[ The PC Guide | Systems and Components Reference Guide | Motherboard and System Devices | System Cache | "Layers" of Cache ]

Peripheral Cache

Much like the hard disk, other devices can be cached using the system RAM as well. CD-ROMs are the most common device cached other than hard disks, particularly due to their very slow initial access time, measured in the tens to hundreds of milliseconds (which is an eternity to a computer). In fact, in some cases CD-ROM drives are cached to the hard disk, since the hard disk, despite its slow speed, is still much faster than a CD-ROM drive is.

Next: Function and Operation of the System Cache

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