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 9 of 22
Question #161
Which of the following is a characteristic of static RAM (SRAM)?
A. High density and low cost
B. Used as main memory in PCs
C. Fast and expensive
D. Requires periodic refresh

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
SRAM is fast and expensive compared to DRAM. It does not require refreshing and is used for cache memory. DRAM is used as main memory and is dense and cheaper.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #162
What is the role of the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) in relation to memory?
A. It initializes and tests hardware components during boot
B. It manages the RAM allocation
C. It controls cache memory
D. It provides virtual memory

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
BIOS firmware, typically stored in ROM, performs hardware initialization (including memory testing) and loads the boot loader to start the operating system.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #163
Which of the following storage devices has the fastest data access time?
A. DVD-ROM
B. Hard disk
C. Magnetic tape
D. Solid-state drive (SSD)

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
SSDs have much lower access times than HDDs and optical discs because they have no moving parts and use flash memory. Magnetic tape is slower for random access.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #164
What is the memory hierarchy order from fastest to slowest?
A. Cache, Registers, RAM, Hard disk
B. Hard disk, RAM, Cache, Registers
C. Registers, Cache, RAM, Hard disk
D. RAM, Cache, Registers, Hard disk

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The memory hierarchy from fastest to slowest is typically: Registers (fastest), then Cache, then RAM (main memory), then secondary storage like Hard disk (slowest).

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #165
What does 'DDR' stand for in DDR RAM?
A. Digital Data Register
B. Double Data Rate
C. Dual Data Routing
D. Dynamic Data Refresh

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
DDR stands for Double Data Rate, meaning the memory transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, effectively doubling the data rate.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #166
Which type of flash memory is used in USB pen drives?
A. EEPROM
B. NOR flash
C. EPROM
D. NAND flash

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
NAND flash memory is used in USB drives, SSDs, and memory cards due to its high density, faster write speeds, and lower cost per bit compared to NOR flash.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #167
What is the average access time of a hard disk typically composed of?
A. Seek time + Rotational latency + Transfer time
B. Rotational latency + Transfer time
C. Seek time + Rotational latency
D. Seek time + Transfer time

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
The average access time for a hard disk is the sum of seek time (head movement), rotational latency (waiting for sector), and transfer time (reading/writing data).

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #168
Which of the following is a characteristic of ROM?
A. Used as main memory
B. Can be written to easily
C. Non-volatile and read-only
D. Volatile

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
ROM is non-volatile memory that retains data without power and is typically read-only, though some types (like EEPROM) can be rewritten electrically but slowly.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #169
What is the primary purpose of a memory hierarchy in a computer system?
A. To simplify the architecture
B. To increase storage capacity
C. To balance speed, cost, and capacity
D. To reduce cost

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The memory hierarchy is designed to provide a trade-off between speed (fast but expensive) and capacity (slow but cheap), optimizing overall system performance and cost.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #170
Which of the following is the fastest type of memory?
A. SRAM
B. Flash
C. ROM
D. DRAM

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
SRAM is the fastest among the listed options because it does not need refresh cycles and uses flip-flops, allowing near-instant access times, though it is more expensive.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #171
What is the storage capacity of a typical 3.5-inch hard disk drive in 2026?
A. Up to 10 TB
B. 100 GB
C. Typically 1-8 TB
D. Only 500 GB

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
As of 2026, 3.5-inch HDDs commonly range from 1 TB to 8 TB, with higher capacities available (e.g., 10-20 TB) but 1-8 TB is typical for consumer drives.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #172
What does the term 'form factor' refer to when talking about SSDs?
A. The physical size and shape
B. The storage capacity
C. The type of NAND flash
D. The data transfer speed

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Form factor describes the physical dimensions and connector type of the SSD, such as 2.5-inch, M.2, or PCIe add-in card, determining compatibility with the system.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #173
Which component of a hard disk contains the actual data?
A. Actuator
B. Platter
C. Read/write head
D. Spindle

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Data is stored on the platters, which are circular disks coated with magnetic material. The read/write head reads and writes data to the platters.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #174
What is the approximate data transfer rate of a SATA III (6 Gbps) interface?
A. 6 GB/s
B. 3 Gbps
C. 150 MB/s
D. 600 MB/s

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
SATA III has a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 6 Gbps, which translates to about 600 MB/s (due to 8b/10b encoding overhead). Actual speeds may be lower.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #175
Which type of memory is used to store the firmware that boots the computer?
A. Cache
B. ROM (BIOS)
C. Hard disk
D. RAM

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The BIOS firmware is stored in ROM (or flash memory) on the motherboard, and it is the first code executed during the boot process to initialize hardware and load the OS.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #176
What is the purpose of the 'TRIM' command in SSDs?
A. To defragment the drive
B. To improve write performance by informing the SSD which blocks are no longer in use
C. To increase the drive's lifespan
D. To erase data securely

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
The TRIM command allows the operating system to notify the SSD about data blocks that are no longer considered in use, so the SSD can erase them during idle time, improving write performance and longevity.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #177
Which of the following is a characteristic of dynamic RAM (DRAM)?
A. It uses flip-flops
B. It requires periodic refreshing
C. It is non-volatile
D. It is faster than SRAM

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
DRAM stores data in capacitors, which lose charge over time; thus, it requires periodic refreshing (every few milliseconds) to retain data. SRAM is faster but more expensive.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #178
What is the typical storage capacity of a CD-R?
A. 4.7 GB
B. 700 MB
C. 650 MB
D. 25 GB

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
A standard CD-R can hold 700 MB of data (or 80 minutes of audio), though some older ones may be 650 MB. DVD-R holds 4.7 GB, and Blu-ray 25 GB.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #179
Which unit is used to measure the rotational speed of a hard disk?
A. RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)
B. MB/s
C. Hz
D. MS

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Hard disk rotational speed is measured in RPM, e.g., 5400 RPM, 7200 RPM, or higher. Higher RPM generally results in faster read/write performance.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices
Question #180
What is the function of the memory bus?
A. To connect the CPU to the hard disk
B. To connect the monitor
C. To transfer data between CPU and memory
D. To provide power to memory

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
The memory bus (or front-side bus) is the data path that carries information between the CPU and the main memory (RAM). It determines the bandwidth and speed of data transfer.

This question belongs to: Computer Memory and Storage Devices