Memory and Storage Devices MCQs

Computer

Memory and Storage Devices MCQs

Practice Memory and Storage Devices MCQs with answers and detailed explanations covering RAM, ROM, cache memory, hard disk, SSD, CD/DVD, pen drive and memory units frequently asked in computer awareness exams.

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Total Questions

Practice Questions

Page 15 of 22
Question #281
Which of the following is a characteristic of a hard disk's cylinder?
A. A single track on one platter
B. A storage area for file allocation table
C. A group of sectors
D. A set of tracks that are at the same radial position on all platters

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
A cylinder consists of the same track number on each platter in a hard disk drive, all at the same distance from the center. This allows the heads to access data without moving.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #282
What is the purpose of a memory module's SPD (Serial Presence Detect) chip?
A. To provide additional storage
B. To store the memory's configuration parameters for the BIOS
C. To detect memory errors
D. To increase memory speed

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
SPD is a small EEPROM on a DIMM that stores information about the memory module's size, speed, voltage, and timings, which the BIOS reads to configure the memory controller.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #283
Which of the following is a type of optical disc that is rewritable?
A. DVD-RW
B. DVD-R
C. CD-R
D. BD-ROM

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
DVD-RW is rewritable, allowing data to be erased and rewritten multiple times. CD-R and DVD-R are write-once, and BD-ROM is read-only.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #284
What is the primary function of a memory cache?
A. To reduce the effective memory access time
B. To provide backup storage
C. To increase the memory capacity
D. To store the operating system

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Cache memory holds frequently accessed data and instructions to reduce the average time to access data from main memory, thus improving system performance.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #285
Which of the following is a characteristic of static RAM?
A. It is slower than DRAM
B. It is more expensive than DRAM
C. It requires periodic refreshing
D. It is used as main memory in most computers

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
SRAM is more expensive per bit than DRAM because it uses more transistors per bit. It is faster and does not need refreshing, but is not used as main memory due to cost.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #286
What does the acronym 'HDD' stand for?
A. Hybrid Digital Drive
B. Heavy Duty Drive
C. High Density Drive
D. Hard Disk Drive

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive, a data storage device using magnetic storage on rotating platters.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #287
Which of the following is a type of memory that is used for storing firmware?
A. RAM
B. Cache
C. Hard disk
D. ROM

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Firmware (like BIOS) is stored in ROM (or flash memory) because it is non-volatile and retains data without power, and is not meant to be frequently changed.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #288
What is the typical speed of a 5400 RPM hard disk in terms of average latency?
A. 4.17 ms
B. 8.33 ms
C. 5.56 ms
D. 11.11 ms

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
At 5400 RPM, one rotation takes 60/5400 = 0.01111 seconds = 11.11 ms. Average rotational latency is half of that, about 5.56 ms.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #289
Which of the following is a non-volatile memory technology that retains data even when power is off?
A. SRAM
B. DRAM
C. SDRAM
D. Flash memory

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Flash memory is non-volatile. DRAM, SRAM, and SDRAM are volatile and lose data without power.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #290
What is the function of the spindle motor in a hard disk?
A. To hold the disk in place
B. To move the actuator arm
C. To rotate the platters
D. To control the read/write head

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The spindle motor rotates the platters at a constant speed (e.g., 5400 or 7200 RPM), allowing the read/write heads to access data on the rotating surface.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #291
Which of the following is a type of memory that is directly connected to the CPU without a bus?
A. Cache
B. RAM
C. Registers
D. Hard disk

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Registers are internal to the CPU and are directly connected to the execution units, providing the fastest access. Cache is on-chip but may have a bus; RAM and HDD are external.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #292
What is the typical capacity of a standard dual-layer Blu-ray disc?
A. 50 GB
B. 25 GB
C. 128 GB
D. 100 GB

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Dual-layer Blu-ray (BD-50) holds 50 GB. Triple-layer (BD-100) holds 100 GB. Quad-layer (BD-128) holds 128 GB, but standard dual-layer is 50 GB.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #293
Which of the following is a type of memory that can be read and written at high speed but is volatile?
A. ROM
B. Flash
C. RAM
D. Magnetic disk

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
RAM is volatile and can be read and written quickly. ROM and flash are non-volatile, and magnetic disk is slower non-volatile storage.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #294
What is the purpose of memory interleaving?
A. To reduce power consumption
B. To improve memory access speed by using multiple memory banks
C. To increase memory capacity
D. To provide error correction

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Memory interleaving spreads memory addresses across multiple memory banks, allowing simultaneous access to different banks and improving overall throughput.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #295
Which of the following is a characteristic of a DVD?
A. It has a storage capacity of up to 4.7 GB for single layer
B. It is a magnetic storage medium
C. It is primarily used for backup
D. It uses a blue-violet laser

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
DVD single-layer capacity is 4.7 GB. Blu-ray uses blue-violet laser. DVD is optical, not magnetic.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #296
What is the function of a memory controller in a system on chip (SoC)?
A. To control the memory interface
B. To process graphics
C. To handle networking
D. To manage the power supply

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
In an SoC, the memory controller manages the interface between the processor and the external memory (DRAM), handling data transfers and commands.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #297
Which of the following is a type of memory that is used for archival storage due to its low cost per GB?
A. Magnetic tape
B. Hard disk
C. Blu-ray
D. SSD

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Magnetic tape offers the lowest cost per gigabyte among these, making it ideal for archival and backup. HDDs are also used but tape is cheaper for large volumes.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #298
What does the term 'random access' mean in memory?
A. Data is accessed randomly without addressing
B. Access time depends on the data location
C. Data can only be accessed sequentially
D. Data can be accessed in any order with the same access time

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Random access memory (RAM) allows any memory location to be accessed directly in roughly the same amount of time, regardless of its physical location.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #299
Which of the following is a type of memory that is used for storing data temporarily during computation?
A. Cache memory
B. ROM
C. Optical disc
D. Hard disk

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Cache memory temporarily stores data and instructions for quick access during computation. ROM is permanent, hard disk and optical discs are secondary storage.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #300
What is the typical capacity of a CD-RW disc?
A. 800 MB
B. 700 MB
C. 650 MB
D. 1 GB

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Standard CD-RW discs have a capacity of 700 MB (80 minutes).

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices