BIOS/UEFI 3.10.9 Practice Questions, 3.9.6 Practice Questions Troubleshooting Memory, 3.8.8 Practice Questions Memory Installation, 3.8.8 Practice Questions Memory Installation

What is the BIOS version number?

1610

How many hard drives are installed?

3

You have a computer that has four DDR2 memory slots. Currently there are two 512 MB memory modules installed. You check the motherboard documentation and find that the system has a 4 GB memory limitation. You want to add as much memory as possible without replacing the existing modules. What is the maximum total amount of RAM that can be installed in this system?

3 GB Explanation You can add more memory to the system bringing the total to 3 GB. The system currently has 1 GB of RAM. Because the motherboard has a 4 GB memory limit, there is also a 1 GB limit for each memory slot. Adding two 1 GB modules brings the total to 3 GB.

How much memory is installed in the computer?

4096 MB

You want to build a new system that supports 6 GB of memory. Which of the following will be the most important when building the computer?

64-bit processor Explanation To use over 4 GB of memory, you will need a 64-bit processor and a 64-bit operating system. 32-bit processors support up to (or slightly below) 4 GB of memory. While 6 GB of memory will likely use DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4, this is not a requirement. Triple channel memory uses three memory controllers to improve memory performance. ECC memory includes error correction on the memory.

You have a computer with a Pentium 4 CPU and two PC-2400 DDR modules. The motherboard has room for two additional memory modules, and you'd like to install two PC-4000 modules. Which of the following statements is true?

All memory will operate at 300 MHz. Explanation In this scenario, all memory will operate at 300 MHz. When you mix memory with different speed ratings, all memory will operate at the slowest frequency. Memory can operate at a frequency lower than its rating. The only way to get memory to operate at a higher frequency is to overclock the memory. However, memory is tested and rated at the highest frequency at which it is stable. While you can likely get some small performance gains through overclocking, it is unlikely that you will be able to push the PC-2400 memory up to PC-4000 and still have a stable system.

Explanation

At these critical times memory problems can manifest themselves: First boot of a new computer- memory is not properly seated, missing, or the motherboard is defective. After a memory upgrade-ensure that the memory is compatible and was installed and configured properly. After software installation-new software can require more memory and can cause problems if there is not enough memory for the software. After hardware installation or removal-incompletely or improperly installed hardware can cause errors that appear to be memory related.

Which of the following components is an example of firmware?

BIOS/UEFI Explanation The basic input/output system (BIOS) and unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) are examples of firmware. BIOS/UEFI is a software program that is stored on a non-volatile, removable, or erasable semiconductor chip. Cache is an area of memory that holds recently-accessed data. Random Access Memory (RAM) is a temporary data storage location that can be read from and written to. Cache and RAM are all examples of volatile memory. Data is lost when power is no longer supplied to the component. EEPROM is a type of read-only, non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices to store relatively small amounts of data.

What type of RAM might slow system performance because it holds memory addresses or data to improve stability on systems with more than 1 GB of RAM before it is transferred to the memory controller?

Buffered Explanation Buffered (or registered) RAM has a buffer that holds memory addresses or data before it is transferred to the memory controller. Buffered RAM improves stability on systems with a lot of RAM (over 1 GB) but it might slow system performance. Unbuffered memory does not have a buffer to hold memory addresses or data before it is transferred to the memory controller. Unbuffered memory can be found in servers and high-end workstation. Parity memory is a type of memory that checks for common kinds of internal data corruption. It does not correct internal data corruption. Non-parity memory does not perform error checking. EEPROM is RAM chip that holds non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices to store relatively small amounts of data.

With a memory module read request, there is a delay between the time of the data request and the time the data is available for output from the memory module. What is this delay called?

CAS Latency Explanation A factor that affects the performance of memory is the latency associated with accessing data in RAM. With a memory module read request, there is a delay between the time the data is requested and the time that the data is available on the module's output pins. This delay is called the CAS latency (CL). CL is expressed in the number of clock cycles that pass between the time of the request and the moment the data is available. Given memory modules of the same type and frequency, a lower CL indicates which memory module is faster. Frequency, also referred to as speed, is a major factor in measuring how fast or slow a memory module is. Capacity, also referred to as size, indicates how much data a memory module can store Clock cycle parity is a fictional concept.

Which of the following is a general term for the program that holds system information related to the starting of a computer?

CMOS Explanation CMOS is a general term for the program that stores important system information related to the starting of a computer. Data held in CMOS includes the hard disk type of configuration, the order of boot devices to try, and other configurable settings related to the system hardware. UEFI is firmware that was designed to replace BIOS. The UEFI program controls the startup process of a computer and loads the operating system into memory. Cache is an area of memory that holds recently- accessed data. Random Access Memory (RAM) is a temporary data storage location that can be read from and written to.

Which of the following components is necessary to keep the real-time clock running?

CMOS battery Explanation The CMOS battery supplies power to the CMOS to keep the real-time clock running. Formerly, the CMOS battery was needed to save system settings when the computer was powered off. Now EEPROM chips (EEPROM are ROM chips) have replaced CMOS chips, the battery isn't needed to save system settings.

You have an existing system that has a single DDR3 memory module installed. You would like to add more memory to the three remaining empty memory slots. What should you do to make sure you get the right memory for the system?

Check the motherboard documentation to find which modules are supported. Purchase additional modules that are the same as what is currently installed. Explanation To purchase the correct memory for your system, you can: - Check the motherboard documentation or the motherboard manufacturer's website to identify supported memory modules. - Purchase modules that are the same as what is currently installed. Be aware, however, that some motherboards may have limitations on the capacity of modules supported. For example, if a motherboard has four slots, you might be able to fill all slots only when memory modules are 1 GB or smaller. If you use larger modules, you may not be allowed to fill all of the slots. - Use an online configuration tool from a leading memory manufacturer to identify supported modules. Updating the BIOS might enable the motherboard to support newer memory modules, but you will still need to verify which modules are supported.

You want to upgrade all memory in your system with the fastest memory available. Which of the following should you choose?

Choose the type of memory that is supported by your motherboard. Explanation Different memory module form are not interchangeable. A motherboard will only accommodate one type of memory. Subsequently, the fastest memory in this will be the memory that fits in the system.

You just replaced the motherboard in your computer. Now your computer will not start. You press the power button on the system case, but nothing happens; there are no sounds or lights. What should you do?

Connect the power button to the motherboard. Explanation The system case power button connects to jumper pins on the motherboard, When you press the power button, the cable sends the power on signal to the computer. If the power button was connected, you would typically hear fans start up and see lights come on as the system boots. Even without a processor fan, memory, or a keyboard or mouse you still see or hear something if the system had power.

Which drive is configured as first in the boot sequence?

Diskette Drive

Which of the following is an error detection technique that can also correct the error?

ECC Explanation Error Correcting Code (ECC) can detect and correct errors. Parity error detection techniques can detect errors but cannot correct them. The data must be resent. EDO is not a type of error detection., it is a type of memory that can start a new access cycle while keeping the data output of the previous cycle active.

Which of the following components is a non-volatile memory technology for saving system settings when the computer is powered off?

EEPROM chips Explanation EEPROM chips are a non-volatile memory technology for saving system settings when the computer is powered off. EEPROM are ROM chips that have replaced CMOS chips (which needed the CMOS battery power to save system settings). Now, the CMOS battery is only used to keep the real-time clock running.

You are attempting to boot a new system. The boot fails and the system sounds a beep code. Which of the following describes the most likely cause of this error?

Either no memory is installed or the memory was not detected. If the system boot fails and sounds a beep code, the most likely cause is that either no memory is installed or the memory was not detected. If a card or memory module is not seated, or the system includes unsupported memory, the system will boots, but the display will remain blank. If POST fails to recognize all of the memory, the system will boot, but the memory count will be incorrect.

You are in a carpeted office lighted by fluorescent bulbs. You are preparing to add memory modules to a user's computer. The user has already unpacked the memory modules and stacked them on top of an old, unused CRT monitor. What is the greatest threat in this environment that could damage these memory modules?

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) Explanation Memory modules are very sensitive to ESD. It's possible that the memory modules have already been damaged by the possible lack of proper ESD prevention if the user removed the modules from the packaging while standing on the carpeted floor. But you can still take proper steps to prevent ESD before you proceed to install the modules. The CRT monitor is not likely to emit a high voltage discharge unless you take it apart. An unused CRT monitor does not emit a strong magnetic field and memory modules are not susceptible to magnetic fields. Memory modules are also not susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

What is the status of the integrated NIC?

Enabled

Memory is not properly seated, missing, or the motherboard is defective.

First boot of a new computer.

Which type of software-generated problems can indicate that a software bug is causing a memory error?

General- protection fault. Exception error. Page fault. Explanation Software-generated memory problems include the following: Exception error General-protection fault. Page fault. Registry errors indicate that parts of the registry are written to faulty sections of RAM. Parity interrupt usually indication a falling module or discrepancies between new and old memory. An incorrect memory count can happen with incompatible memory installation; remember to avoid combining dual-bank with single-bank memory.

Incompletely or improperly doing this can cause errors that appear to be memory related.

Hardware installation or removal.

You have installed a new computer with a quad-core 64-processor 6 GB of memory, and a PCIe video card with 512 MB of memory. After installing the operating system, you see less than 4 GB of memory showing as available in Windows. What should you do?

Install a 64-bit version of the operating system. Explanation In this scenario, the most likely cause is the operating system being a 32-bit operating system. You must use a 64-bit operating system to use memory above 4 GB. The AGP aperture is a method for sharing system memory with an AGP (not PCIe) video card. With shared memory, some of the memory is used by the video card and is not available for the system.You do not update memory controller drivers.

You have just a built a new system from scratch. You turn the computer on but the system boot fails and sounds a beep code. What might be the issue?

Memory not installed or not detected. Explanation If memory was not installed in the new computer or was not detected during boot up, system boot will fail and sound a beep code. If unsupported memory was installed, the system will boot but the display will be blank. If incompatible memory was installed, such as combining dual-bank with single-bank memory, the system will boot but the memory count will be incorrect. If a mix of new and old memory was used, the system will boot but will display a memory error message.

You are in the process of configuring a new computer. The motherboard has six memory slots and supports triple-channel memory. You install two memory modules. When you boot the computer, the BIOS recognizes both modules, but the memory only runs in dual-channel mode. What should you do?

Install a third, identical memory module. Move the modules to the correct motherboard slots. Explanation To use triple-channel memory, you will need to install 3 or 6 memory modules in the correct slots. Depending on the motherboard, the slots might be next to each other, or alternating. Consult the motherboard documentation for the correct configurarion. Triple-channel support is mainly a function of the motherboard (i.e. the memory controller), not the memory itself. Continuity modules are used with Rambus RAM; if continuity modules were required on this system, none of the memory would have been detected, The CAS latency is used for memory timing. You might modify the timing if the system is unstable at the current memory timing settings.

What brand of processor is installed?

Intel

Which of the following could be detrimental while flashing the BIOS?

Loss of power Explanation Losing power while flashing the BIOS could cause permanent problems with the computer. Some computers switch into standby mode after a certain time period. Be sure to disable standby mode before attempting a BIOS upgrade.

The memory is not compatible and was not installed and configured properly.

Memory upgrade

After installing two memory modules, you power on the system to check for errors. You find that the BIOS program recognizes only one of the memory modules. What should you do first?

Make sure that both modules are seated properly in their slots. Explanation In this case, you should check to ensure that you installed the memory correctly. Most BIOS programs include a memory count that displays the total amount of system memory. If it does not count the proper amount of memory, begin by checking to make sure the memory is inserted correctly. After the memory is installed correctly, if it is still not recognized, try removing one module to identify which module has the problem. Move the modules to different motherboard slots to see if you can get the system to detect the memory. In most cases, you will not need to change the memory timings. When you do, it is typically because the system is unstable or crashes. Testing memory helps you identify when specific memory storage locations are going bad. Device Manager will not enable memory not recognized by the BIOS.

You are in the process of configuring a new computer. The motherboard has four memory slots and supports dual-channel memory. You install two memory modules. When you boot the computer, the BIOS recognizes both modules, but the memory is not configured to run in dual-channel mode. What should you do?

Move the modules to the correct motherboard slots. Explanation To use dual-channel memory, you will need to install memory in the correct slots. Depending on the motherboard, the two slots might be next to each other, or alternating. Consult the motherboard documentation for the correct configuration. Dual- channel support is mainly a function of the motherboard (e.g., the memory controller), not the memory itself. Continuity modules are used with Rambus RAM; if continuity modules were required on this system, non of the memory would have been detected. The CAS latency is used for memory timing. You might modify the timing if the system is unstable at the current memory timing settings.

Which of the following is the most common method for removing RAM from a motherboard?

Move the tabs holding the RAM out of the way; pull straight up to remove the RAM. Explanation Most RAM is held in place with small tabs on either end. Push the tabs down to rotate them back, then pull the RAM straight up.

Explanation

On the General > System Information page the following BIOS/UEFI information is shown: Processor Type: Intel Memory Installed: 4096 BIOS version: 1610 Installed drives: 3 drives are installed (SATA-0, SATA-1, SATA-2). On the System Configuration > Integrated NIC page the following BIOS/UEFI information is shown: The integrated NIC status: Enabled. On the General > Boot Sequence page the following BIOS/UEFI information is shown: The first drive listed in the boot sequence: Diskette Drive.

What is the name for the routine that tests the motherboard, memory, disk controllers, video, keyboard and other system hardware?

POST Explanation POST stands for power on self-test, and is the routine that tests system hardware on startup. The BIOS chip is firmware (hardware hard-coded with software) attached to the motherboard and is essential in booting the computer. The CMOS battery supplies power to the real-time clock to maintain the date and time.

Which of the following is an error detection technique that can detect errors with only one bit?

Parity Explanation Parity error detection can only detect errors with only one bit. EDO is not a type of error correction, it is a type of memory that can start a new access cycle while keeping the data output of the previous cycle active.

What is the role of the CMOS in a modern computer?

Saves information about system devices. Explanation The CMOS saves information about system devices. The BIOS tests hardware during system startup, coordinates the use of system hardware with the operating system, and loads the operating system into memory.

Which of the following statements is true regarding single-and double-sided memory?

Single-sided memory uses half the number of memory modules as double-sided memory of the same capacity. Explanation Single-sided memory uses half the number of memory modules as double-sided memory of the same capacity. Single-sided RAM has memory modules that are organized into a single logical bank; double-sided RAM has modules organized into two banks. Because the computer can only access data in one bank at a time, single-sided RAM allows access to all of the memory, while with double-sided RAM, the computer must switch between banks. Originally, double-sided RAM had modules on both sides of the circuit board, and single-sided RAM had modules on only one side. However, you can also have double-sided RAM with modules on only one side, where internally the memory is divided into separate banks.

This can require more memory and can cause problems if there is not enough memory at this time.

Software installation

Which of the following are improvements over BIOS that are provided by UEFI?

Supports 64-bit firmware device drivers. Supports drives larger than 2.2 TB. Faster startup times Explanation UEFI provides the following benefits over the functionality of BIOS: Faster startup times. Supports drives larger than 2.2 terabytes. Supports 64-bit firmware device drivers. Provides better security to protect against bootkit (malware attacks on the boot process ) attacks Similar to BIOS, UEFI does need to be flashed when updates are available to make new features available on the computer. EEPROM is the technology that provides non-volatile memory and allows individual bytes to be erased and reprogrammed.

When you boot the computer, it hangs after asking you for the current time and date. What is the most likely problem?

The CMOS battery has failed. Explanation The system TIme and date are managed by the Real Time Clock (RTC) in the BIOS. If the CMOS memory battery goes dead, the RTC reverts back to a default date and time.

Which of the following are true regarding a dual-channel memory bandwidth configuration?

The memory controller must support dual-channels. Bandwidth is increased by 5-15% Explanation Dual-channel systems increase the memory bandwidth by only 5-15%, although it does have a 100% theoretical increase. Dual-channel support is mainly a function of the motherboard (e.g., the memory controller), not the memory itself. DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 can all work in dual-channel systems (depending on the memory supported by the motherboard); a triple channel system can only use DDR3.

What technology was designed to replace the BIOS and is a firmware solution for controlling the startup process and loading the computer operating system into memory?

UEFI Explanation UEFI was designed to replace the BIOS and is a firmware solution for controlling the startup process and loading the computer operating system into memory. CMOS is a legacy computer chip technology that was used for storing system information prior to the introduction of EEPROM. EEPROM is a non-volatile memory chip that stores the system startup information configured through UEFI. BIOS 2 does not exist.

When do you need to upgrade the system BIOS?

Whenever a BIOS update provides functionality that is not currently supported but that is required by the operating system or hardware. Explanation In general, you need to upgrading the system BIOS whenever the current BIOS does not support a function required by the operating system or by the hardware. Use the CMOS program to change system configuration settings used by the BIOS.

Which of the following situations is most likely to require a system BIOS update?

You are upgrading a processor. Explanation A BIOS update might be required while upgrading a processor or other core hardware. Expansion devices such as modems, sound cards, and network cards should not require a system BIOS update because they interface with the computer through standard bus expansion slots. When installing these devices, you will need to install the correct driver for the device.