NIMCET 2027 Computer Memory Back-up Devices Previous Year Questions (PYQs) – Page 2 of 3

Computer Architecture: Role of Cache Memory

Question: Cache memory functions as an intermediary between?

✅ Correct Answer: CPU and Main Memory (RAM)

Explanation:

• CPU is very fast, but RAM is slower in comparison.
• Cache memory holds frequently accessed data closer to the CPU.
• This reduces data access time and improves overall system performance.

Hierarchy: CPU ↔ Cache ↔ Main Memory (RAM) ↔ Secondary Storage

Computer Architecture: Purpose of Cache Memory

Question: What is the primary purpose of cache memory in a computer system?

✅ Correct Answer: To increase the speed of data access by storing frequently used data closer to the CPU

Explanation:

• Cache memory is much faster than main memory (RAM).
• It holds frequently accessed data and instructions.
• Helps reduce CPU waiting time and improves performance.

Hierarchy: CPU → Cache → RAM → Storage

Basic Computer Knowledge: Smallest Unit of Data

Question: Which of the following is the smallest unit of data in a computer?

✅ Correct Answer: Bit (Binary Digit)

Explanation:

• A bit is the most fundamental unit of data in computing.
• It represents a binary value: 0 or 1.
• All other units (Byte, Kilobyte, etc.) are multiples of bits.

Common Units of Data:

• 1 Bit = Smallest unit
• 1 Byte = 8 Bits
• 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 Bytes
• 1 Megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB

? Note: Every piece of data in a computer—from text and images to video and sound—ultimately breaks down into bits.

Memory Chip Calculation

Given:

• RAM chip size = 4K × 8-bit = 4096 bytes = 4 KB
• Required memory = 64 KB = 65536 bytes

Calculation:

Total chips needed = 65536 / 4096 = 16 chips

✅ Final Answer: 16 RAM chips are needed to build 64 KB of memory.