the main RAM or other storage devices.

The cache is critical in enhancing system performance because accessing data from cache is significantly faster than retrieving it from RAM, which in turn is faster than accessing it from storage drives like SSD or HDD. Because cache is built using faster memory technology, typically SRAM (Static RAM), it can provide the CPU with immediate access to the data it needs for efficient processing, which is essential in achieving optimal computing performance.

The other options refer to different types of memory and storage that do not fit the context of temporary storage for CPU processing. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile and primarily used to store firmware. SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) are types of long-term storage devices, primarily used for permanently storing data rather than temporarily holding data that is actively being processed by the CPU.