What type of memory is described as a RAM buffer that aids in high-speed data retrieval from main memory?

Cache memory is a specialized type of RAM that acts as a buffer between the main memory and the CPU. It is designed to store frequently accessed data and instructions so that the CPU can retrieve them much faster than if it had to get them from the main memory. This is due to the significantly faster access speed of cache memory compared to regular RAM.

The primary purpose of cache memory is to improve the overall performance of the system by reducing the time it takes for the CPU to access data. By keeping the most commonly used data in cache, the system can operate more efficiently and speedily. Cache memory is typically smaller in size than main memory, but its speed and proximity to the CPU make it critical for high-speed data retrieval.

In contrast, flash memory is a non-volatile storage medium used for permanent storage but does not function as a buffer for data retrieval in real-time processing. Virtual memory refers to a memory management capability that allows a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages, providing an illusion of a larger amount of RAM. Hard disk space, while used for storage, is much slower than cache memory and is not utilized for high-speed retrieval processes.