CertiGuide to A+ (Core Hardware)  9  Chapter 0011:  System Memory

IX  Chapter 0011: Test for Success Questions 1 Chapter 0100:  Hard Drives

1. What is the process of erasing and reprogramming an EEPROM called?

A. Flashing

B. Upgrading

C. Burning

D. None of the above

Explanation: Flashing is the term used for describing the erasing and reprogramming process on an EEPROM.

2. What type of RAM is not synchronized with the system clock?

A. SDRAM

B. RDRAM

C. Asynchronous DRAM

D. DDR SDRAM

Explanation: Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM) is synchronized with the system clock. This means that when the CPU makes a read or write to the RAM, it knows how many clock cycles it will require before it gets any results. The RAM and BIOS settings determine the number of clock cycles. Asynchronous DRAM did not sync with the system clock.

3. What is the term for memory that looses any of its stored information when the power to the system is shut off?

A. SRAM

B. ROM

C. Volatile

D. Non-volatile

Explanation: Memory that looses its data when it has no power is known as volatile memory. Non-volatile memory keeps its data with or without power.

4. What does EPROM stand for?

A. Electronic Programmable Read Only Memory

B. Erasable Permanent Read Only Memory

C. Electronic Permanent Read Only Memory

D. Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory

Explanation: EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.

5. What is the term used for software that is stored on hardware?

A. Safeware

B. Firmware

C. Hard-software

D. ROM BIOS

Explanation: When software is stored on hardware, such as the ROM BIOS, it is referred to as firmware.

6. What memory module uses a 168-pin connector?

A. SIMM

B. DIP

C. RIMM

D. DIMM

Explanation: The Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) uses a 168-pin connector. SIMM’s use either 30 or 72-pins. RIMM’s use 184 pins.

7. What is the storage capacity of an 8x8-60 30-pin SIMM RAM module?

A. 8 MB

B. 16MB

C. 32 MB

D. 64 MB

Explanation: Using our DxW formula, we have (8/8) x 8 = 8MB. The –60 refers to the access time of the RAM in nanoseconds.

8. What are DIP modules prone to when they are installed on the motherboard using sockets? (Choose 2)

A. Chip creep

B. ESD

C. Mismatched pairs

D. Bent pins

E. Mismatched speeds

Explanation: DIP chips are prone to chip creep and bent pins. The heating and cooling of the chips when they were powered on and off caused them to expand and contract out of the sockets. This is known as chip creep. When DIP’s were installed in a socket, it was very easy to bend the pins.

9. What is the minimum number of 72-pin SIMMs that would need to be installed in a 486DX2 system to have 64MB of RAM?

A. 2 - 32MB modules

B. 4 - 8MB modules

C. You can’t use 72-pin SIMMs in a 486DX2 system

D. 1 - 64MB SIMM

Explanation: Because the 486DX2 processor had a 32-bit data bus, 72-pin SIMM modules did not have to be installed in pairs.

10. What SDRAM technology uses a 184-pin module and utilizes clock doubling?

A. Direct Rambus RAM

B. DDR SDRAM

C. SLDRAM

D. BEDO DRAM

Explanation: DDR SDRAM uses a 184-pin module and utilizes clock doubling. DRDRAM also employs clock doubling and a 184-pin module, but is not an SDRAM technology. Remember to read the question carefully.

11. You wish to add 64 MB of PC133 SDRAM to your system that has 128MB of RAM already. What two things would you ideally ensure are identical between the modules?

A. Size – Buy two 64MB modules

B. The speed (in nanoseconds)

C. The manufacturer

D. The DxW-S numbers

Explanation: When installing PC133 DIMM modules, the access time of the RAM (in nanoseconds) and the manufacturer should be matched. You can get away with different manufacturers, but it may not work for very long.

12. How many megabytes of RAM could theoretically be addressed with a 32-bit address bus?

A. 1 GB

B. 2 GB

C. 3 GB

D. 4 GB

Explanation: 2³² is equal to 4,294,967,296. Divide that by 1024 three times (for KB, MB, and GB). This equals 4GB.

13. What component of the system memory subsystem is responsible for synchronizing read/write cycles between RAM and other devices?

A. Chipset

B. Memory controller

C. Data bus

D. CPU

Explanation: The memory controller, which is part of the chipset, is responsible for synchronizing read/write cycles between the RAM and other devices.

14. How many pins would a 9-bit SIMM have?

A. 72

B. 168

C. 184

D. 30

Explanation: A 9-bit SIMM would be a 30-pin SIMM with parity.

15. When you power on your system, the speaker sounds three short beeps, pauses, and then continues repeating the beep code. What is the first thing you should do?

A. Replace the RAM module

B. Replace the CPU

C. Reseat the video card

D. Reseat the memory module(s)

Explanation: Three short beeps is a typically POST beep code for a memory problem. The first step is to ensure the RAM is seated fully. If that does not solve the problem, replace the module with a known working module.

16. Which of the following are common RAM installation mistakes? [Choose two]

A. Not having enough hard disk space

B. Mismatched types of RAM

C. Mismatch speeds of RAM it does

D. Using a wrist strap while installing

Explanation: It is easy to mismatch the type of RAM (parity or non-parity) as well as mismatching the access time of the modules.

17. Which of the following best describes the purpose, or design, of false parity memory?

A. It replaces parity memory where parity mode was unable to be turned off in the BIOS.

B. It replaces hard disk space when you run out of virtual memory.

C. It effectively reduces your total amount of RAM by 10 percent.

D. It can only be used in ATX- type motherboards.

Explanation: False parity memory was used to fake out the BIOS of systems that required parity memory.

18. What does ECC stand for, and what is its function? [Choose 2]

A. Error-Checking Conduit, or Error-Checking Control

B. Error-Checking Correcting, or Error-Checking Code

C. A protocol that detects single and multi-bit errors, and corrects single bit errors automatically.

D. A device that detects single and multi-bit errors, and corrects single bit errors automatically

Explanation: ECC stands for Error Checking Correcting. It can also be described and Error Checking Code.

19. What type of error does parity RAM memory solve?

A. Soft memory errors

B. Power on self test errors

C. Hard memory errors

D. None of the above. It doesn’t solve anything

Explanation: Parity memory will only detect one bit memory errors. When these occur, it generates a Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI) and halts the system. It does not fix any errors.

20. How is the speed of a RAM module's access time measured?

A. In MHz

B. In MB/s

C. In nanoseconds

D. By it’s ramp speed

Explanation: RAM access time is measured in nanoseconds. It is the speed at which the memory responds to a read/write request.

IX  Chapter 0011: Test for Success Questions 1 Chapter 0100:  Hard Drives