Computer Architecture and Components MCQ Test

Master the concepts of computer architecture and components with our MCQ Quiz. Test your knowledge on CPUs, memory units, buses and more. Ideal for IT students and professionals.

Questions (30)


  1. Which of the following is responsible for interpreting and executing instructions in a computer system?

    • a) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
    • b) Random Access Memory (RAM)
    • c) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
    • d) Motherboard
    View Answer
    Correct Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  2. What does the Control Unit (CU) in a CPU do?

    • a) It performs arithmetic and logical operations.
    • b) It stores data temporarily for fast access.
    • c) It directs the operation of the processor.
    • d) It communicates with input/output devices.
    View Answer
    Correct It directs the operation of the processor.
  3. What is the primary function of the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)?

    • a) It manages system memory.
    • b) It handles logical operations and arithmetic calculations.
    • c) It processes graphical data.
    • d) It stores program data.
    View Answer
    Correct It handles logical operations and arithmetic calculations.
  4. What type of memory is volatile and used to temporarily store data that the CPU is currently working on?

    • a) Read-Only Memory (ROM)
    • b) Hard Disk
    • c) Random Access Memory (RAM)
    • d) Flash Memory
    View Answer
    Correct Random Access Memory (RAM)
  5. What is the function of the system bus in computer architecture?

    • a) It manages power supply to the components.
    • b) It transfers data between different computer components.
    • c) It stores instructions and data temporarily.
    • d) It connects peripheral devices to the CPU.
    View Answer
    Correct It transfers data between different computer components.
  6. The motherboard in a computer system connects which of the following components?

    • a) CPU
    • b) RAM
    • c) Hard Drive
    • d) All of the above
    View Answer
    Correct All of the above
  7. Which of the following is a key characteristic of RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)?

    • a) It uses complex instructions.
    • b) It performs many operations in one instruction.
    • c) It uses a small set of simple instructions.
    • d) It relies on external memory storage.
    View Answer
    Correct It uses a small set of simple instructions.
  8. What is the purpose of a cache memory in a computer system?

    • a) To store data for long-term use.
    • b) To store operating system files.
    • c) To temporarily store frequently accessed data for fast retrieval.
    • d) To store system configuration files.
    View Answer
    Correct To temporarily store frequently accessed data for fast retrieval.
  9. What is the full form of "BIOS" in computer architecture?

    • a) Basic Integrated Operating System
    • b) Basic Input Output System
    • c) Basic Input Output Software
    • d) Binary Input Output System
    View Answer
    Correct Basic Input Output System
  10. Which of the following is an example of non-volatile memory?

    • a) RAM
    • b) Cache Memory
    • c) ROM
    • d) Register
    View Answer
    Correct ROM
  11. Which architecture uses a single set of instructions for both data and program storage?

    • a) Harvard Architecture
    • b) Von Neumann Architecture
    • c) RISC Architecture
    • d) CISC Architecture
    View Answer
    Correct Von Neumann Architecture
  12. What is the main function of a register in a CPU?

    • a) To store instructions
    • b) To perform calculations
    • c) To store temporary data for quick access
    • d) To communicate with external devices
    View Answer
    Correct To store temporary data for quick access
  13. What is the primary function of the system clock in a computer?

    • a) It generates the control signals for the CPU.
    • b) It manages data input and output.
    • c) It maintains the computer’s time.
    • d) It executes program instructions.
    View Answer
    Correct It generates the control signals for the CPU.
  14. Which of the following is used to convert digital signals into analog signals for transmission over a network?

    • a) Modem
    • b) Router
    • c) Network Interface Card (NIC)
    • d) Hub
    View Answer
    Correct Modem
  15. The term "bus" in computer architecture refers to what?

    • a) A software used to manage data transfer.
    • b) A communication pathway used to transfer data between components.
    • c) A component that stores data permanently.
    • d) A type of memory storage device.
    View Answer
    Correct A communication pathway used to transfer data between components.
  16. What does the acronym "GPU" stand for in computer architecture?

    • a) General Processing Unit
    • b) General Purpose Unit
    • c) Graphics Processing Unit
    • d) Graphics Programming Unit
    View Answer
    Correct Graphics Processing Unit
  17. What is a key characteristic of a multiprocessor system?

    • a) It has multiple CPUs for parallel processing tasks.
    • b) It uses a single processor to handle all tasks.
    • c) It can only process tasks one at a time.
    • d) It uses a single core for high-speed computing.
    View Answer
    Correct It has multiple CPUs for parallel processing tasks.
  18. The term "virtual memory" in computer systems refers to?

    • a) Memory allocated on external devices.
    • b) Memory that is only used temporarily.
    • c) A method of using hard drive space as additional RAM.
    • d) A special type of cache memory.
    View Answer
    Correct A method of using hard drive space as additional RAM.
  19. What is the role of the motherboard’s power connectors?

    • a) To store data
    • b) To distribute power to the CPU and other components
    • c) To control the system clock
    • d) To communicate with external devices
    View Answer
    Correct To distribute power to the CPU and other components
  20. Which of the following describes the term "overclocking" in computer architecture?

    • a) Increasing the speed of the CPU beyond its rated capacity.
    • b) Reducing the speed of the GPU for efficiency.
    • c) Using more than one CPU to process tasks.
    • d) Optimizing memory usage.
    View Answer
    Correct Increasing the speed of the CPU beyond its rated capacity.
  21. What does an "I/O port" refer to in computer architecture?

    • a) A component that manages internal data storage.
    • b) A connection point for peripherals like keyboards and monitors.
    • c) A type of processor used for data manipulation.
    • d) A part of the memory system that stores instructions.
    View Answer
    Correct A connection point for peripherals like keyboards and monitors.
  22. What is the purpose of an expansion slot on the motherboard?

    • a) To add additional memory
    • b) To add peripheral devices or expansion cards
    • c) To store operating system files
    • d) To connect the power supply
    View Answer
    Correct To add peripheral devices or expansion cards
  23. What is the function of a heat sink in a computer system?

    • a) To store data temporarily
    • b) To cool down the CPU and other components
    • c) To convert digital signals into analog signals
    • d) To provide extra power to the motherboard
    View Answer
    Correct To cool down the CPU and other components
  24. Which of the following best describes the function of a power supply unit (PSU)?

    • a) To regulate the flow of data between components
    • b) To provide electrical power to the computer's internal components
    • c) To store instructions and data
    • d) To handle input/output operations
    View Answer
    Correct To provide electrical power to the computer's internal components
  25. Which of the following is NOT a component of the computer’s CPU?

    • a) Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
    • b) Control Unit (CU)
    • c) Memory Unit (MU)
    • d) Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
    View Answer
    Correct Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
  26. Which component in the computer architecture is used to store data permanently, even when the computer is powered off?

    • a) Random Access Memory (RAM)
    • b) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
    • c) Read-Only Memory (ROM)
    • d) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
    View Answer
    Correct Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
  27. In the Von Neumann architecture, where is the program code stored?

    • a) In the CPU
    • b) In the Memory
    • c) In the Cache
    • d) In the Input/Output unit
    View Answer
    Correct In the Memory
  28. Which of the following is the correct function of the motherboard chipset?

    • a) It controls the flow of data between the CPU, memory and peripheral devices.
    • b) It stores the operating system.
    • c) It generates the system clock signals.
    • d) It performs calculations and logical operations.
    View Answer
    Correct It controls the flow of data between the CPU, memory and peripheral devices.
  29. In the context of computer architecture, what is pipelining?

    • a) A process that involves performing multiple instructions simultaneously.
    • b) A method for storing instructions in memory.
    • c) A way to manage power consumption in processors.
    • d) A technique for improving data transfer speeds.
    View Answer
    Correct A process that involves performing multiple instructions simultaneously.
  30. In a computer, what is the function of the video card?

    • a) To perform all arithmetic calculations
    • b) To display graphics and video on the monitor
    • c) To store data for future use
    • d) To handle input from the keyboard
    View Answer
    Correct To display graphics and video on the monitor

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