Is swap and cache the same?

A critical aspect of understanding computer memory is the distinction between CPU cache and swap space. The former operates primarily on physical addresses, whereas swap space is exclusively concerned with virtual addressing.

The CPU cache is a high-speed storage component that temporarily holds data and instructions to expedite access. It functions by caching data based on physical memory addresses, enabling swift retrieval during execution.

However, even with NV-DIMMs, the distinction between physical and virtual addressing remains fundamental. The integration of non-volatile storage into the memory subsystem does not alter the fundamental principles of CPU caching and swap space utilization.

In contrast, swap space is a feature of virtual memory management. It involves utilizing a portion of the hard disk as an extension of the physical RAM when the latter is insufficient to handle all running programs.

The fundamental difference lies in the addressing schemes: CPU cache utilizes physical addresses, while swap space operates solely within the realm of virtual addressing.