cache line

1 definition found

cache line - Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (26 May 2007) :

  cache line
  cache block
  
     <storage> (Or cache block) The smallest unit of memory than
     can be transferred between the main memory and the cache.
  
     Rather than reading a single word or byte from main memory at
     a time, each cache entry is usually holds a certain number of
     words, known as a "cache line" or "cache block" and a whole
     line is read and cached at once.  This takes advantage of the
     principle of locality of reference: if one location is read
     then nearby locations (particularly following locations) are
     likely to be read soon afterward.  It can also take advantage
     of page-mode DRAM which allows faster access to
     consecutive locations.
  
     (1997-01-21)