Chapter 2: Computer Hardware and Peripheral Devices (Set-5)
In modern UEFI systems, which partition type is commonly required on a GPT disk to store boot files
A B. Recovery partition
B C. Swap partition
C A. EFI system partition
D D. Cache partition
UEFI typically boots from the EFI System Partition (ESP) on a GPT disk. The ESP stores bootloaders and related files. Recovery and swap serve other functions and do not hold UEFI boot files.
In x86 systems, which CPU mode enables accessing more than 4 GB RAM with 64-bit instructions
A B. Real mode
B C. Protected 16
C D. Virtual 8086
D A. Long mode
Long mode is the 64-bit CPU mode that supports 64-bit instructions and large memory addressing beyond 4 GB. Real mode and virtual 8086 are legacy modes and do not provide full 64-bit capabilities.
A CPU cache “miss” most directly causes which immediate performance effect during execution
A A. Wait for RAM
B B. Faster GPU output
C C. More disk space
D D. Higher monitor Hz
A cache miss forces the CPU to fetch data from slower memory levels like RAM, increasing latency. This stalls execution cycles and reduces performance. It does not directly increase disk space or display refresh.
On a motherboard, the PCIe lane count most directly limits what practical capability
A B. Printer ink usage
B A. High-speed device bandwidth
C C. Speaker loudness
D D. Keyboard rollover
PCIe lanes determine how much bandwidth expansion devices like GPUs and NVMe SSDs can use. Fewer lanes can restrict peak throughput. It does not affect ink, loudness, or keyboard features.
In dual-channel RAM, what causes single-channel operation even when two sticks are installed
A B. Low printer ink
B C. Loose HDMI cable
C D. Old mouse pad
D A. Wrong slot pairing
Dual-channel needs correct slot pairing (often same-colored slots). If both modules are installed in the same channel, the system may run single-channel, reducing memory bandwidth and performance.
Which BIOS/UEFI feature prevents unsigned bootloaders and some boot-time malware from loading
A A. Secure Boot
B B. Fast Startup
C C. Disk Cleanup
D D. Print Spooler
Secure Boot verifies bootloaders using trusted signatures, blocking unauthorized boot code. This reduces boot-time malware risk. Fast Startup is an OS feature, and Disk Cleanup/Spooler are unrelated.
When BIOS shows a “CPU fan error,” what is the most likely risk if ignored
A B. Faster boot time
B C. Extra storage space
C D. Better Wi-Fi speed
D A. Thermal shutdown
If the CPU fan is not spinning or not detected, the CPU may overheat quickly. Modern systems throttle or shut down to prevent damage. It will not improve boot speed or Wi-Fi.
Which connector is typically used to power the CPU separately from the 24-pin motherboard power plug
A B. HDMI connector
B C. SATA data plug
C A. 4/8-pin EPS
D D. RJ45 connector
The 4-pin or 8-pin EPS (CPU power) connector supplies dedicated power for the CPU voltage regulators. HDMI is display, SATA data is storage data, and RJ45 is networking.
Which technology on SSDs is most associated with reducing write performance drop by storing some data in faster area
A A. SLC cache
B B. VGA buffer
C C. ROM mirror
D D. USB polling
Many consumer SSDs use an SLC cache to write data quickly before moving it to slower TLC/QLC cells. This improves burst performance. VGA/ROM/USB terms do not describe SSD caching.
When an HDD is “defragmented,” what is the main goal in terms of disk head movement
A B. Increase CPU clocks
B C. Improve Wi-Fi signal
C D. Add more RAM
D A. Reduce seek time
Defragmentation arranges file pieces contiguously to reduce the mechanical movement needed by HDD heads. This can improve read performance. SSDs don’t need it, and it doesn’t affect CPU or Wi-Fi.
Which RAID level can keep working if one drive fails while also providing improved read performance
A A. RAID 1
B C. RAID 5
C B. RAID 0
D D. RAID 10
RAID 5 uses parity across drives so it can tolerate one drive failure while still operating. It often improves read speed. RAID 0 has no redundancy; RAID 1 mirrors; RAID 10 combines mirror+stripe.
In RAID 0, what is the biggest risk compared to a single drive
A A. Total data loss
B B. Lower write speed
C C. Less storage use
D D. Stronger security
RAID 0 stripes data without redundancy. If any one drive fails, the entire array’s data is usually lost. It increases speed, but reliability decreases significantly compared to mirrored or parity RAID.
Which Windows driver type is most responsible for enabling a USB keyboard to work immediately on most systems
A B. GPU driver
B C. SATA driver
C D. Audio driver
D A. HID driver
Human Interface Device (HID) class drivers allow keyboards and mice to work without special vendor drivers. This supports plug-and-play. GPU, SATA, and audio drivers manage different hardware categories.
If a device repeatedly disconnects only on one USB port, which cause is most likely
A B. Wrong wallpaper
B C. Old keyboard layout
C A. Faulty USB port
D D. Low monitor resolution
If the same device works elsewhere but fails on one port, the port or its internal header may be damaged or loose. Wallpaper, keyboard layout, and resolution do not cause port-level disconnects.
Which cable category term describes a twisted-pair Ethernet cable type used for typical office LAN
A A. Cat5e cable
B B. SATA cable
C C. VGA cable
D D. DVI cable
Cat5e is a common twisted-pair Ethernet cable category supporting typical LAN speeds. SATA is for internal drives, and VGA/DVI are display cables. Cat5e uses RJ45 connectors.
What is the most accurate purpose of the motherboard VRM section near the CPU socket
A B. Store BIOS settings
B A. Regulate CPU voltage
C C. Expand USB ports
D D. Print faster pages
VRMs convert and regulate power from the PSU to stable voltages required by the CPU. Poor VRM cooling can cause instability. BIOS settings are firmware; USB expansion and printing are unrelated.
When a PC shows random freezes under load, which PSU issue can be a hidden cause
A B. Low keyboard quality
B C. Old USB hub
C D. Wrong monitor size
D A. Unstable power output
If the PSU cannot maintain stable voltage under load, the system may freeze or reboot. This is common with aging or low-quality PSUs. Keyboard, USB hub, or monitor size usually aren’t the cause.
Which ESD practice is safest when placing a motherboard outside the cabinet during repair
A A. Use anti-static mat
B B. Keep on carpet
C C. Touch PSU fan
D D. Rub plastic cover
An anti-static mat reduces static buildup and protects sensitive components. Carpets increase static risk. Touching fans or rubbing plastic can generate static. Proper grounding is the safest method.
In a laser printer, which component holds toner and transfers it to paper using electrostatic charge
A B. Ink cartridge
B C. Print ribbon
C D. Paper tray
D A. Imaging drum
The imaging drum is charged and attracts toner in laser printing, then transfers toner to paper before fusing. Ink cartridges are for inkjet printers. Ribbons are for dot matrix, and trays hold paper.
In a thermal printer, why can printed receipts fade over months or years
A B. BIOS settings reset
B A. Heat-sensitive coating
C C. HDD fragmentation
D D. GPU driver missing
Thermal paper darkens with heat and light exposure because of a chemical coating. Over time, the print can fade. BIOS, HDD fragmentation, and GPU drivers do not affect receipt fading.
Which monitor technology difference is most accurate in common LED vs LCD market terms
A A. Backlight type differs
B B. LCD uses CRT
C C. LED uses ink
D D. Both are plasma
Most “LED monitors” are LCD panels with LED backlighting, while older LCDs used CCFL backlights. The display panel type is still LCD. It is not CRT, ink-based, or plasma.
Which connector type most commonly supports digital video and usually provides sharper output than VGA
A B. RJ11 phone
B C. PS/2 mouse
C D. Molex power
D A. DVI digital
DVI transmits digital video, reducing noise and improving sharpness compared to analog VGA. RJ11 is telephone, PS/2 is input, and Molex is power—none are digital video interfaces.
If a laptop has only USB-C but the monitor is HDMI, which accessory is most appropriate
A B. RJ45 to VGA
B C. SATA to DVI
C A. USB-C to HDMI
D D. Audio to USB
A USB-C to HDMI adapter/cable converts the USB-C display output (often via DisplayPort Alt Mode) to HDMI for the monitor. The other combinations do not match display signal needs.
Which Windows setting helps prevent sudden power loss from corrupting files by ensuring data is written safely
A A. Enable write caching off
B B. Increase screen refresh
C C. Disable keyboard driver
D D. Change wallpaper
Disabling write caching (or using “Quick removal” policy) reduces risk of corruption if a drive is unplugged suddenly, though it may reduce performance. Screen refresh and wallpaper do not affect file writes.
In USB, what does “OTG” mainly change about a device like a smartphone
A B. Adds more RAM
B C. Increases screen size
C D. Converts AC power
D A. Makes it host
OTG allows a phone to act as a USB host to connect peripherals like pen drives and keyboards. It changes USB role behavior, not memory size, screen size, or power conversion.
Which troubleshooting step best confirms whether a “no display” issue is caused by a monitor or the PC
A B. Delete temp files
B A. Test with other monitor
C C. Update printer driver
D D. Increase speaker volume
Trying another monitor or cable isolates whether the fault is in the monitor/cable or the PC’s output. Software actions like deleting files or updating printer drivers won’t diagnose hardware display issues.
Which storage device feature most directly explains why SSDs are resistant to shock compared to HDDs
A B. Uses toner powder
B C. Needs laser lens
C A. No moving parts
D D. Has cooling fan
SSDs use flash memory chips and have no spinning platters or heads, so they tolerate shock better. HDDs are mechanical. Toner and lasers are printer/optical concepts, and fans are unrelated.
In BIOS/UEFI, what is the most common reason to disable “Fast Boot” during troubleshooting
A B. Increase Wi-Fi speed
B C. Add more storage
C D. Improve printer ink
D A. Allow full hardware check
Fast Boot skips or shortens some hardware checks to boot faster. Disabling it can help detect devices, allow USB keyboard access earlier, or see full POST messages during troubleshooting.
Which USB version change is most associated with a jump to much higher transfer speed compared to USB 2.0
A A. USB 3.0
B B. VGA 3.0
C C. SATA 1.0
D D. DVI 2.0
USB 3.0 (SuperSpeed) provides far higher bandwidth than USB 2.0, improving transfer speed for drives and devices. VGA/DVI version labels don’t apply this way, and SATA is a different interface.
When installing a new GPU, which slot type is required on most modern motherboards
A B. DIMM slot
B C. SATA port
C A. PCIe x16
D D. RJ45 port
Modern GPUs use PCIe x16 slots for high bandwidth. DIMM slots are for RAM, SATA ports are for drives, and RJ45 is Ethernet. Correct slot choice is essential for compatibility.
What is the biggest risk of using a very low-quality “cheap” power cable or loose plug for a PC
A B. Better cooling flow
B C. Higher screen pixels
C D. Faster printer output
D A. Intermittent power loss
Poor or loose power cables can cause sudden shutdowns, sparking, or unstable voltage delivery. That can corrupt data and damage hardware. It does not improve cooling, display, or printer performance.
Which storage interface is typically used by an external hard drive when connected to a computer
A A. USB interface
B B. PCIe x16
C C. DIMM interface
D D. PS/2 interface
External HDDs most commonly connect via USB (and sometimes USB-C). PCIe x16 is for internal expansion cards, DIMM is for RAM, and PS/2 is an old input interface.
Which Windows tool is most useful to see whether a storage drive is detected but has no drive letter
A B. Task Manager
B A. Disk Management
C C. Notepad tool
D D. Paint tool
Disk Management shows partitions, file systems, and drive letters. If a drive is detected but not visible in File Explorer, it may need a drive letter or partition fix. Task Manager won’t show that.
If a device works only after reinstalling its driver repeatedly, what is a likely underlying cause
A B. Extra RAM slots
B C. Strong HDMI signal
C D. New mouse pad
D A. Corrupt driver files
Corrupted or conflicting driver files can cause recurring device failures until reinstalled. The solution may involve clean driver removal, updated drivers, or OS repair. RAM slots or HDMI signal do not cause this.
Which component most directly affects how many USB ports can be supported on a motherboard panel
A A. Chipset USB controller
B B. Monitor backlight
C C. Ink cartridge
D D. Keyboard keycaps
The chipset and onboard USB controllers provide the lanes and logic for USB ports. More controllers and headers allow more ports. Monitor, ink, and keycaps have no relation to USB port count.
When building a PC, which motherboard feature must match the cabinet to fit properly
A B. Screen size
B C. File system
C A. Form factor
D D. Printer type
Motherboard form factor (ATX, microATX, mini-ITX) must match the case mounting points and size. Screen size and printer type are external, and file system is a software storage format.
Which practice most directly reduces the chance of data loss from sudden disk failure without warning
A B. Use higher brightness
B C. Use larger mouse
C D. Use VGA cable
D A. Use 3-2-1 backup
3-2-1 backup means 3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy offsite. This protects against drive failure, theft, and disasters. Brightness and cables don’t protect data.
Which symptom most strongly suggests a failing CMOS battery rather than a software problem
A B. Slow typing speed
B A. Time resets often
C C. Low speaker output
D D. Blurry screen text
Frequent date/time reset after power-off is a classic sign of a weak CMOS battery. Software issues rarely reset hardware clock settings repeatedly. Typing, audio, and text blur relate to other causes.
Which type of connector is used to attach the front-panel power switch to the motherboard
A A. Front panel header
B B. HDMI header
C C. SATA header
D D. DVI header
Front panel headers connect case buttons and LEDs (power switch, reset, HDD LED) to the motherboard. HDMI/DVI are display connectors, and SATA is storage—none are used for power switch wiring.
In storage, what does “read latency” mainly describe for performance comparison
A B. Disk size in GB
B C. Screen pixels count
C D. Printer pages rate
D A. Time to fetch data
Read latency is the delay between requesting data and receiving it. Lower latency means faster response, especially in OS and app loading. It is different from capacity, resolution, or printing speed.
If a PC shows “USB device not recognized,” which first action is most technically sound
A B. Reinstall Windows
B C. Replace monitor
C A. Try another port
D D. Change BIOS logo
Trying another USB port or cable helps isolate whether the port, cable, or device is faulty. Reinstalling Windows is too extreme initially. Monitor and BIOS logo settings do not affect USB detection.
Which type of drive is most suitable when very high random IOPS are required in many small file operations
A B. DVD drive
B C. Tape drive
C D. Floppy disk
D A. NVMe SSD
NVMe SSDs deliver high IOPS and low latency, ideal for many small random reads/writes. Optical, tape, and floppy drives are very slow for such workloads and not designed for high IOPS.
In a PC, which term best matches “POST” during startup
A B. Permanent OS storage
B A. Power-on self test
C C. Printer output service
D D. Peripheral optical scan
POST is a startup check performed by BIOS/UEFI to verify hardware like RAM and CPU. Failures may show beeps or messages. It is not OS storage or printing services.
Which action is most recommended before updating motherboard BIOS/UEFI to reduce risk
A A. Ensure stable power
B B. Increase speaker volume
C C. Delete temp files
D D. Change keyboard layout
A power loss during BIOS/UEFI update can corrupt firmware and prevent booting. Using a UPS and correct file reduces risk. Volume, temp files, and layout changes do not protect firmware update process.
Which term best describes a USB connector that can be inserted either way without orientation issues
A B. VGA Type-C
B C. SATA Type-C
C D. DVI Type-C
D A. USB Type-C
USB-C is reversible and supports power, data, and sometimes display. VGA/DVI/SATA do not have Type-C connectors in the same standard sense. USB-C is the correct reversible connector.
When a PC is connected to the internet through a cable, which hardware device commonly provides DHCP and routing at home
A B. Plotter device
B C. Tape drive
C A. Wi-Fi router
D D. Heat sink
Home routers typically provide routing, NAT, and DHCP for connected devices, both wired and wireless. Plotters, tape drives, and heat sinks are unrelated to networking services.
Which printing method uses tiny dots formed by pins striking an ink ribbon onto paper
A A. Dot matrix printing
B B. Laser printing
C C. Inkjet printing
D D. Thermal printing
Dot matrix printers are impact printers that strike a ribbon, creating characters with dots. Laser uses toner and electrostatic imaging, inkjet sprays ink, and thermal uses heat-sensitive paper.
Which motherboard header is typically used to connect front USB ports from the cabinet
A B. HDMI header
B C. VGA header
C D. DVI header
D A. USB header
Front panel USB ports connect to internal USB headers on the motherboard. HDMI/DVI/VGA are external video connectors and are not used as internal headers for front USB ports.
If a PC suddenly shuts down during gaming, which combined check is most useful first
A B. Wallpaper and theme
B A. Temps and PSU
C C. Fonts and icons
D D. Browser cache
Gaming stresses CPU/GPU and power draw. Overheating or an unstable PSU can trigger shutdowns. Checking temperatures, fans, airflow, and PSU health is the fastest way to find the real cause.
Which statement is correct about using a UPS with a desktop and external storage drive
A B. Increases SSD speed
B C. Replaces device drivers
C D. Fixes bad sectors
D A. Allows safe shutdown
A UPS gives short backup time during power cuts, allowing safe shutdown and reducing file corruption risks. It does not increase storage speed, replace drivers, or repair physical disk bad sectors.