In the typical computer system, the processor first looks for the data in the cache. If the cache misses, the processor then looks in main memory. If the main memory misses, the processor accesses virtual memory on the hard disk

the access times of the virtual memory

the main memory miss rates

the cache miss rates

the access times of the main memory

the access times of the cache

AMAT =

Access time is measured by cycles

Miss Rate is measured by percentage

An 11-cycle average memory access time means that the processor spends …. cycles waiting for data for every … cycle actually using that data

Data stable while powered

Must be periodically refreshed

Non volatile

Inexpensive

Very Cheap

expensive

Bit Area => Small (1T & capacitor)

Bit Area => Very Small

Bit Area => Large (>= 6T)

Speed => Fast (Larger Arrays are slower)

Speed => Slow (Multiple Steps)