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

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Question #141
Which memory technology is typically used for cache memory?
A. Flash
B. DRAM
C. SDRAM
D. SRAM

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Cache memory is built using SRAM (Static RAM) because it is faster and does not need refreshing, though it is more expensive per bit than DRAM.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #142
What is the primary advantage of an SSD over a traditional hard disk?
A. Longer lifespan
B. Lower cost per GB
C. No moving parts, faster access
D. Higher capacity

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
SSDs have no moving parts and use flash memory, providing much faster read/write speeds and lower latency compared to HDDs, which rely on spinning platters and mechanical heads.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #143
In the context of memory, what does 'volatile' mean?
A. Memory cannot be written
B. Memory requires power to retain data
C. Memory is permanent
D. Memory retains data without power

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Volatile memory loses its stored data when the power supply is turned off. RAM is a classic example of volatile memory.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #144
Which of the following is a type of optical disc that can store up to 25 GB on a single layer?
A. Blu-ray
B. DVD
C. CD
D. HD DVD

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
A single-layer Blu-ray disc can store approximately 25 GB of data. DVD holds 4.7 GB, and CD holds about 700 MB.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #145
What is the function of the memory controller?
A. To manage data transfer between CPU and RAM
B. To handle network traffic
C. To store the BIOS
D. To control the hard disk

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The memory controller is a chip that manages the flow of data between the CPU and the system memory (RAM). It is often integrated into the CPU or on the motherboard.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #146
Which unit is commonly used to express hard disk capacity?
A. Bytes
B. Hertz
C. Bits
D. Watts

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Hard disk capacity is typically expressed in bytes (e.g., gigabytes, terabytes). Bits are used for data rates, hertz for frequency, and watts for power.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #147
What does the acronym PROM stand for?
A. Programmable Read-Only Memory
B. Permanent Read-Only Memory
C. Primary Read-Only Memory
D. Parallel Read-Only Memory

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
PROM stands for Programmable Read-Only Memory, which can be programmed once after manufacturing using a special device.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #148
Which type of memory is used as main system memory in most computers?
A. SRAM
B. ROM
C. Flash
D. DRAM

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
DRAM (Dynamic RAM) is commonly used as the main memory (system RAM) in computers due to its higher density and lower cost compared to SRAM, although it requires periodic refreshing.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #149
What is the rotational latency of a hard disk?
A. Time taken to write data to the disk
B. Time taken for the desired sector to rotate under the head
C. Time taken to move the head to the correct track
D. Time taken to read data from the disk

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Rotational latency is the delay caused by the time it takes for the desired sector of the disk to rotate under the read/write head. It depends on the disk's rotational speed (RPM).

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #150
Which of the following is an example of secondary storage?
A. Registers
B. RAM
C. Hard disk
D. Cache

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Secondary storage refers to non-volatile storage that is not directly accessible by the CPU, such as hard disks, SSDs, and optical discs. RAM and cache are primary storage; registers are internal to CPU.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #151
What is the typical memory capacity of a common USB pen drive as of 2026?
A. 16 GB to 256 GB
B. 2 TB
C. 1 GB
D. 128 MB

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
As of 2026, USB pen drives commonly range from 16 GB to 256 GB or higher. While larger capacities exist, 16-256 GB is typical for mainstream use.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #152
What does the term 'seek time' refer to in a hard disk drive?
A. Time to move the head to the correct track
B. Time to transfer data to the computer
C. Time to rotate the disk
D. Time to read data from the sector

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Seek time is the time taken for the read/write head to move to the correct track (cylinder) on the platter where the data is stored.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #153
Which technology is used in Blu-ray discs to achieve higher capacity?
A. Ultraviolet laser
B. Red laser
C. Infrared laser
D. Blue-violet laser

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Blu-ray discs use a blue-violet laser with a shorter wavelength (405 nm) than the red laser used in DVDs (650 nm), allowing smaller pits and more data per area.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #154
What is the main difference between SRAM and DRAM?
A. SRAM uses flip-flops; DRAM uses capacitors
B. SRAM is slower than DRAM
C. SRAM needs refreshing; DRAM does not
D. SRAM is non-volatile; DRAM is volatile

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
SRAM uses flip-flop circuits to store each bit, while DRAM uses a capacitor and a transistor. SRAM is faster and does not need refreshing, but is more expensive. Both are volatile.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #155
Which of the following memory units is the largest?
A. Gigabyte
B. Megabyte
C. Terabyte
D. Kilobyte

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
A terabyte (TB) is larger than a gigabyte (GB), which is larger than a megabyte (MB), which is larger than a kilobyte (KB). Specifically, 1 TB = 1024 GB.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #156
What is the function of a cache memory?
A. To permanently store data
B. To store the operating system
C. To hold frequently accessed data for quick access
D. To provide backup storage

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Cache memory is a small, fast memory located close to the CPU that stores copies of frequently accessed data from main memory to reduce average access time.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #157
Which interface is commonly used to connect SSDs to a motherboard?
A. SATA
B. Parallel port
C. IDE
D. SCSI

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
SATA (Serial ATA) is the most common interface for both HDDs and SSDs. NVMe over PCIe is also used for faster SSDs, but SATA is still widely used.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #158
What is the capacity of a standard CD-ROM?
A. 25 GB
B. 120 MB
C. 650-700 MB
D. 4.7 GB

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
A standard CD-ROM holds about 650 to 700 MB of data (or 74-80 minutes of audio). DVD holds 4.7 GB, and Blu-ray 25 GB.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #159
Which memory management technique allows a computer to use hard disk space as additional RAM?
A. Virtual memory
B. Cache memory
C. Segmentation
D. Paging

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Virtual memory is a memory management technique that uses a portion of the hard disk or SSD as an extension of RAM, allowing the system to run larger applications or multiple programs simultaneously.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #160
What is the typical capacity of a single-layer Blu-ray disc?
A. 100 GB
B. 25 GB
C. 4.7 GB
D. 50 GB

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
A single-layer Blu-ray disc can hold about 25 GB of data. Dual-layer discs hold 50 GB, and triple/quadruple layers can go higher.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices