Difference between Cache Memory and Virtual Memory



Cache Memory

Cache Memory is memory area which contains recently used data and it is used by CPU to increase speed. Whenever a program is to be executed, it is copied to cache memory and then CPU executes it. If it is already present, then program is executed.

Virtual Memory

Virtual Memory is a technique to increase the main memory capacity. It uses data swap technology and hard disk area is used as virtual memory.

Following are the important differences between Cache Memory and Virtual Memory.

Sr. No.
Key
Cache Memory
Virtual Memory
1
Objective
Cache memory increase CPU access speed.
Virtual memory increase main memory capacity.
2
Memory Unit
Cache memory is a memory unit and is very fast to access.
Virtual memory is a technique and involes hard disk and is slower to access.
3
Management
CPU and related hardwares manages cache memory.
Operating System manages virtual memory.
4
Size
Cache memory is small in size.
Size of virtual memory is much larger than cache memory.
5
Operation
Cache memory keeps recently used data.
Virtual memory keeps the programs which are not getting accomodated in main memory.

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