Section 5: System Memory Flashcards
Which of the following best describes Random Access Memory (RAM)?
a) A non-volatile storage device used for permanent storage.
b) A high-speed memory used for temporary storage of data and instructions.
c) A mechanical storage device slower than the hard drive.
d) An external storage device such as USB drives and CDs.
b) A high-speed memory used for temporary storage of data and instructions.
What is the primary function of cache memory in a computer system?
a) To store data permanently when the system is powered off.
b) To act as the main storage device for the operating system.
c) To provide extremely fast storage space for the processor’s frequently used data.
d) To replace the hard drive in storing large files.
c) To provide extremely fast storage space for the processor’s frequently used data.
Which type of memory is known for being the fastest but has the smallest storage capacity?
a) Hard drive
b) Cache memory
c) System memory (RAM)
d) USB drive
b) Cache memory
How is data typically moved within a computer system from storage to the processor?
a) Data moves directly from the hard drive to the CPU.
b) Data moves from the hard drive to system memory (RAM) and then to cache memory before being processed by the CPU.
c) Data is stored permanently in RAM and accessed by the CPU as needed.
d) Data moves from the hard drive to cache memory directly.
b) Data moves from the hard drive to system memory (RAM) and then to cache memory before being processed by the CPU.
Which of the following correctly describes the difference between RAM and mass storage devices?
a) RAM is a non-volatile storage area, while mass storage devices are volatile.
b) RAM has a larger storage capacity than mass storage devices.
c) RAM is temporary storage that is faster than mass storage devices, which are used for permanent storage.
d) RAM stores data permanently even when the computer is powered off.
c) RAM is temporary storage that is faster than mass storage devices, which are used for permanent storage.
What happens to the data stored in RAM when the computer is powered off?
a) It remains stored until the computer is powered on again.
b) It is saved automatically to a mass storage device.
c) It is lost, as RAM is non-persistent storage.
d) It is transferred to cache memory for faster access when powered back on.
c) It is lost, as RAM is non-persistent storage.
Why is RAM often upgraded in computer systems?
a) To increase the permanent storage capacity for files.
b) To allow the processor to access more data quickly and improve system performance.
c) To replace the need for a hard drive.
d) To provide more cache memory for the CP
b) To allow the processor to access more data quickly and improve system performance.
What is the primary role of the memory controller in a computer system?
a) To store data permanently.
b) To manage the transfer of data between the CPU and system memory.
c) To increase the storage capacity of the system.
d) To act as a secondary processor.
b) To manage the transfer of data between the CPU and system memory.
What limitation does a 32-bit CPU have regarding memory addressing?
a) It can only address up to 2 gigabytes of RAM.
b) It can address up to 4 gigabytes of RAM.
c) It can address up to 16 gigabytes of RAM.
d) It can address up to 32 gigabytes of RAM.
b) It can address up to 4 gigabytes of RAM.
Why is a 64-bit CPU generally preferred for modern computing over a 32-bit CPU?
a) It uses less power and generates less heat.
b) It can address more than 4 gigabytes of RAM, allowing for better performance.
c) It is cheaper and easier to manufacture.
d) It eliminates the need for cache memory.
b) It can address more than 4 gigabytes of RAM, allowing for better performance.
Which of the following is true about storage devices such as hard drives and USB drives?
a) They provide temporary storage for data.
b) They are faster than RAM.
c) They retain data even when the computer is powered off.
d) They are located inside the processor.
c) They retain data even when the computer is powered off.
In a computer system, how does data typically flow from storage to the processor?
a) Directly from storage to the CPU.
b) From storage to cache memory, then to RAM, and finally to the CPU.
c) From storage to RAM, then to cache memory, and finally to the CPU.
d) From storage directly to the RAM for permanent storage.
c) From storage to RAM, then to cache memory, and finally to the CPU.
Which analogy best describes the function of RAM in comparison to storage devices?
a) RAM is like a filing cabinet, and storage devices are like a desk.
b) RAM is like a desk, and storage devices are like a filing cabinet.
c) RAM is like a permanent storage unit, and storage devices are like temporary workspace.
d) RAM is like a bookshelf, and storage devices are like a library.
b) RAM is like a desk, and storage devices are like a filing cabinet.
Why is upgrading RAM beneficial for a computer system?
a) It increases the amount of permanent storage available.
b) It reduces the need to read/write data from/to the hard drive, speeding up the system.
c) It replaces the need for a faster processor.
d) It increases the physical size of the computer.
b) It reduces the need to read/write data from/to the hard drive, speeding up the system.
How does the processor access data stored in RAM?
a) Through a network connection.
b) Via unique addresses managed by the memory controller and data bus.
c) By directly reading from the hard drive.
d) Through a cloud-based storage service.
b) Via unique addresses managed by the memory controller and data bus.
What determines how much information can be transferred per clock cycle in a computer system?
a) The size of the hard drive.
b) The width of the data bus.
c) The capacity of the cache memory.
d) The power supply unit.
b) The width of the data bus.
What is the maximum amount of RAM that a 32-bit CPU can address?
a) 2 gigabytes
b) 4 gigabytes
c) 16 gigabytes
d) 32 gigabytes
4 gigabytes
Why do modern computer systems typically use 64-bit processors?
a) To address more than 4 gigabytes of RAM for improved performance.
b) To reduce power consumption.
c) To eliminate the need for cache memory.
d) To operate without the need for a data bus.
a) To address more than 4 gigabytes of RAM for improved performance.
What is the capacity that a 64-bit CPU can theoretically address?
a) 4 gigabytes
b) 16 exabytes
c) 1 terabyte
d) 500 gigabytes
b) 16 exabytes
What is the difference between the data bus and the address bus in a computer system?
a) The data bus determines the data transfer rate, while the address bus determines how many locations can be addressed.
b) The data bus stores data permanently, while the address bus stores data temporarily.
c) The data bus connects to the internet, while the address bus connects to the hard drive.
d) The data bus is slower than the address bus.
a) The data bus determines the data transfer rate, while the address bus determines how many locations can be addressed.
What determines the type of memory module you can use in a computer system?
a) The operating system
b) The power supply
c) The motherboard and its form factor
d) The monitor type
c) The motherboard and its form factor
When upgrading memory, what is the best practice to follow?
a) Buy the cheapest modules available.
b) Consult the motherboard’s manual for proper type, size, and speed.
c) Mix different types of memory modules.
d) Install only one memory module regardless of the number of slots.
b) Consult the motherboard’s manual for proper type, size, and speed.
What happens if a motherboard does not support mixed sizes of memory modules?
a) The system will not boot.
b) The system will only recognize the smallest module.
c) The system will operate at the speed of the fastest module.
d) The system will only operate in safe mode.
a) The system will not boot.
What does the term “single bank” refer to in modern motherboards?
a) A configuration that requires paired memory modules.
b) The use of any size module in any slot.
c) A specific type of RAM module.
d) A memory configuration that uses only one slot.
b) The use of any size module in any slot.