Computer Science - Computer Fundamentals - Discussion

Scratchpad memory (SPM), also known as scratchpad, scratchpad RAM or local store in computer terminology, is a high-speed internal memory used for temporary storage of calculations, data, and other work in progress. In reference to a microprocessor ("CPU"), scratchpad refers to a special high-speed memory circuit used to hold small items of data for rapid retrieval. It is similar the usage and size of a scratchpad in life: a pad of paper for preliminary notes or sketches or writings, etc.

Cache memory → High-speed memory between CPU and RAM, used to reduce access time.
Accumulator → A special-purpose register in the CPU that acts as a scratch pad during arithmetic and logic operations, temporarily holding data and intermediate results.
Hence, the specialized storage element is the accumulator.