Memory and Storage Devices
1. Introduction
In the realm of computers and digital systems, memory and storage devices form the backbone of data processing and preservation. From executing a simple command to storing vast amounts of multimedia, these devices determine the speed, efficiency, and capacity of a computer system. Two primary components dominate this space: memory (RAM and ROM) and storage devices (HDD, SSD, Pendrive, etc.).
Understanding these elements is crucial for both computer professionals and general users. This guide provides a comprehensive look into these devices—their types, functions, working mechanisms, and significance in modern computing.
2. Memory: The Brain of the Computer
Memory refers to the components in a computer where data is stored for quick access. It plays a critical role in how fast and efficiently a computer can process information.
2.1 RAM (Random Access Memory)
Definition:
RAM is a type of volatile memory, meaning it loses its data when the power is turned off. It temporarily stores data and programs that are actively being used.
Types of RAM:
- DRAM (Dynamic RAM): Needs frequent refreshing. Common in desktops and laptops.
- SRAM (Static RAM): Faster and more expensive. Used in cache memory.
- DDR RAM (Double Data Rate): Most modern computers use DDR4 or DDR5, offering high speed and efficiency.
Functions:
- Holds data for currently running applications.
- Provides fast access for the CPU.
- Enhances multitasking by allowing multiple applications to run simultaneously.
Advantages:
- Fast read/write speeds.
- Boosts system performance.
- Easily upgradable.
Disadvantages:
- Volatile—data is lost after shutdown.
- Limited capacity compared to storage devices.
2.2 ROM (Read-Only Memory)
Definition:
ROM is non-volatile memory, retaining data even after the system is powered off. It contains the firmware or permanent software that boots the computer.
Types of ROM:
- PROM (Programmable ROM): Can be programmed once.
- EPROM (Erasable PROM): Can be erased using UV light.
- EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM): Can be erased and reprogrammed using electricity.
Functions:
- Stores the BIOS or firmware.
- Initializes hardware components during boot-up.
- Provides a stable environment for essential instructions.
Advantages:
- Permanent storage.
- Secure from accidental deletion.
- No need for power to maintain data.
Disadvantages:
- Limited capacity.
- Slower than RAM.
- Not writable (except for EEPROM).
3. Storage Devices: The Computer’s Filing Cabinet
Unlike RAM and ROM, storage devices retain data long-term. They are critical for saving documents, software, media, and the operating system.
3.1 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Definition:
An HDD is a magnetic storage device that uses spinning disks to read/write data.
Structure:
- Platters: Disk surfaces coated with magnetic material.
- Read/Write Heads: Move across the platters to access data.
- Spindle: Rotates the platters.
Capacity:
Typically ranges from 500GB to several TBs.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective.
- High capacity.
- Durable for long-term storage.
Disadvantages:
- Slower than SSDs.
- Mechanical parts prone to failure.
- Consumes more power.
Use Cases:
- Desktop and laptop storage.
- Backup drives.
- Servers and data centers.
3.2 Solid State Drive (SSD)
Definition:
An SSD stores data on flash memory with no moving parts, making it faster and more reliable than HDDs.
Types of SSDs:
- SATA SSD: Uses SATA interface; affordable and widely used.
- NVMe SSD: Connects via PCIe; offers much faster data speeds.
Advantages:
- Lightning-fast data access.
- Durable and shock-resistant.
- Energy efficient.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than HDDs.
- Limited write cycles (though improving).
Use Cases:
- Operating systems and software.
- Gaming and video editing.
- Ultrabooks and high-end laptops.
3.3 USB Flash Drives (Pen Drives)
Definition:
Portable storage devices that use flash memory and connect via USB ports.
Capacity:
Ranges from 2GB to 1TB.
Advantages:
- Compact and portable.
- Plug-and-play convenience.
- Good for transferring files.
Disadvantages:
- Limited write cycles.
- Easily lost or damaged.
- Slower than SSDs.
Use Cases:
- File transfers.
- Bootable OS drives.
- Temporary storage.
3.4 Memory Cards (SD, microSD)
Definition:
Tiny flash storage used in mobile devices, cameras, and tablets.
Capacity:
Usually from 4GB to 1TB.
Types:
- SD (Standard)
- SDHC (High Capacity)
- SDXC (Extended Capacity)
Advantages:
- Extremely small size.
- Removable and easy to use.
- Used in multimedia devices.
Disadvantages:
- Slower read/write speeds.
- Susceptible to corruption and damage.
3.5 Optical Storage Devices
Examples:
- CD (Compact Disc)
- DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)
- Blu-ray Disc
Advantages:
- Low cost.
- Good for media distribution.
Disadvantages:
- Fragile.
- Slower than modern storage.
- Obsolete in many modern devices.
4. Cloud Storage
Definition:
Cloud storage refers to storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet.
Examples:
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- OneDrive
- iCloud
Advantages:
- Accessible from anywhere.
- Backup and recovery support.
- Scalable storage options.
Disadvantages:
- Internet-dependent.
- Privacy and security risks.
- Subscription costs for large storage.
5. Cache Memory
Definition:
A small, high-speed memory located close to the CPU, used to temporarily store frequently accessed data.
Types:
- L1 Cache: Fastest, located inside CPU.
- L2 Cache: Slightly larger, near CPU.
- L3 Cache: Shared among CPU cores.
Advantages:
- Boosts CPU performance.
- Reduces latency in data access.
Disadvantages:
- Very limited in size.
- Expensive to manufacture.
6. Virtual Memory
Definition:
A section of the hard drive that is used as an extension of RAM when the actual RAM is full.
Advantages:
- Allows more programs to run.
- Prevents system crashes due to RAM shortage.
Disadvantages:
- Slower than actual RAM.
- Can cause system lag.
7. Hybrid Storage Solutions
SSHD (Solid State Hybrid Drive):
Combines SSD and HDD features—uses SSD for frequently used data and HDD for large storage.
Advantages:
- Balanced speed and capacity.
- Cost-effective.
Disadvantages:
- Not as fast as SSD.
- More complex technology.
8. Comparison Table
| Feature | RAM | ROM | HDD | SSD | Pendrive | Cloud Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Volatile | Non-volatile | Non-volatile | Non-volatile | Non-volatile | Non-volatile |
| Speed | Very High | Medium | Medium | Very High | Medium | Depends on internet |
| Capacity | Limited | Very Low | High | Medium/High | Medium | Scalable |
| Durability | Low | High | Medium | High | Medium | High |
| Cost | High/GB | Low | Low | High | Low | Varies |
| Portability | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
9. Future of Memory and Storage
Emerging Technologies:
- 3D XPoint Memory: Combines speed of RAM with storage capability of SSD.
- Holographic Storage: Uses light to store data in 3D patterns.
- DNA Storage: Experimental, stores massive data in synthetic DNA.
- Cloud-Integrated OS: OS and applications reside entirely in the cloud.
Trends:
- Faster, smaller, more durable devices.
- Integration of AI in storage management.
- Wider use of NVMe and PCIe SSDs.
- Enhanced encryption and data security.
✅ Top 200 MCQs – Memory and Storage Devices (Part 1: 1–50)
1. Which of the following is volatile memory?
A) ROM
B) Hard Disk
C) RAM
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: C) RAM
2. Which memory is used to store the BIOS?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) HDD
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: B) ROM
3. What type of storage device is a Hard Disk?
A) Volatile
B) Optical
C) Magnetic
D) Solid-state
✔️ Answer: C) Magnetic
4. What does SSD stand for?
A) Solid Standard Drive
B) Secure Storage Disk
C) Solid State Drive
D) Static Storage Device
✔️ Answer: C) Solid State Drive
5. Which of the following is used for temporary storage?
A) SSD
B) ROM
C) RAM
D) HDD
✔️ Answer: C) RAM
6. Which memory can be rewritten and reused?
A) PROM
B) EPROM
C) EEPROM
D) All of the above
✔️ Answer: D) All of the above
7. Which of the following has no moving parts?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) Floppy Disk
D) CD
✔️ Answer: B) SSD
8. What type of memory is cache memory?
A) Main memory
B) Auxiliary memory
C) Secondary memory
D) High-speed memory
✔️ Answer: D) High-speed memory
9. Which memory is located closest to the CPU?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Cache
D) Hard Disk
✔️ Answer: C) Cache
10. Which device is typically used for portable storage?
A) ROM
B) SSD
C) Pendrive
D) HDD
✔️ Answer: C) Pendrive
✅ Top 200 MCQs – Memory and Storage Devices (Part 2: 11–50)
11. Which of the following memory types is the fastest?
A) ROM
B) Hard Disk
C) Cache
D) RAM
✔️ Answer: C) Cache
12. Which is a non-volatile memory?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) DRAM
D) SRAM
✔️ Answer: B) ROM
13. What is the main function of RAM?
A) Store boot files
B) Long-term storage
C) Temporary data storage
D) Increase display resolution
✔️ Answer: C) Temporary data storage
14. EEPROM can be erased using:
A) UV Light
B) Magnetic field
C) Heat
D) Electrical signals
✔️ Answer: D) Electrical signals
15. Which of the following is a secondary storage device?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Cache
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: D) SSD
16. What is the full form of PROM?
A) Programmable Read Only Memory
B) Primary Read Only Memory
C) Preinstalled ROM
D) Processor ROM
✔️ Answer: A) Programmable Read Only Memory
17. Which memory is used in USB drives?
A) DRAM
B) Flash Memory
C) Magnetic Disk
D) EEPROM
✔️ Answer: B) Flash Memory
18. Which of the following is used to store data permanently?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Cache
D) CPU Register
✔️ Answer: B) ROM
19. A storage device that uses laser technology is:
A) SSD
B) HDD
C) CD
D) Pendrive
✔️ Answer: C) CD
20. Which memory is typically used for firmware?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) HDD
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: B) ROM
21. Which memory is directly accessible by the CPU?
A) ROM
B) Secondary memory
C) RAM
D) Optical Drive
✔️ Answer: C) RAM
22. A bootable pen drive contains:
A) Antivirus
B) Movies
C) Operating System
D) PowerPoint presentations
✔️ Answer: C) Operating System
23. Which of these is the most durable storage type?
A) SSD
B) HDD
C) Floppy Disk
D) Optical Disk
✔️ Answer: A) SSD
24. What is the function of cache memory?
A) Backup storage
B) Holds unused programs
C) Stores frequently used instructions
D) Increases hard drive speed
✔️ Answer: C) Stores frequently used instructions
25. Which of these is considered primary memory?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) RAM
D) Optical Disk
✔️ Answer: C) RAM
26. Which of the following storage devices is the slowest?
A) SSD
B) HDD
C) Optical Disc
D) RAM
✔️ Answer: C) Optical Disc
27. What is the main drawback of RAM?
A) Expensive
B) Volatile
C) Large size
D) Slower speed
✔️ Answer: B) Volatile
28. What kind of data does ROM usually contain?
A) Temporary data
B) User files
C) System firmware
D) Cached data
✔️ Answer: C) System firmware
29. Which type of memory is best for permanent data storage?
A) ROM
B) RAM
C) Cache
D) Register
✔️ Answer: A) ROM
30. An external hard disk is used for:
A) Running applications
B) Viewing web pages
C) Portable data storage
D) Increasing RAM
✔️ Answer: C) Portable data storage
31. What happens to data in RAM when the computer is turned off?
A) It is saved to ROM
B) It is compressed
C) It is lost
D) It moves to cache
✔️ Answer: C) It is lost
32. A Blu-ray disc can store up to:
A) 700 MB
B) 4.7 GB
C) 25 GB
D) 50 GB
✔️ Answer: D) 50 GB
33. What is virtual memory?
A) ROM space
B) RAM backup
C) Hard disk used as RAM
D) Cache overflow
✔️ Answer: C) Hard disk used as RAM
34. What does DRAM stand for?
A) Digital RAM
B) Dynamic RAM
C) Data Read Access Memory
D) Direct RAM
✔️ Answer: B) Dynamic RAM
35. Which of the following is a flash memory device?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) SSD
D) Magnetic Tape
✔️ Answer: C) SSD
36. Which storage medium is best for long-term archiving?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Tape Drive
D) Cache
✔️ Answer: C) Tape Drive
37. Which of these is the smallest in physical size?
A) Hard Disk
B) SSD
C) Pendrive
D) RAM Stick
✔️ Answer: C) Pendrive
38. A device that stores data using magnetic fields is:
A) SSD
B) HDD
C) Pendrive
D) DVD
✔️ Answer: B) HDD
39. Which one is not a type of ROM?
A) PROM
B) EPROM
C) EEPROM
D) SRAM
✔️ Answer: D) SRAM
40. A typical USB 3.0 speed is approximately:
A) 12 Mbps
B) 480 Mbps
C) 5 Gbps
D) 100 Mbps
✔️ Answer: C) 5 Gbps
41. Where is the operating system usually stored?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) SSD/HDD
D) BIOS
✔️ Answer: C) SSD/HDD
42. The storage capacity of a CD is approximately:
A) 4.7 GB
B) 700 MB
C) 25 GB
D) 100 MB
✔️ Answer: B) 700 MB
43. Which of these devices is best for quick boot times?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) CD
D) Tape Drive
✔️ Answer: B) SSD
44. What is the function of registers in CPU?
A) Long-term storage
B) Store OS
C) Temporary fast data handling
D) Connect peripherals
✔️ Answer: C) Temporary fast data handling
45. Which memory type is used in graphics cards?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) VRAM
D) EEPROM
✔️ Answer: C) VRAM
46. Which of the following devices can be used as bootable media?
A) DVD
B) Pendrive
C) SSD
D) All of the above
✔️ Answer: D) All of the above
47. What is the main advantage of an SSD over an HDD?
A) Cheaper
B) Larger capacity
C) Faster speed
D) Magnetic storage
✔️ Answer: C) Faster speed
48. Which one is not a storage device?
A) RAM
B) SSD
C) HDD
D) CD
✔️ Answer: A) RAM
49. The speed of HDD is usually measured in:
A) Bytes
B) GHz
C) RPM
D) MBps
✔️ Answer: C) RPM
50. Cache memory is generally built into:
A) Motherboard
B) RAM
C) CPU
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: C) CPU
✅ Top 200 MCQs – Memory and Storage Devices (Part 3: 51–100)
51. Which of the following is not a type of primary memory?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) HDD
D) Cache
✔️ Answer: C) HDD
52. Which memory is best suited for temporary data storage during processing?
A) ROM
B) RAM
C) HDD
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: B) RAM
53. Which device stores data permanently and has high capacity?
A) RAM
B) SSD
C) Cache
D) CPU Register
✔️ Answer: B) SSD
54. What does the term “non-volatile” refer to in memory?
A) Slow
B) Temporary
C) Data retained after power off
D) Unstable
✔️ Answer: C) Data retained after power off
55. Which device uses electronic circuits for storing data?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) CD
D) Floppy
✔️ Answer: B) SSD
56. Flash memory is used in:
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) USB Drives
D) CD-ROM
✔️ Answer: C) USB Drives
57. Which one is not a solid-state storage device?
A) SSD
B) Pendrive
C) SD Card
D) HDD
✔️ Answer: D) HDD
58. Which is the smallest unit of data storage?
A) Byte
B) Bit
C) KB
D) Nibble
✔️ Answer: B) Bit
59. 1 GB is equal to:
A) 1000 MB
B) 1024 KB
C) 1024 MB
D) 100 MB
✔️ Answer: C) 1024 MB
60. The data in ROM:
A) Can be easily modified
B) Is lost when power is off
C) Is permanent and cannot be erased
D) Is stored temporarily
✔️ Answer: C) Is permanent and cannot be erased
61. Which is an example of optical storage media?
A) HDD
B) DVD
C) SSD
D) Pendrive
✔️ Answer: B) DVD
62. In which unit is RAM measured?
A) RPM
B) MHz
C) MB/GB
D) Watt
✔️ Answer: C) MB/GB
63. Which of the following is used to enhance system performance using SSD as cache?
A) BIOS
B) Optane Memory
C) ROM
D) RAM
✔️ Answer: B) Optane Memory
64. A hybrid drive (SSHD) combines:
A) SSD and Pendrive
B) SSD and ROM
C) SSD and HDD
D) RAM and SSD
✔️ Answer: C) SSD and HDD
65. Which device is most likely to store backup data?
A) RAM
B) SSD
C) HDD
D) Tape Drive
✔️ Answer: D) Tape Drive
66. BIOS is stored in:
A) HDD
B) RAM
C) ROM
D) Cache
✔️ Answer: C) ROM
67. The term latency in memory refers to:
A) Speed of internet
B) Delay in response time
C) Download speed
D) Memory size
✔️ Answer: B) Delay in response time
68. Which of the following is the fastest read/write memory?
A) DRAM
B) HDD
C) Registers
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: C) Registers
69. Which memory module is used in modern laptops?
A) SIMM
B) DIMM
C) SO-DIMM
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: C) SO-DIMM
70. A CD-ROM can only be:
A) Read
B) Written
C) Rewritten
D) Reformatted
✔️ Answer: A) Read
71. What is the function of memory in a computer?
A) Display graphics
B) Store and retrieve data
C) Connect to internet
D) Control input devices
✔️ Answer: B) Store and retrieve data
72. Which memory retains content even without power supply?
A) RAM
B) Cache
C) ROM
D) DRAM
✔️ Answer: C) ROM
73. What is the typical lifespan of an SSD (approx.)?
A) 1000 reads
B) 1000 writes
C) 100,000 writes
D) Unlimited
✔️ Answer: C) 100,000 writes
74. USB stands for:
A) Universal System Bus
B) Ultra Storage Bus
C) Universal Serial Bus
D) Unified Storage Base
✔️ Answer: C) Universal Serial Bus
75. Which is more shock-resistant?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) CD
D) Tape Drive
✔️ Answer: B) SSD
76. An SD card is mostly used in:
A) Monitors
B) Televisions
C) Mobile Devices and Cameras
D) Power Supplies
✔️ Answer: C) Mobile Devices and Cameras
77. RAM is also called:
A) Offline Memory
B) Fixed Memory
C) Main Memory
D) Virtual Memory
✔️ Answer: C) Main Memory
78. Which one stores data using microscopic magnetic fields?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) RAM
D) EEPROM
✔️ Answer: A) HDD
79. The main disadvantage of SSDs over HDDs is:
A) Lower speed
B) More power consumption
C) Higher cost
D) Heavier weight
✔️ Answer: C) Higher cost
80. Which storage device uses a spinning disk?
A) RAM
B) SSD
C) HDD
D) USB
✔️ Answer: C) HDD
81. Which is a high-capacity, removable storage device?
A) RAM
B) SSD
C) Tape Drive
D) CPU Cache
✔️ Answer: C) Tape Drive
82. Which type of RAM needs to be refreshed frequently?
A) SRAM
B) Flash
C) DRAM
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: C) DRAM
83. Which is used to store the master boot record (MBR)?
A) RAM
B) SSD
C) HDD
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: C) HDD
84. Which RAM type is faster?
A) DRAM
B) SRAM
C) PROM
D) EEPROM
✔️ Answer: B) SRAM
85. Storage devices are primarily categorized into:
A) Input & Output
B) Magnetic & Optical
C) Primary & Secondary
D) ROM & RAM
✔️ Answer: C) Primary & Secondary
86. ROM is used mainly to store:
A) Temporary files
B) Operating system
C) BIOS/firmware
D) Drivers
✔️ Answer: C) BIOS/firmware
87. Which of the following holds data permanently and can be rewritten?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) EEPROM
D) DRAM
✔️ Answer: C) EEPROM
88. Which memory type is used for caching web content?
A) Cache memory
B) RAM
C) ROM
D) VRAM
✔️ Answer: A) Cache memory
89. The capacity of a standard DVD is:
A) 650 MB
B) 700 MB
C) 4.7 GB
D) 25 GB
✔️ Answer: C) 4.7 GB
90. The most expensive storage per GB is:
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) RAM
D) Tape Drive
✔️ Answer: C) RAM
91. What does VRAM stand for?
A) Volatile RAM
B) Video RAM
C) Virtual RAM
D) Verified RAM
✔️ Answer: B) Video RAM
92. Where is cache memory located?
A) Motherboard
B) RAM
C) ROM
D) Inside CPU
✔️ Answer: D) Inside CPU
93. Which device is best for storing a large video library?
A) SSD
B) HDD
C) ROM
D) RAM
✔️ Answer: B) HDD
94. Data bus is used to:
A) Connect RAM to CPU
B) Display memory
C) Store data
D) Measure speed
✔️ Answer: A) Connect RAM to CPU
95. Which is used for gaming graphics memory?
A) ROM
B) RAM
C) VRAM
D) Cache
✔️ Answer: C) VRAM
96. Cache memory stores:
A) System logs
B) Frequently accessed data
C) Antivirus files
D) BIOS settings
✔️ Answer: B) Frequently accessed data
97. Which storage is cheapest per GB?
A) SSD
B) RAM
C) HDD
D) Flash Drive
✔️ Answer: C) HDD
98. Registers are located in:
A) SSD
B) CPU
C) RAM
D) Motherboard
✔️ Answer: B) CPU
99. Which is the correct storage hierarchy from fastest to slowest?
A) HDD > SSD > RAM > Cache
B) Cache > RAM > SSD > HDD
C) RAM > Cache > SSD > HDD
D) SSD > Cache > RAM > HDD
✔️ Answer: B) Cache > RAM > SSD > HDD
100. Which component holds programs currently in use?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) RAM
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: C) RAM
✅ Top 200 MCQs – Memory and Storage Devices (Part 4: 101–150)
101. What is the main advantage of SSDs over HDDs?
A) Lower cost
B) Higher speed
C) More noise
D) More weight
✔️ Answer: B) Higher speed
102. Which of the following is not a volatile memory?
A) RAM
B) Cache
C) HDD
D) DRAM
✔️ Answer: C) HDD
103. RAM is considered what type of memory?
A) Primary
B) Secondary
C) Permanent
D) Optical
✔️ Answer: A) Primary
104. Which of these is typically used for firmware storage?
A) DRAM
B) ROM
C) RAM
D) HDD
✔️ Answer: B) ROM
105. Which type of memory is embedded on the CPU chip?
A) RAM
B) SSD
C) Cache
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: C) Cache
106. The memory directly accessible by the CPU is:
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) HDD
D) DVD
✔️ Answer: A) RAM
107. Which of the following has no moving parts?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) Floppy disk
D) CD
✔️ Answer: B) SSD
108. Which unit is used to measure memory size?
A) GHz
B) MB
C) Kg
D) Mbps
✔️ Answer: B) MB
109. Which device can be used to read-only data from a disc?
A) CD-RW
B) CD-ROM
C) DVD-RAM
D) Blu-ray RW
✔️ Answer: B) CD-ROM
110. Which memory is used in graphics cards?
A) ROM
B) DRAM
C) SRAM
D) VRAM
✔️ Answer: D) VRAM
111. SSDs store data in:
A) Optical tracks
B) Magnetic sectors
C) Flash memory cells
D) Spinning platters
✔️ Answer: C) Flash memory cells
112. RAM that can be dynamically refreshed is called:
A) SRAM
B) EEPROM
C) DRAM
D) PROM
✔️ Answer: C) DRAM
113. Which memory can retain data even when power is turned off?
A) RAM
B) DRAM
C) ROM
D) Cache
✔️ Answer: C) ROM
114. Magnetic storage device is:
A) CD
B) HDD
C) SSD
D) Pendrive
✔️ Answer: B) HDD
115. The speed of cache memory is measured in:
A) RPM
B) Nanoseconds
C) MB
D) Volts
✔️ Answer: B) Nanoseconds
116. A pendrive uses which type of memory?
A) Magnetic
B) Optical
C) Flash
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: C) Flash
117. The data in EEPROM can be:
A) Only read
B) Only written
C) Read and erased electrically
D) Erased by sunlight
✔️ Answer: C) Read and erased electrically
118. Which of these is most suitable for OS installation?
A) DVD
B) HDD
C) SSD
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: C) SSD
119. Cache memory helps in:
A) Decreasing power
B) Increasing cost
C) Speeding up CPU operations
D) Increasing screen resolution
✔️ Answer: C) Speeding up CPU operations
120. Which of these is not used for permanent data storage?
A) ROM
B) HDD
C) RAM
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: C) RAM
121. Which device is faster in terms of access time?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) RAM
D) DVD
✔️ Answer: C) RAM
122. Which memory is automatically cleared when the computer is turned off?
A) ROM
B) RAM
C) SSD
D) HDD
✔️ Answer: B) RAM
123. CD stands for:
A) Compact Data
B) Compact Disk
C) Circular Disk
D) Central Drive
✔️ Answer: B) Compact Disk
124. Which is used for temporary data storage during processing?
A) SSD
B) RAM
C) HDD
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: B) RAM
125. Full form of DRAM is:
A) Direct RAM
B) Dynamic ROM
C) Dynamic RAM
D) Digital RAM
✔️ Answer: C) Dynamic RAM
126. What is the main drawback of RAM?
A) High speed
B) Temporary storage
C) Large capacity
D) Permanent data
✔️ Answer: B) Temporary storage
127. The memory located closest to CPU is:
A) SSD
B) HDD
C) Cache
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: C) Cache
128. USB flash drives are:
A) Non-volatile
B) Volatile
C) Optical
D) Magnetic
✔️ Answer: A) Non-volatile
129. Cache memory lies between:
A) RAM and ROM
B) CPU and RAM
C) SSD and CPU
D) RAM and HDD
✔️ Answer: B) CPU and RAM
130. Storage capacity of Blu-ray Disc (single layer):
A) 4.7 GB
B) 8.5 GB
C) 25 GB
D) 50 GB
✔️ Answer: C) 25 GB
131. RAM is usually installed on:
A) SSD
B) Motherboard
C) Processor
D) Hard Disk
✔️ Answer: B) Motherboard
132. Which memory allows data to be read and written?
A) ROM
B) RAM
C) CD-ROM
D) EEPROM
✔️ Answer: B) RAM
133. Which of these devices is read-only?
A) RAM
B) SSD
C) ROM
D) HDD
✔️ Answer: C) ROM
134. The function of ROM is to:
A) Store temporary data
B) Store BIOS and firmware
C) Process graphics
D) Increase speed
✔️ Answer: B) Store BIOS and firmware
135. Which one has the highest storage capacity?
A) SSD
B) RAM
C) HDD
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: C) HDD
136. Which is an example of a magnetic storage device?
A) CD
B) Pendrive
C) RAM
D) Floppy Disk
✔️ Answer: D) Floppy Disk
137. Which is not an optical storage device?
A) CD
B) Blu-ray
C) DVD
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: D) SSD
138. Which memory chip is faster?
A) DRAM
B) SRAM
C) EEPROM
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: B) SRAM
139. The booting process is started using which memory?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) HDD
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: B) ROM
140. Which one is cheapest per GB?
A) SSD
B) HDD
C) RAM
D) Flash Drive
✔️ Answer: B) HDD
141. Data stored in a RAM is:
A) Permanent
B) Volatile
C) Stored forever
D) Erased every week
✔️ Answer: B) Volatile
142. A micro SD card is an example of:
A) ROM
B) Optical storage
C) Flash memory
D) RAM
✔️ Answer: C) Flash memory
143. Which is faster: HDD or SSD?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) Same
D) None
✔️ Answer: B) SSD
144. Which is not a form of RAM?
A) DRAM
B) SRAM
C) PROM
D) SDRAM
✔️ Answer: C) PROM
145. What is the purpose of virtual memory?
A) Reduce power
B) Increase RAM speed
C) Use storage as temporary RAM
D) Speed up HDD
✔️ Answer: C) Use storage as temporary RAM
146. Which memory is used when RAM is full?
A) ROM
B) Virtual Memory
C) Cache
D) Register
✔️ Answer: B) Virtual Memory
147. BIOS stands for:
A) Basic Input Output System
B) Binary Input Output System
C) Base Integrated Output Software
D) Basic Integrated Output Server
✔️ Answer: A) Basic Input Output System
148. Data stored on HDD is stored using:
A) Electric signals
B) Optical signals
C) Magnetic fields
D) Lasers
✔️ Answer: C) Magnetic fields
149. Which storage media has the fastest access time?
A) RAM
B) SSD
C) HDD
D) CD
✔️ Answer: A) RAM
150. What is the smallest addressable unit in memory?
A) Byte
B) Bit
C) Word
D) Nibble
✔️ Answer: B) Bit
Here you go! ✅ MCQs 151 to 200 on Memory & Storage Devices with 4 options and correct answers.
✅ Top 200 MCQs – Memory and Storage Devices (Part 5: 151–200)
151. Which is faster among these memory types?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Cache
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: C) Cache
152. Which type of ROM can be erased and reprogrammed?
A) PROM
B) EPROM
C) DRAM
D) RAM
✔️ Answer: B) EPROM
153. What does EEPROM stand for?
A) Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM
B) Electronic Erasable Personal ROM
C) Easy Erasable Primary ROM
D) Extended Erasable Programmable ROM
✔️ Answer: A) Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM
154. Which storage device is used in mobile phones?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) Flash Memory
D) Floppy Disk
✔️ Answer: C) Flash Memory
155. Which memory is used in pen drives?
A) ROM
B) Cache
C) Flash
D) RAM
✔️ Answer: C) Flash
156. Which of these is NOT a characteristic of RAM?
A) Volatile
B) Fast
C) Permanent
D) Read & Write
✔️ Answer: C) Permanent
157. Which one is an example of optical storage?
A) Blu-ray
B) SSD
C) HDD
D) Flash drive
✔️ Answer: A) Blu-ray
158. Which is the fastest type of RAM?
A) DRAM
B) SDRAM
C) SRAM
D) DDR RAM
✔️ Answer: C) SRAM
159. Which storage is ideal for storing operating systems?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) CD
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: B) SSD
160. USB stands for:
A) Universal Software Bus
B) Unique System Bus
C) Universal Serial Bus
D) Uninterrupted Serial Bus
✔️ Answer: C) Universal Serial Bus
161. Which is used in BIOS?
A) RAM
B) EEPROM
C) HDD
D) DVD
✔️ Answer: B) EEPROM
162. Which device has the slowest access time?
A) SSD
B) HDD
C) RAM
D) Cache
✔️ Answer: B) HDD
163. What does the term “volatile” mean in memory?
A) Data is compressed
B) Data is permanent
C) Data is lost without power
D) Data is encrypted
✔️ Answer: C) Data is lost without power
164. The first storage device was:
A) Magnetic tape
B) Floppy disk
C) HDD
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: A) Magnetic tape
165. What is a CD-R?
A) Rewritable CD
B) Read-only CD
C) Recordable once
D) Compressed CD
✔️ Answer: C) Recordable once
166. The abbreviation SSD stands for:
A) Static Storage Drive
B) Solid State Drive
C) Secure Storage Disk
D) System Storage Device
✔️ Answer: B) Solid State Drive
167. The capacity of a DVD is approximately:
A) 700 MB
B) 4.7 GB
C) 1 GB
D) 50 GB
✔️ Answer: B) 4.7 GB
168. Cache memory is typically made of:
A) Magnetic disks
B) Optical media
C) Static RAM
D) DRAM
✔️ Answer: C) Static RAM
169. Which of the following is NOT a primary storage device?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) SSD
D) Cache
✔️ Answer: C) SSD
170. Which device is best for data backup?
A) RAM
B) HDD
C) DVD
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: C) DVD
171. In which storage device are files stored magnetically?
A) CD
B) HDD
C) DVD
D) USB
✔️ Answer: B) HDD
172. Which of these is volatile memory?
A) ROM
B) DRAM
C) EEPROM
D) SSD
✔️ Answer: B) DRAM
173. Which is a rewriteable storage medium?
A) CD-ROM
B) DVD-R
C) CD-RW
D) Blu-ray ROM
✔️ Answer: C) CD-RW
174. SSDs are more durable than HDDs because they:
A) Use electricity
B) Have spinning disks
C) Have no moving parts
D) Are smaller
✔️ Answer: C) Have no moving parts
175. Which one has the shortest lifespan?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) RAM
D) DVD
✔️ Answer: A) HDD
176. Which type of memory is used in laptops for main memory?
A) EEPROM
B) SDRAM
C) SRAM
D) PROM
✔️ Answer: B) SDRAM
177. What is the purpose of registers in CPU?
A) Long-term storage
B) External storage
C) Temporary fast access
D) Display output
✔️ Answer: C) Temporary fast access
178. What is the most important factor in storage device speed?
A) Shape
B) Power
C) Access time
D) Cost
✔️ Answer: C) Access time
179. Which one is not an example of secondary storage?
A) HDD
B) SSD
C) RAM
D) DVD
✔️ Answer: C) RAM
180. Which storage device is used in gaming consoles?
A) CD-ROM
B) HDD
C) SSD
D) Both B and C
✔️ Answer: D) Both B and C
181. SSDs are built using:
A) Magnetic heads
B) Flash chips
C) Optical lasers
D) Mechanical arms
✔️ Answer: B) Flash chips
182. In computers, memory is measured in:
A) Seconds
B) Kilograms
C) Bytes
D) Hertz
✔️ Answer: C) Bytes
183. The main advantage of Blu-ray over DVD is:
A) Size
B) Price
C) Storage capacity
D) Color
✔️ Answer: C) Storage capacity
184. ROM stands for:
A) Random Output Memory
B) Read Only Memory
C) Rewrite Once Memory
D) Read Online Memory
✔️ Answer: B) Read Only Memory
185. What makes SSD faster than HDD?
A) Magnetic rotation
B) Optical scanning
C) No mechanical movement
D) Higher weight
✔️ Answer: C) No mechanical movement
186. Virtual memory works by using:
A) ROM as storage
B) SSD as cache
C) Part of HDD/SSD as RAM
D) GPU as RAM
✔️ Answer: C) Part of HDD/SSD as RAM
187. Flash memory is used in:
A) RAM
B) DVD
C) SSD
D) HDD
✔️ Answer: C) SSD
188. Memory used in high-end servers is typically:
A) HDD
B) ECC RAM
C) SSD
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: B) ECC RAM
189. What kind of memory is used in smartphones?
A) DRAM
B) ROM
C) Flash
D) Floppy
✔️ Answer: C) Flash
190. Memory hierarchy from fastest to slowest is:
A) HDD → RAM → Cache
B) Cache → RAM → HDD
C) ROM → HDD → RAM
D) SSD → Cache → RAM
✔️ Answer: B) Cache → RAM → HDD
191. Where is ROM located?
A) Monitor
B) Printer
C) Motherboard
D) Hard disk
✔️ Answer: C) Motherboard
192. Which of the following cannot be used as input device?
A) Keyboard
B) Mouse
C) DVD
D) Microphone
✔️ Answer: C) DVD
193. Which of the following is measured in RPM?
A) RAM
B) SSD
C) HDD
D) Cache
✔️ Answer: C) HDD
194. DRAM must be refreshed:
A) Daily
B) Yearly
C) Periodically
D) Never
✔️ Answer: C) Periodically
195. Most desktop computers use which kind of RAM today?
A) DDR4
B) DDR2
C) RDRAM
D) SRAM
✔️ Answer: A) DDR4
196. The process of copying BIOS to RAM is known as:
A) Swapping
B) Fetching
C) Booting
D) Loading
✔️ Answer: C) Booting
197. Which can be both read and written multiple times?
A) PROM
B) EPROM
C) EEPROM
D) ROM
✔️ Answer: C) EEPROM
198. Which memory is used for high-speed buffer storage?
A) RAM
B) HDD
C) Cache
D) DVD
✔️ Answer: C) Cache
199. RAM used in modern desktops is mostly:
A) SDR
B) DDR
C) SRAM
D) PROM
✔️ Answer: B) DDR
200. The capacity of RAM is usually in:
A) GHz
B) MB
C) GB
D) Mbps
✔️ Answer: C) GB
