CPU <-> Memory
The CPU is the fastest part of a computer
- 200 MHz Pentium = 100 MIPS
- One operation every 10 ns
Cache memory is fast enough to keep up
- 10 ns L1 cache on chip, 32 kB (in a Pentium)
- Soon, memory and CPU on one chip
RAM has more capacity but is slower
- 60 ns, typically at least16 MB