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Cache prefetching
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<p>Cache prefetching is a technique used by computer processors to boost execution performance by fetching instructions or data from their original storage in slower memory to a faster local memory before it is actually needed (hence the term 'prefetch'). Most modern computer processors have fast and local <a href="/facts/CPU_cache/x8BYFcdv">cache memory</a> in which prefetched data is held until it is required. The source for the prefetch operation is usually <a href="/facts/Computer_data_storage/wPHKFpdx">main memory</a>. Because of their design, accessing cache memories is typically much faster than accessing <a href="/facts/Main_memory/wPHKFpdx">main memory</a>, so prefetching data and then accessing it from caches is usually many orders of magnitude faster than accessing it directly from main memory. Prefetching can be done with non-blocking <a href="/facts/Cache_control_instruction/JRrVplfh">cache control instructions</a>. </p>