1
Q
What type of memory on a motherboard is commonly referred to as RAM?
A
DRAM (Dynamic RAM)
2
Q
What is SRAM typically used for in a PC?
A
CPU cache (faster and more expensive than DRAM)
3
Q
Fill-in-the-blank: DRAM cells must be periodically ______ to retain data.
A
refreshed
4
Q
What is a DIMM?
A
Dual In-line Memory Module used in desktops
5
Q
What is a SODIMM?
A
Small Outline DIMM used in laptops/printers
6
Q
Which desktop DDR generation uses 1.1 V and 288 pins?
A
DDR5 (desktop DIMM)
7
Q
How many pins are on a DDR5 SODIMM?
A
262 pins
8
Q
How many pins and nominal voltage for DDR4 desktop DIMMs?
A
288 pins, ~1.2 V
9
Q
How many pins and nominal voltage for DDR3 desktop DIMMs?
A
240 pins, ~1.5 V (DDR3L ~1.35 V)
10
Q
How many pins on DDR4 SODIMMs?
A
260 pins
11
Q
How many pins on DDR3 SODIMMs?
A
204 pins
12
Q
Are DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 modules cross-compatible?
A
No; different notches and voltages
13
Q
What is a heat spreader on memory?
A
A metal shell that helps dissipate heat from the module
14
Q
What is ECC RAM?
A
Memory with error correction (SECDED): corrects single-bit errors, detects double-bit errors
15
Q
Where is ECC most commonly used?
A
Servers/workstations (requires CPU and motherboard support)
16
Q
What is registered (buffered) memory?
A
DIMMs with a register between DRAM and the memory controller for stability (server use)
17
Q
Can you mix UDIMM and RDIMM in the same system?
A
No; they are not interoperable
18
Q
What is an LRDIMM?
A
Load-Reduced DIMM using buffers to lower electrical load for higher capacity/stability
19
Q
What does SPD stand for on a memory module?
A
Serial Presence Detect: EEPROM with module specs (capacity, timings, voltage)
20
Q
What is XMP?
A
Extreme Memory Profile (Intel): pre-defined overclock timing/voltage profiles
21
Q
What is EXPO?
A
AMD EXPO: AMD’s memory overclock profiles analogous to XMP
22
Q
What is a memory ‘kit’?
A
Pre-tested matched modules guaranteed to work together (ideal for multi-channel)
23
Q
What is dual-channel memory?
A
Two memory channels used in parallel to increase bandwidth
24
Q
How should you populate slots for dual-channel?
A
Install matched sticks in the same-colored/paired slots (often A2+B2)
25
What is quad-channel memory?
Four-channel memory architecture on some HEDT/server boards
26
What happens when mixing different speed DIMMs?
All memory runs at the lowest common speed/timings
27
What does CL (CAS Latency) measure?
Clock cycles between a read command and data availability
28
Does a lower CL always mean lower latency?
Not necessarily; true latency depends on cycles and clock speed (ns)
29
What does 'DDR4-3200' actually describe?
Effective data rate of 3200 MT/s (I/O clock ~1600 MHz)
30
What is a memory rank?
A 64-bit wide group of chips presented to the controller (single/dual-rank, etc.)
31
What is the impact of dual-rank vs single-rank?
Dual-rank may improve throughput but can reduce max stable frequency
32
What is virtual memory in Windows?
Using disk space as pretend RAM to extend working memory
33
What is the Windows file used for virtual memory?
Paging file (pagefile.sys)
34
What Windows tool visually shows memory usage?
Task Manager > Performance tab
35
What tool tests RAM in Windows?
Windows Memory Diagnostic (mdsched.exe)
36
What third-party bootable tool is commonly used to test RAM?
MemTest86
37
What is flash memory?
Nonvolatile solid-state storage used in SSDs and USB flash drives
38
Which memory card family includes SD, miniSD, and microSD?
Secure Digital (SD)
39
What is the safe way to remove a USB flash drive in Windows?
Use 'Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media'
40
What common behavior shortens USB flash drive life?
Unplugging without ejecting during writes
41
What should you align when installing a DIMM?
The module notch(es) with the keyed slot
42
If new RAM is installed and the PC won’t boot, what’s the first check?
Ensure the module is fully seated and latches clicked
43
After installing RAM, the PC beeps and fails to boot—what next?
Power off, reseat modules, try one stick at a time and consult beep codes
44
What should you check in firmware after adding RAM?
Verify total capacity/timings recognized (load XMP/EXPO if desired)
45
What is the typical RAM limit for a 32-bit Windows OS?
4 GB addressable (often ~3–3.5 GB usable)
46
What else can limit usable RAM besides the motherboard?
The operating system’s edition/bitness limits
47
What should you review before buying RAM?
Motherboard QVL, supported type/speed, max per slot and total capacity
48
What is the benefit of using matched kits for dual-channel?
Ensures identical specs for stability and optimal bandwidth
49
What happens if only one DIMM slot is populated on a 2-slot board?
Memory runs in single-channel mode
50
How do you achieve dual-channel on a 2-slot board?
Populate both DIMM slots with matched modules
51
What is the main difference between DRAM and SRAM?
DRAM needs refresh (slower, cheaper); SRAM does not (faster, costly)
52
What Windows feature lets legacy apps run on newer OS versions?
Compatibility mode
53
What is the primary symptom of faulty RAM during use?
Random crashes/BSODs, reboots, or application errors
54
What can unstable memory overclocks cause?
Boot loops, data corruption, or system crashes
55
What is memory 'training' during boot?
Controller adjusts timings to initialize DIMMs reliably
56
What is the safest approach to memory overclocking?
Increase gradually and test stability (e.g., stress tests, MemTest86)
57
What is 'JEDEC' in memory context?
Standards body defining official memory specs/timings
58
Why might XMP/EXPO be disabled by default?
To ensure maximum compatibility using JEDEC-safe settings
59
What is 'command rate' (CR) in memory timings?
Delay between chip select and commands (e.g., 1T vs 2T)
60
What are typical desktop DDR voltages by generation?
DDR3 ~1.5 V (DDR3L 1.35 V), DDR4 ~1.2 V, DDR5 ~1.1 V
61
Can ECC DIMMs operate in non-ECC mode on some boards?
Sometimes, but support varies; many consumer boards won’t POST with ECC
62
Do most consumer platforms support RDIMM/LRDIMM?
No; servers/workstations typically required
63
What is the best first step for 'low memory' slowdowns?
Add more physical RAM
64
What disk housekeeping helps virtual memory performance?
Maintain ample free disk space for the paging file and caching
65
What is the recommended action if mixing capacities across channels?
Use symmetric sizes per channel to keep dual-channel active
66
What can happen if channels are populated asymmetrically?
Controller may fall back to single-channel or 'flex' mode
67
What does 'unbuffered' memory mean?
Standard consumer DIMMs without a register/buffer (UDIMM)
68
What is the difference between SODIMM and DIMM beyond size?
Different pin counts/keying; not interchangeable
69
What is 'pagefile sizing' best practice for most users?
Leave system-managed size enabled
70
What should you do if Windows reports new memory but shows less usable?
Check for 32-bit OS, firmware memory remapping, or integrated GPU reservation
71
Which component often reserves system RAM automatically?
Integrated graphics (iGPU) as shared memory
72
What can cause new high-speed RAM to run at a lower speed?
JEDEC defaults; enable XMP/EXPO and ensure CPU/board support
73
What should you do if enabling XMP/EXPO causes instability?
Revert to JEDEC or use a lower profile/timings; update BIOS
74
What is the function of the memory controller?
Manages communication between CPU and RAM (on-die in modern CPUs)
75
What is tCL-tRCD-tRP-tRAS shorthand for?
Primary memory timings: CAS, RAS-to-CAS, Row Precharge, Active to Precharge
76
What is the 'kit' recommendation for upgrades?
Buy a multi-stick kit rather than adding a random extra DIMM later
77
What detail on the label helps verify a matching pair?
Same part number/timings/voltage/revision
78
What is the role of the notch position on DDR modules?
Prevents insertion of the wrong DDR generation
79
What tool/command opens Windows Memory Diagnostic quickly?
Run 'mdsched.exe'
80
Where can you see physical memory and virtual memory stats in Windows?
Task Manager > Performance or System Information
81
What’s a quick hardware step if RAM won’t click in place?
Check for misplaced standoffs/obstructions and align the DIMM straight down
82
What is the typical user-facing sign of a bad SODIMM in a laptop?
Power-on beeps/no POST or random crashes; reseat/replace the SODIMM
83
What should you check if RAM installation coincided with loose connections?
Nearby power/data cables possibly dislodged during install
84
What is the safe handling practice for memory modules?
Hold by edges; avoid touching contacts; use ESD precautions
85
What is the benefit of heat spreaders on high-performance RAM?
Improved thermal dissipation for stability under load
86
What is the practical limit of RAM usable on 32-bit client Windows?
About 3–3.5 GB due to address space reservations
87
What firmware setting exposes memory overclock profiles?
XMP (Intel) / EXPO (AMD) option in UEFI
88
What is a common cause of DOA behavior after RAM install besides seating?
Incompatible type/speed/voltage or mixing RDIMM with UDIMM
89
What is the best single diagnostic if you suspect RAM issues?
Boot MemTest86 and run multiple passes
90
What is the purpose of motherboard QVL for memory?
Lists tested modules proven to work with the board
91
What Windows path helps check installed RAM quickly?
Settings > System > About (or right-click This PC > Properties)
92
What is the consequence of disabling the pagefile entirely?
Risk of app crashes, memory allocation failures, and limited crash dumps
93
What Windows feature can page out rarely used memory contents?
Virtual memory via the paging file
94
What is the first three-step checklist before a memory upgrade?
Know current RAM, available slots, and board/OS maximums
95
How do you restore stability after repeated RAM-related BSODs?
Return to JEDEC settings, reseat modules, test one stick at a time
96
What should you verify if the system reports 'Memory changed' on boot?
Enter UEFI, confirm capacity, save/exit to retrain memory
97
What is a typical cause of 'no display' after RAM changes?
DIMM not fully latched or installed in the wrong slots for the channel pairing
98
What does 'single-channel mode' imply for performance?
Lower memory bandwidth compared to dual-/multi-channel
99
Why is using identical DIMMs per channel important?
Maximizes compatibility and performance in multi-channel mode
100
What is the main advantage of more RAM vs relying on virtual memory?
Higher performance by avoiding slow disk paging
101
What is the best practice for handling USB flash drives during file transfers?
Wait for transfers to complete and use Eject to avoid corruption
Comptia A+
flashcards
Decks in class (19)
# Cards
-
Chapter 1 - Introduction to the World of IT79
-
Chapter 2 - Connectivity80
-
Chapter 3 - On the Motherboard100
-
Chapter 4 - Introduction to Configuration78
-
Chapter 5 - Disassembly and Power100
-
Chapter 6 - Memory101
-
Chapter 7 - Storage Devices111
-
Chapter 8 - Video and Multimedia Devices107
-
Chapter 9 - Printers/Multifunction Devices107
-
Chapter 10 - Mobile Devices109
-
Chapter 11 - Computer Design and Troubleshooting Review87
-
Chapter 12 - Internet Connectivity, Virtualization, and Cloud Technologies101
-
Chapter 13 - Networking121
-
Chapter 14 - Introduction to Operating Systems109
-
Chapter 15 - Introduction to Scripting117
-
Chapter 16 - Advanced Windows105
-
Chapter 17 - macOS and Linux Operating Systems114
-
Chapter 18 - Computer and Network Security104
-
Chapter 19 - Operational Procedures89
