What is the difference between Virtual and Cache memory?

Virtual and Cache memory are two types of memory out of many that exist. Both differ in some ways. Virtual memory is a type of memory used by the computer to extend the capacity of its memory whenever it is dealing with programs that are larger than the main memory. This makes it easy for the memory to execute files that are larger than the main memory.

Cache memory, on the other hand, is used by the CPU to get data from the main memory by reducing the average time it would take. It is not as big as the main memory, but it helps in processing whatever you want very easily. The virtual memory is controlled by the operating system as a technique for memory management. Cache memory is part of the storage unit. Cache memory stores various data from all frequently used items in the main memory so that the CPU can process the data very faster.

Virtual memory is memory management used to efficiently use RAM (main memory) while providing a separate memory space for each program. Virtual memory is even more significant than the actual physical RAM volume. The hard disk is used to develop the memory. The items in the physical RAM are shifted back and forth with the hard drive.

Cache memory is a form of memory which lies between the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the RAM. The reason for cache memory is to reduce the memory access time of the CPU from the RAM. Cache memory is much faster than RAM. Access time on cache is much less than the access time on RAM. The cost of memory for the cache is much higher than RAM.

Cache and virtual memory are terms you often see on your computer screen, and you might have no idea if they are just the same or not. To clear things in your head, cache memory is a data storage device with an integrated USB interface.

A virtual memory, on the other hand, is memory management to give an illustration of a larger main memory to the users. Cache memory has faster processing compared to virtual memory as it is smaller in size. Imagine opening folders of a 16 G USB flash drive and a 1TB CPU; it is noticeable that the folders in the flash drive will load faster than the folders in the CPU.

Virtual and cache memory are both used often right now but they should not be interchanged as they mean different things. Virtual memory will allow you to execute various programs that may be considered to be too large for your main memory. The cache will allow you to access and make use of data that you have used recently.

Take note that cache can always be removed from your system if in case you feel that you do not need it anymore. If in case you would remove the cache, it will take slower for data that you have previously accessed to load. You would need these two for faster processing of programs and other data.