What is a write-through cache?

This is a recommends products dialog
Top Suggestions
Starting at
View All >
Language
French
English
ไทย
German
繁體中文
Country
Hi
All
Sign In / Create Account
language Selector,${0} is Selected
Join & Shop in Lenovo Pro
Register at Education Store
Pro Tier Benefits
• Save up to an extra 5% on Think everyday pricing
• Purchase up to 10 systems per order (5 more than Lenovo.com)
• Spend $10K, advance to Plus Tier with increased benefits
Plus Tier Benefits
• Save up to an extra 8% on Think everyday pricing
• Purchase up to 25 systems per order (20 more than Lenovo.com)
• Spend $50K, advance for free to Elite Tier with increased benefits
• Take advantage of flexible payment options with TruScale Device as a Service. Learn More >
Elite Tier Benefits
• Save up to an extra 10% on Think everyday pricing
• Purchase up to 50 systems per order (45 more than Lenovo.com)
• Take advantage of flexible payment options with TruScale Device as a Service. Learn More >
Partner Benefits
• Access to Lenovo's full product portfolio
• Configure and Purchase at prices better than Lenovo.com
View All Details >
more to reach
PRO Plus
PRO Elite
Congratulations, you have reached Elite Status!
Pro for Business
Delete iconRemove iconAdd iconReload icon
TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
DISCONTINUED
Temporary Unavailable
Cooming Soon!
. Additional units will be charged at the non-eCoupon price. Purchase additional now
We're sorry, the maximum quantity you are able to buy at this amazing eCoupon price is
Sign in or Create an Account to Save Your Cart!
Sign in or Create an Account to Join Rewards
View Cart
Your cart is empty! Don’t miss out on the latest products and savings — find your next favorite laptop, PC, or accessory today.
Remove
item(s) in cart
Some items in your cart are no longer available. Please visit cart for more details.
has been deleted
Please review your cart as items have changed.
of
Contains Add-ons
Subtotal
Proceed to Checkout
Yes
No
Popular Searches
What are you looking for today ?
Trending
Recent Searches
Hamburger Menu
Use Enter key to expand
EnglishCreated with Sketch.
EnglishFrench
  • Lenovo Pro Business Store

    Join  Lenovo Pro Business Store

    Created with Sketch.
    Lenovo Pro Business Store

    Log In / Sign Up

    Learn More

  • Accessibility
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    Accessibility
  • Contact Us
    Contact UsContact Us
    Contact Us

    Sales:

    Home:

    1-855-253-6686 Option #2

    Business:

    1-866-426-0911

    Chat Now >

    Visit Sales Support Page >


    Order Support:

    Order Lookup >

    Visit Order Support Page >

    Technical Support >

Lenovo
skip to main content
All
  • All
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Monitors
  • PC Accessories & Electronics
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Servers Accessories
  • Account
    Sign In / Create Account
    Account
    My Lenovo Account
    Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and rewards all in one place
    Sign In / Create Account
    Welcome Back!
    Access your order, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
    View My Account
    Orders
    View & track your orders
    Rewards
    Earn & redeem Rewards
    Profile
    Edit name, password, and account settings
    Wishlist
    Manage a wishlist of your favorite products
    Products
    Manage your devices, accessories
    Product Registration
    Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
    Lenovo Family Hub
    Manage your family's orders all in one place
    Sign Out
  • My Lenovo Rewards
    My Lenovo RewardsMy Lenovo Rewards
    My Lenovo Rewards
  • Cart
    CartCart
    Cart
  • Products
  • Solutions
  • Services
  • Support
  • About Lenovo
  • Deals
  • Business
  • Student
  • Gaming
  • Laptops

  • Desktops

  • Workstations

  • Accessories
  • Software
  • Monitors
  • Tablets

  • Servers & Storage
  • AI
  • Deals
  • Ultimate Summer Savings! Get the tech you want at prices you'll love + Buy more, Save More Shop Now >

  • Win $1,000 in Rewards! Join or sign in to My Lenovo Rewards and spend $1,000+ for a chance to win $1,000 in rewards— Free entry also available, no extra steps needed! Terms apply. Ends 6/29 Join for Free >

  • Business Financing Available. Split payments from 4 to 52 weeks, options as low as 0% interest. See Details >

  • Shopping for a business? New Lenovo Pro members get $100 off first order of $1,000+, exclusive savings & 1:1 tech support. Learn More >

  • Build your laptop today & save big! Choose your Yoga >

Home > Glossary >What is a write-through cache?
Glossary Hero    
Learn More    
StarStar

Annual Sale

Lenovo Laptop SaleLenovo Laptop Sale

Laptop Deals

Desktop DealsDesktop Deals

Desktop Deals

Workstation DealsWorkstation Deals

Workstation Deals

ControllerController

Gaming PC & Accessory Deals

MouseMouse

PC Accessories & Electronics Deals

MonitorMonitor

Monitor Deals

Tablet and phoneTablet and phone

Tablets Deals

ServerServer

Server & Storage Deals

Discount tagDiscount tag

Clearance Sale


What is a write-through cache?

Write-through cache is a caching mechanism where data is simultaneously written to both the cache and the underlying storage or main memory. This ensures that the cache and storage remain synchronized, minimizing the risk of data inconsistency. Whenever data is updated or inserted, it is immediately propagated to the storage, making write-through cache a reliable choice for applications where data integrity is paramount. However, this approach may slightly impact write performance due to the overhead of writing data to both the cache and the storage.

How does write-through cache work?

Write-through cache works by immediately writing data to both the cache and the underlying storage simultaneously. When you perform a write operation, the data is first sent to the cache. Then, the cache controller ensures that the data is also written through to the main memory or storage device. This ensures that the cache always reflects the most up-to-date version of the data and helps maintain consistency between the cache and the storage.

What are the benefits of write-through cache?

The benefits of write-through cache include ensuring data consistency between cache and storage, reducing the risk of data loss in case of a cache failure, and providing a reliable solution for critical data preservation. While it may impact write performance compared to other caching strategies, it offers the assurance that updates are immediately persisted, making it suitable for applications where maintaining data integrity is paramount.

Can write-through cache improve performance?

Yes, write-through cache can improve performance, albeit not as significantly as some other caching strategies. By ensuring that data is always written through to the storage, it reduces the time it takes to read data, especially for frequently accessed data already in the cache. However, the performance improvement may not be as substantial as with strategies like write-back caching, which optimize write operations by initially storing data in the cache.

Would I use write-through cache for critical data?

Yes, write-through cache is well-suited for critical data. It ensures that updates are immediately written through to the underlying storage, minimizing the risk of data loss in case of a cache failure. This approach prioritizes data consistency, making it a reliable choice for critical applications where preserving every update is essential for maintaining data integrity and reliability.

When would I choose write-through cache over other caching strategies?

You might opt for write-through cache when data consistency is paramount, and you can tolerate slightly slower write performance. It's a solid choice for applications where preserving every update is crucial. Write-through cache ensures that data is always written through to the storage, reducing the risk of data loss and maintaining consistency between the cache and the underlying storage.

What happens if the data in the cache becomes stale in write-through cache?

Since write-through cache always writes data through to the storage, stale data is less of an issue compared to other caching strategies. However, if staleness is a concern, you might consider using a different caching approach.

Can write-through cache be combined with other caching techniques?

Yes, it's possible to combine write-through caching with other strategies like write-back caching or even write-around caching. This allows you to tailor your caching approach to meet the specific needs of your application.

Would I use write-through cache in a distributed system?

Yes, write-through cache can be beneficial in a distributed system where data consistency across multiple nodes is crucial. By ensuring that data updates are immediately written through to the storage, write-through cache helps maintain consistency across the entire distributed system. This ensures that all nodes have access to the most up-to-date data, minimizing the risk of inconsistencies or conflicts between nodes.

What happens if there's a cache miss in write-through cache?

If there's a cache miss in write-through cache, the data requested isn't found in the cache. In this case, the cache controller fetches the data directly from the underlying storage and places it into the cache. This ensures that subsequent read operations can benefit from faster access to the data in the cache, improving overall system performance.

Can write-through cache help prevent data loss?

Yes, write-through cache can help prevent data loss by immediately writing data to both the cache and the underlying storage. This ensures that updates are safely persisted even in the event of a cache failure. Since data is always written through to the storage, there's minimal risk of losing data due to a cache malfunction or system crash, making write-through cache a reliable choice for preserving data integrity.

Does write-through cache require additional hardware or software?

No, write-through cache typically doesn't require additional hardware or software beyond what's already in place for caching. It can usually be implemented using existing infrastructure. However, configuration adjustments might be necessary to ensure that data is consistently written through to the storage. It's more about optimizing your caching system rather than investing in new hardware or software.

What types of applications benefit most from write-through cache?

No, write-through cache typically doesn't require additional hardware or software beyond what's already in place for caching. It can usually be implemented using existing infrastructure. However, configuration adjustments might be necessary to ensure that data is consistently written through to the storage. It's more about optimizing your caching system rather than investing in new hardware or software.

When might write-through cache not be the best choice?

Write-through cache might not be the best choice when write performance takes precedence over data consistency. In scenarios where the system can tolerate slightly stale data or where write operations significantly outnumber read operations, other caching strategies like write-back caching may offer better performance. Additionally, applications with predominantly read-heavy workloads may not see significant benefits from write-through cache compared to caching approaches that prioritize read performance.

Can write-through cache help improve data reliability?

Yes, write-through cache can enhance data reliability by immediately writing data to both the cache and the underlying storage. This ensures that updates are safely persisted, reducing the risk of data loss in the event of a system failure or unexpected shutdown. By maintaining consistency between the cache and the storage, write-through cache helps ensure that the cached data remains accurate and reliable for subsequent access.

How does write-through cache compare to write-back cache?

Write-through cache immediately writes data to both the cache and the storage, ensuring data consistency but potentially impacting write performance. Write-back cache initially writes data only to the cache, offering better write performance but requiring additional measures to maintain data consistency.

Looking for a Great Deal?
Shop Lenovo.com for great deals on A+ Education PCs, Accessories, Bundles and more.
Shop Deals Now

Recommended Education Products

  • Legion 7i Gen 9 (16″ Intel) Gaming Laptop
    Starting at
    $2,179.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (15ʺ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $2,259.00
    Learn More
  • Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14″ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,736.99
    Learn More
  • IdeaPad Pro 5 (16” AMD) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,349.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (16″ Intel) Mobile Workstation
    Starting at
    $2,724.71
    Learn More
  • Shop
    • Student Deals
    • K-12 Student Laptops
    • Student Accessories
    • Laptops by Major
    Education resource
    Explore
    • What is STEM?
    • Best Laptops for College
    • Student & Teacher Discounts
    • Lenovo Sustainability Programs
    Education carry case

    Stem Articles
    See All STEM Articles
    • Online STEM Education

    • STEM Career Tips & Resources

    • Women in STEM

    • STEM Educator Training

    • STEM Grants & Funding

    • STEM Education: Coding for Kids

    • STEM Education: Robotics

    • STEM Education: Biotechnology

    • STEM Education: Sustainability

    • STEM Education: AI & ML

    While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this glossary is provided for reference purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. It serves as a general resource for understanding commonly used terms and concepts. For precise information or assistance regarding our products, we recommend visiting our dedicated support site, where our team is readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

    Why Lenovo?

    Go Greener with Leno...

    Lenovo is committed to Smarter Climate Action with lower energy laptops, use of sustainable materials and packaging, and available CO2 Offset Services.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Get It Now, Pay For ...

    Lenovo has multiple financing option: the Lenovo Credit Card, installment plans, and lease-to-own financing op...
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Productivity & Peace of Mind

    Stay productive with Premium Care Plus - 24/7 priority support and coverage against accidental damage. Power through your day with our Smart Performance and extended battery solutions.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    My Lenovo Rewards

    Get up to 9% back in Rewards credit on all purchases! Join or Sign In to start earning today.
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Assistance and Suppo...

    Chat with a trained professional who can help you find the right products, place or check on an order, or setup your Education laptop.
    Contact Us
    pastel background
    Enter email to receive Lenovo marketing and promotional emails. Review our Privacy Statement for more details.
    Please enter the correct email address!
    Email address is required
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • instagram
    Select Country / Region:
    Country
    AndroidIOS

    About Lenovo

    • Our Company
    • News
    • Investors Relations
    • Compliance
    • ESG
    • Product Recycling
    • Product Security
    • Product Recalls
    • Executive Briefing Center
    • Lenovo Cares
    • Careers
    • Formula 1 Partnership

    Products & Services

    • Laptops & Ultrabooks
    • Smarter AI for You
    • Desktop Computers
    • Workstations
    • Gaming
    • Tablets & Smart Devices
    • Servers, Storage, & Networking
    • Accessories & Software
    • Services & Warranty
    • Product FAQs
    • Deals
    • Lenovo Coupons
    • Preconfigured Products

    Shop By Industry

    • Small Business Solutions
    • Large Enterprise Solutions
    • Healthcare Solutions
    • Higher Education Solutions
    • Education Discounts
    • Discount Programs

    Resources

    • Lenovo Pro for Business
    • My Lenovo Rewards
    • Lenovo Financing
    • Customer Discounts
    • Affiliate Program
    • Affinity Program
    • Employee Purchase Program
    • Lenovo Partner Hub
    • Laptop Buying Guide
    • Where to Buy
    • Glossary

    Customer Support

    • Contact Us
    • Shopping Help
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Information
    • Track my Order
    • Register a Product
    • Replacement Parts
    • Technical Support
    • Forums
    • Provide Feedback
    © 2025 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
    PrivacySite MapTerms of UseExternal Submission PolicySales terms and conditionsAnti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
    Compare  ()
    x
    Call

    Need Help? Call: 

    1-855-253-6686 Option #2

    Select Your Store

    Add items to your Lenovo Pro cart?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in the Lenovo Pro Store?
    No Yes. Add in Lenovo Pro