Final answer:
The CPU cache speeds up memory access by storing frequently used data in a faster, smaller memory area within the CPU. This minimizes the time the CPU waits for data from the slower main RAM, leading to quicker execution of instructions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central processing unit (CPU) cache is a small, high-speed memory located inside the CPU that speeds up the process of memory access. When the CPU needs to access data, it first checks if the data is in the cache. Since cache memory is much faster than the main memory (RAM), having frequently accessed data in the cache dramatically reduces the time the CPU needs to wait for data. This optimization ultimately results in faster execution of instructions, similar to how the Pentium chip mentioned can execute more than 100 million instructions per second.
Accessing data from cache is significantly quicker than accessing it from the main RAM because cache memory is physically closer to the CPU cores and is made with faster memory technologies. This hierarchy of memory, with cache as the 'fastest' tier, permits modern digital computers to efficiently process large amounts of information, thus optimizing overall system performance. It metaphorically compares to human memory in the way information is encoded, stored, and retrieved swiftly when needed.