Which memory type is often described as having a lower capacity compared to RAM?

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Study for the OCR GCSE Computer Science Exam. Prepare with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and hints. Get exam-ready with practical questions and answers!

Cache memory is often described as having a lower capacity compared to RAM because it is designed to be a smaller memory type that operates at high speed. Cache is used to store frequently accessed data and instructions temporarily, allowing the CPU to access this information much quicker than retrieving it from the larger and slower RAM. The primary purpose of cache memory is to reduce latency and improve processing speed by ensuring that the most relevant data is readily available for the CPU.

In contrast, RAM typically has a much larger storage capacity, which is necessary for holding a wide variety of data and applications needed during processing. Other memory types mentioned, such as virtual memory and flash memory, also differ in characteristics but serve different purposes compared to cache memory. Virtual memory extends RAM using hard disk space, while flash memory is non-volatile storage with larger capacities, primarily used for long-term data retention.

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