Which of the following is a characteristic of cache memory?

Cache memory is designed to provide high-speed data access to the processor, significantly improving the overall performance of a computer system. It sits between the main memory (RAM) and the CPU, ensuring that frequently accessed data and instructions can be retrieved quickly by the processor, thereby reducing latency and speeding up processing times. Its high-speed characteristics stem from its use of faster memory technology, which enables it to operate at greater speeds compared to both main memory and secondary storage.

The focus of cache memory is not on capacity but on speed; it is typically much smaller than main memory, allowing it to be faster due to its proximity to the CPU and its specialized design for speed. The purpose of cache memory is not for long-term data storage, as it is volatile and does not retain data once power is lost; rather, it serves as a temporary storage area to enhance the efficiency of data retrieval and processing. These features emphasize its role in accelerating computing processes, solidifying the understanding that high-speed memory is indeed a defining characteristic of cache memory.