What is the main purpose of CPU caches?

The primary purpose of CPU caches is to store small amounts of information for faster access. CPU caches are designed to be high-speed memory located close to the CPU cores, significantly reducing the time it takes for the processor to access frequently used data and instructions. By storing copies of frequently accessed data from main memory, caches help improve the overall performance of the system because accessing cache memory is much faster than retrieving data from the main RAM.

This mechanism is essential for modern computing, as it allows processors to operate at high speeds without being bottlenecked by slower memory access times. By optimizing data retrieval through caching strategies, the CPU can execute instructions more efficiently and enhance system throughput.