CompTIA A+ Chapter 7 Upgrading Memory Test

1. True or false?
For dual channeling to work, the pair of DIMMs in a channel must be equally matched in size, speed, and features.

True

False

For dual channeling to work, the pair of DIMMs in a channel must be equally matched in size, speed, and features. This is because dual channeling requires both DIMMs to operate in synchronization, and any mismatch in size, speed, or features can cause compatibility issues and hinder the performance of the system. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the DIMMs in a dual channel configuration are identical in all aspects for optimal functionality.

Explanation

For dual channeling to work, the pair of DIMMs in a channel must be equally matched in size, speed, and features. This is because dual channeling requires both DIMMs to operate in synchronization, and any mismatch in size, speed, or features can cause compatibility issues and hinder the performance of the system. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the DIMMs in a dual channel configuration are identical in all aspects for optimal functionality.

2. True or false?
Notches on the memory modules are used to identify the technologies that the module supports.

True

False

The statement is true. Notches on memory modules are used to identify the technologies that the module supports. These notches are physical cutouts or grooves on the edge of the memory module that indicate the type and speed of the memory. By aligning the notches correctly with the memory slot, the computer can determine if the module is compatible and supports the required technology.

Explanation

The statement is true. Notches on memory modules are used to identify the technologies that the module supports. These notches are physical cutouts or grooves on the edge of the memory module that indicate the type and speed of the memory. By aligning the notches correctly with the memory slot, the computer can determine if the module is compatible and supports the required technology.

3. Which of the following best describes the features CAS Latency and RAS Latency?

Both features refer to the size of the memory module.

RAS Latency is used more than CAS Latency.

It takes four or five clock cycles to read or write data.

The features CAS Latency and RAS Latency both refer to the number of clock cycles it takes to write or read a column or row of data off a memory module. This means that both features are related to the timing and speed at which data can be accessed from the memory module. The statement that RAS Latency is used more than CAS Latency is irrelevant to the description of the features and does not provide any explanation about their characteristics.

Explanation

The features CAS Latency and RAS Latency both refer to the number of clock cycles it takes to write or read a column or row of data off a memory module. This means that both features are related to the timing and speed at which data can be accessed from the memory module. The statement that RAS Latency is used more than CAS Latency is irrelevant to the description of the features and does not provide any explanation about their characteristics.

4. SO-DIMMs and SO-RIMMs are used in ____________.

Desktop computers

Notebook computers

Iphones

Ipads

SO-DIMMs (Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Modules) and SO-RIMMs (Small Outline Rambus Inline Memory Modules) are types of memory modules that are used in notebook computers. These smaller form factor memory modules are designed to fit into the limited space available in laptops and provide the necessary memory capacity for these portable devices. Therefore, the correct answer is notebook computers.

Explanation

SO-DIMMs (Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Modules) and SO-RIMMs (Small Outline Rambus Inline Memory Modules) are types of memory modules that are used in notebook computers. These smaller form factor memory modules are designed to fit into the limited space available in laptops and provide the necessary memory capacity for these portable devices. Therefore, the correct answer is notebook computers.

5. With dual channels, the memory controller can communicate with how many DIMMs at the same time?

1

2

3

4

With dual channels, the memory controller can communicate with two DIMMs at the same time. This means that the memory controller can access data from two DIMMs simultaneously, which can improve the overall performance and speed of the system. This is achieved by dividing the data and sending it across the two channels, allowing for parallel processing and faster data transfer rates.

Explanation

With dual channels, the memory controller can communicate with two DIMMs at the same time. This means that the memory controller can access data from two DIMMs simultaneously, which can improve the overall performance and speed of the system. This is achieved by dividing the data and sending it across the two channels, allowing for parallel processing and faster data transfer rates.

6. Which of the following statements best describes DDR?

DDR runs more slowly than regular SDRAM.

DDR uses 168 pins.

DDR improves on DDR2.

DDR (Double Data Rate) is a type of memory technology that doubles the data rate by processing data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal. This means that data is transferred twice as quickly compared to regular SDRAM. The statement accurately describes the key feature of DDR, making it the correct answer.

Explanation

DDR (Double Data Rate) is a type of memory technology that doubles the data rate by processing data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal. This means that data is transferred twice as quickly compared to regular SDRAM. The statement accurately describes the key feature of DDR, making it the correct answer.

7. A(n) _____________ is an area on the motherboard that holds the minimum number of memory chips or memory modules that must work together as a unit.

Bank

Section

Memory space

Memory controller hub

A bank is an area on the motherboard that holds the minimum number of memory chips or memory modules that must work together as a unit.

Explanation

A bank is an area on the motherboard that holds the minimum number of memory chips or memory modules that must work together as a unit.

8. Computer memory is divided into two categories: ______________ and ______________.

DDR and DDR2

DRAM and SRAM

Parity and ECC

ROM and RAM

Computer memory is divided into two categories: ROM and RAM. ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, which is non-volatile memory that stores permanent data and instructions that cannot be changed or erased by normal computer operations. RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is volatile memory that stores temporary data and instructions that can be read from and written to by the computer. Both ROM and RAM are essential components of a computer's memory system, with ROM providing permanent storage and RAM providing temporary storage for data and instructions during the computer's operation.

Explanation

Computer memory is divided into two categories: ROM and RAM. ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, which is non-volatile memory that stores permanent data and instructions that cannot be changed or erased by normal computer operations. RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is volatile memory that stores temporary data and instructions that can be read from and written to by the computer. Both ROM and RAM are essential components of a computer's memory system, with ROM providing permanent storage and RAM providing temporary storage for data and instructions during the computer's operation.

9. ___________ is contained within the processor housing and sometimes embedded on the motherboard.

SRAM

DRAM

DDR2

DDR

SRAM is a type of memory that is contained within the processor housing and sometimes embedded on the motherboard. SRAM stands for Static Random Access Memory, and it is a type of memory that retains data as long as power is supplied to it. It is commonly used in cache memory, which is a small and fast memory that stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval. Unlike DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) which requires constant refreshing to retain data, SRAM is faster and more reliable. DDR2 and DDR are types of memory modules that are used for system memory, not typically contained within the processor housing.

Explanation

SRAM is a type of memory that is contained within the processor housing and sometimes embedded on the motherboard. SRAM stands for Static Random Access Memory, and it is a type of memory that retains data as long as power is supplied to it. It is commonly used in cache memory, which is a small and fast memory that stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval. Unlike DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) which requires constant refreshing to retain data, SRAM is faster and more reliable. DDR2 and DDR are types of memory modules that are used for system memory, not typically contained within the processor housing.

10. True or false?
When using RIMMs some memory slots on the motherboard can be empty.

True

False

When using RIMMs (Rambus Inline Memory Modules), all memory slots on the motherboard must be populated with memory modules. RIMMs require a specific configuration where each slot must have a memory module installed in order to function properly. Therefore, it is not possible to have empty memory slots when using RIMMs.

Explanation

When using RIMMs (Rambus Inline Memory Modules), all memory slots on the motherboard must be populated with memory modules. RIMMs require a specific configuration where each slot must have a memory module installed in order to function properly. Therefore, it is not possible to have empty memory slots when using RIMMs.

11. A placeholder memory module, called a _____________, is sometimes used to ensure continuity throughout all memory slots.

RIMM

C-RIMM

RDRAM

SO-DIMM

A C-RIMM (Continuity-RIMM) is a placeholder memory module that is used to ensure continuity throughout all memory slots. It is commonly used in conjunction with RIMM (Rambus Inline Memory Module) memory technology. The purpose of the C-RIMM is to maintain the electrical continuity and signal integrity of the memory bus when a memory slot is left unpopulated. This helps to prevent any disruptions or errors in the memory system.

Explanation

A C-RIMM (Continuity-RIMM) is a placeholder memory module that is used to ensure continuity throughout all memory slots. It is commonly used in conjunction with RIMM (Rambus Inline Memory Module) memory technology. The purpose of the C-RIMM is to maintain the electrical continuity and signal integrity of the memory bus when a memory slot is left unpopulated. This helps to prevent any disruptions or errors in the memory system.

12. If a memory module doesn't support registers or buffers, it's always referred to as a(n) __________________ DIMM.

Unregistered

Unbuffered

Unchecked

Incompatible

A memory module that does not support registers or buffers is referred to as an unbuffered DIMM. This means that the module does not have additional circuits or components to enhance or optimize data transfer. Unbuffered DIMMs are typically used in consumer-grade computers and offer lower latency but may have limitations in terms of maximum capacity and speed compared to registered or buffered DIMMs.

Explanation

A memory module that does not support registers or buffers is referred to as an unbuffered DIMM. This means that the module does not have additional circuits or components to enhance or optimize data transfer. Unbuffered DIMMs are typically used in consumer-grade computers and offer lower latency but may have limitations in terms of maximum capacity and speed compared to registered or buffered DIMMs.

13. In older DRAM memory systems, a(n) _______________ error always caused the system to halt.

Self-checking

ECC

Parity

Error correcting code

In older DRAM memory systems, a parity error always caused the system to halt. Parity is a method of error detection that involves adding an extra bit to each byte of data. This extra bit is set to either 0 or 1, depending on the number of 1s in the byte. When the data is read, the system checks if the number of 1s is odd or even. If the parity bit does not match the expected value, it indicates that an error has occurred. In older systems, a parity error would cause the system to halt as a precautionary measure to prevent further data corruption.

Explanation

In older DRAM memory systems, a parity error always caused the system to halt. Parity is a method of error detection that involves adding an extra bit to each byte of data. This extra bit is set to either 0 or 1, depending on the number of 1s in the byte. When the data is read, the system checks if the number of 1s is odd or even. If the parity bit does not match the expected value, it indicates that an error has occurred. In older systems, a parity error would cause the system to halt as a precautionary measure to prevent further data corruption.

14. Which of the following best describes odd parity?

A parity error occurs only when there is an odd number of bits.

Newer DRAM systems also us odd parity error checking.

Odd parity is a method of error checking in which the parity bit is set to either 1 or 0 in order to ensure that the total number of 1s in the 9 bits (8 data bits + 1 parity bit) is odd. This means that if there are an even number of 1s in the data bits, the parity bit will be set to 1 to make the total number of 1s odd. Similarly, if there are an odd number of 1s in the data bits, the parity bit will be set to 0 to maintain odd parity. This allows for the detection of single-bit errors during data transmission.

Explanation

Odd parity is a method of error checking in which the parity bit is set to either 1 or 0 in order to ensure that the total number of 1s in the 9 bits (8 data bits + 1 parity bit) is odd. This means that if there are an even number of 1s in the data bits, the parity bit will be set to 1 to make the total number of 1s odd. Similarly, if there are an odd number of 1s in the data bits, the parity bit will be set to 0 to maintain odd parity. This allows for the detection of single-bit errors during data transmission.

15. _______________ memory costs more, but it is more reliable and is generally used on servers.

ECC

Parity

DIMM

SIMM

ECC stands for Error Correcting Code, which is a type of memory that is more expensive but provides better reliability by detecting and correcting errors in data. It is commonly used in server environments where data integrity is crucial. Parity memory, on the other hand, only detects errors but does not correct them. DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module) and SIMM (Single In-Line Memory Module) are physical form factors for memory modules and do not directly relate to reliability or cost.

Explanation

ECC stands for Error Correcting Code, which is a type of memory that is more expensive but provides better reliability by detecting and correcting errors in data. It is commonly used in server environments where data integrity is crucial. Parity memory, on the other hand, only detects errors but does not correct them. DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module) and SIMM (Single In-Line Memory Module) are physical form factors for memory modules and do not directly relate to reliability or cost.

16. How many bits are in the SIMM's data path?

16

32

64

128

The SIMM's data path consists of 32 bits. This means that it can process and transfer data in chunks of 32 bits at a time.

Explanation

The SIMM's data path consists of 32 bits. This means that it can process and transfer data in chunks of 32 bits at a time.

17. True or false?
The smaller the speed rating is, the faster the chip.

True

False

The statement is incorrect. The speed rating of a chip refers to the maximum frequency at which it can operate. Therefore, a higher speed rating indicates a faster chip as it can process data at a higher frequency. Conversely, a smaller speed rating would imply a slower chip.

Explanation

The statement is incorrect. The speed rating of a chip refers to the maximum frequency at which it can operate. Therefore, a higher speed rating indicates a faster chip as it can process data at a higher frequency. Conversely, a smaller speed rating would imply a slower chip.

18. True or false?
In a DIMM, each pin pair is tied together into a single contact.

True

False

In a DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module), each pin pair is not tied together into a single contact. Instead, each pin pair is connected to a separate contact, allowing for increased data transfer and improved performance. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Explanation

In a DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module), each pin pair is not tied together into a single contact. Instead, each pin pair is connected to a separate contact, allowing for increased data transfer and improved performance. Therefore, the correct answer is False.