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 group of sectors
B. A storage area for file allocation table
C. A single track on one platter
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 increase memory speed
B. To provide additional storage
C. To detect memory errors
D. To store the memory's configuration parameters for the BIOS

Correct Answer: Option D


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-R
B. BD-ROM
C. DVD-RW
D. CD-R

Correct Answer: Option C


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 store the operating system
B. To increase the memory capacity
C. To reduce the effective memory access time
D. To provide backup storage

Correct Answer: Option C


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 requires periodic refreshing
B. It is used as main memory in most computers
C. It is more expensive than DRAM
D. It is slower than DRAM

Correct Answer: Option C


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. Heavy Duty Drive
B. High Density Drive
C. Hard Disk Drive
D. Hybrid Digital Drive

Correct Answer: Option C


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. ROM
B. RAM
C. Cache
D. Hard disk

Correct Answer: Option A


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. 5.56 ms
B. 11.11 ms
C. 4.17 ms
D. 8.33 ms

Correct Answer: Option A


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. Flash memory
B. SRAM
C. DRAM
D. SDRAM

Correct Answer: Option A


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 rotate the platters
B. To hold the disk in place
C. To control the read/write head
D. To move the actuator arm

Correct Answer: Option A


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. RAM
B. Cache
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. 100 GB
B. 128 GB
C. 25 GB
D. 50 GB

Correct Answer: Option D


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 increase memory capacity
B. To reduce power consumption
C. To improve memory access speed by using multiple memory banks
D. To provide error correction

Correct Answer: Option C


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 uses a blue-violet laser
D. It is primarily used for backup

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 handle networking
B. To control the memory interface
C. To manage the power supply
D. To process graphics

Correct Answer: Option B


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. SSD
C. Hard disk
D. Blu-ray

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 can be accessed in any order with the same access time
B. Data can only be accessed sequentially
C. Data is accessed randomly without addressing
D. Access time depends on the data location

Correct Answer: Option A


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. Optical disc
B. Hard disk
C. Cache memory
D. ROM

Correct Answer: Option C


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. 1 GB
C. 700 MB
D. 650 MB

Correct Answer: Option C


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

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices