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Quizzes > Computers & Technology > Computers & IT

Test Your Computer Hardware Knowledge Now!

Ready to test PC hardware skills? Dive in and prove your expertise!

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Simon StadlerUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style computer hardware quiz elements including CPU memory storage icons on dark blue background

This computer hardware test helps you practice PC parts, specs, and ports, from CPU cores to RAM types, storage, and GPUs. Answer quick questions, learn as you go, and check gaps before a class or build. Prefer another path? Try the French version or focus on CPU and memory practice .

What is the primary role of the CPU in a computer system?
Provide user input interface
Store long-term data
Execute instructions and process data
Cool the processor
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer that executes program instructions and processes data. It performs arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output operations specified by the instructions. Other components like storage and cooling serve different roles. .
Which type of memory is volatile and loses its data when power is removed?
RAM
ROM
HDD
SSD
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory, meaning it requires continuous power to retain data. When the system is turned off, all information in RAM is lost. SSDs and HDDs are non-volatile storage, and ROM retains its contents without power. .
Which of the following is a long-term storage device commonly found in PCs?
CPU cache
Hard Disk Drive
RAM
Northbridge
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a traditional non-volatile storage device used for long-term data retention in PCs. It stores the operating system, applications, and user files even when power is off. RAM and CPU cache are volatile and lose data on power loss. .
What interface is used to connect most modern hard drives and SATA SSDs to the motherboard?
USB
AGP
PCIe
SATA
SATA (Serial ATA) is the standard interface for connecting hard drives and SATA SSDs to the motherboard in most modern PCs. It succeeded the older PATA interface, offering faster data transfer rates and thinner cables. PCIe is used by NVMe SSDs and expansion cards. .
In the context of system memory, what does "DDR4" stand for?
Digital Data Relay 4
Direct Drive Rate 4
Dual Disk Redundancy 4
Double Data Rate Type 4
DDR4 stands for Double Data Rate Type 4 and is the fourth generation of DDR SDRAM. It doubles the data rate by transferring data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal. It offers higher bandwidth and lower voltage than DDR3. .
On a motherboard, what is the main function of the chipset (e.g., the Northbridge and Southbridge components)?
Store BIOS settings
Generate clock signals for components
Manage communications between CPU, memory, and peripherals
Filter electrical noise from power
The chipset on a motherboard, historically divided into Northbridge and Southbridge, manages communication between the CPU, RAM, storage, and peripheral devices. Northbridge typically handled high-speed tasks like memory and GPU interface, while Southbridge managed I/O and storage. Modern chipsets integrate both functions. .
Which connector on a PSU is commonly used to provide additional power to a discrete graphics card?
ATX 24-pin connector
SATA power connector
Molex Floppy connector
PCIe 6/8-pin connector
Discrete graphics cards often draw more power than the PCIe slot can supply (75W), so they require an additional 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe power connector from the PSU. The ATX 24-pin powers the motherboard, while SATA and Molex connectors are for drives and peripherals. .
What does NVMe stand for regarding high-speed storage devices?
Non-Volatile Module Extension
Network Virtual Media Extension
Non-Volatile Memory Express
New Virtual Memory Engine
NVMe stands for Non-Volatile Memory Express, a protocol designed specifically for high-performance SSDs connected via the PCIe bus. NVMe reduces latency and increases IOPS compared to legacy storage protocols like AHCI. It unlocks the full potential of NAND flash storage. .
What is one primary advantage of using a multi-phase voltage regulator module (VRM) on a motherboard?
Reduce system boot times
Enable onboard audio processing
Improve voltage stability and power delivery
Simplify BIOS updates
A multi-phase VRM spreads the power delivery load across multiple phases, resulting in more stable voltage regulation and lower ripple under heavy CPU or GPU load. This can improve overclocking headroom and component longevity. Single-phase designs are simpler but less efficient at high currents. .
How does wear leveling in SSDs help extend the lifespan of the drive?
Increases operating temperature for better performance
Speeds up read operations
Compresses data before writing
Evenly distributes write/erase cycles across NAND cells
Wear leveling is an SSD controller technique that ensures all NAND flash cells receive roughly the same number of write/erase cycles. By avoiding hotspots of frequent writes, it prevents premature wear of specific blocks and extends the overall drive lifespan. Without it, some cells would fail much sooner. .
In CPU power management, what is the difference between P-states and C-states?
P-states handle input/output; C-states handle memory timing
P-states adjust performance levels; C-states define idle power states
P-states adjust voltage; C-states adjust clock speed
P-states control cache size; C-states manage core count
P-states (performance states) control the CPU's operating frequency and voltage for performance scaling, while C-states (idle states) govern how deeply cores can sleep when idle. Deeper C-states save more power but introduce exit latency. Both schemes optimize power consumption and thermal behavior. .
What does TDP (Thermal Design Power) represent in CPU and GPU specifications?
Minimum power draw at idle
Maximum safe operating temperature
Average power consumption under typical load
Maximum power supply capacity
TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicates the average heat output or power consumption of a CPU or GPU under typical workload conditions. It helps system builders size appropriate cooling solutions. It is not the absolute maximum power but a guideline for sustained thermal output. .
Which type of NAND flash memory generally offers the highest write endurance and performance?
TLC (Triple-Level Cell)
QLC (Quad-Level Cell)
MLC (Multi-Level Cell)
SLC (Single-Level Cell)
SLC stores one bit per cell, leading to faster write speeds, lower error rates, and significantly higher endurance compared to MLC, TLC, or QLC. It is commonly used in enterprise and industrial applications where longevity and reliability are critical. Other NAND types trade endurance for higher densities. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify PC Hardware Components -

    Recognize and name key parts inside a computer, including the CPU, RAM, motherboard and graphics card, after completing this computer hardware test.

  2. Distinguish Storage Types -

    Understand the differences between HDDs, SSDs and other storage media to accurately test PC hardware knowledge on data storage solutions.

  3. Assess CPU and Memory Roles -

    Analyze how processors and memory modules work together to affect overall system performance in our test computer hardware scenarios.

  4. Evaluate Hardware Compatibility -

    Determine which components are compatible with each other, ensuring you can test computer hardware setups and avoid common configuration errors.

  5. Apply Basic Troubleshooting Techniques -

    Use practical tips to diagnose hardware issues and test PC hardware more effectively when problems arise.

  6. Gauge Your Hardware Expertise -

    Measure your knowledge of basic computer hardware quiz topics and identify areas for further learning and improvement.

Cheat Sheet

  1. CPU Performance & Amdahl's Law -

    Understanding cores versus threads is key when you test pc hardware performance; cores handle tasks while threads allow parallel processing. Use Amdahl's Law (S = 1 / ((1 - P) + P/N)) to estimate speedup when part of a workload is parallelized (source: MIT CSAIL). Remember: even with many cores, a non-parallel task (1 - P) limits overall gains.

  2. DDR Memory Speeds & Latency -

    The "DDR" in RAM stands for Double Data Rate, transferring data on both clock edges; DDR4-3200 runs at 3,200 MT/s. JEDEC standards define timings like CL16, where lower CL (CAS Latency) means faster RAM response (source: JEDEC.org). Mnemonic: "More data, more dates" helps you recall that higher MT/s leads to smoother multitasking.

  3. Storage Types: HDD vs SSD vs NVMe -

    When you test computer hardware storage, know that HDDs use spinning platters (~100 - 200 MB/s) while SATA SSDs hit ~550 MB/s, and NVMe SSDs on PCIe x4 can reach up to 3,500 MB/s (source: Samsung whitepaper). Identify form factors - 2.5″ vs M.2 - and interfaces to match your build. Tip: "Spin, SATA, Speed" helps memorize ascending performance tiers.

  4. Motherboard Form Factors & Chipsets -

    ATX, micro-ATX, and ITX determine your build's size and expansion slots; full-size ATX offers up to seven PCIe slots, while mini-ITX fits in compact cases (source: Intel® ARK). Chipsets like Intel Z690 or AMD X570 dictate overclocking, PCIe lanes, and USB ports. Quick guide: "Form Factor = Fit, Chipset = Features."

  5. GPU Architecture & VRAM -

    Graphics cards use a dedicated memory bus (e.g., 256-bit) to shuttle texture data between GPU cores and VRAM; higher bus width plus GDDR6 speeds means better frame rates (source: NVIDIA developer docs). Know that more VRAM helps in high-res gaming and GPU-accelerated compute tasks. Remember: "Wide bus, smooth fuss" to link bus width with performance.

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