Question

Which is the fastest memory in a computer?

• A. ROM
• B. RAM
• C. CACHE
• D. BIOS

Answer 1

Answer:

C. CACHE

The speed of memory in a computer generally follows this hierarchy, from fastest to slowest:

1. CPU Registers: Fastest (though not an option, they are part of the CPU itself).

2. Cache Memory (CACHE): Extremely fast, small blocks of memory built directly into or very close to the CPU (Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3). It stores frequently used data and instructions for immediate access by the CPU.

3. Main Memory (RAM): Fast, larger memory used to hold data and programs currently being executed.

4. Read-Only Memory (ROM): Much slower than RAM or Cache, used to store permanent, non-volatile data like firmware.

5. Secondary Storage (Hard Drives/SSDs): Slowest (used for long-term storage).

• A) ROM (Read-Only Memory): Used for non-volatile storage of firmware (like the BIOS), and is much slower than RAM or Cache.

• B) RAM (Random Access Memory): The main working memory. While fast, it is significantly slower than the smaller, high-speed Cache memory.

• C) CACHE (Cache Memory): This is the memory component designed to bridge the speed gap between the high-speed CPU and the slower RAM. It is therefore the fastest of the options listed.

• D) BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): This is a type of firmware that is typically stored on a ROM or Flash memory chip, and is not a general-purpose memory component itself.