System Unit — CPU, Motherboard MCQ Question Answer By

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1. What is the primary function of the System Unit?
A) To execute software applications
B) To house and protect the internal electronic
components
C) To provide power to external devices
D) To store long-term data
Answer: B
Description: The system unit (or chassis) serves as the
main enclosure for core hardware like the motherboard,
CPU, and power supply.
2. Which component is known as the "brain" of the
computer?
A) RAM
B) Motherboard
C) CPU
D) ROM
Answer: C
Description: The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
performs all data processing, arithmetic, and logical
operations.
3. Which of these is a common form factor for a
motherboard?
A) ATX
B) BIOS
C) CMOS
D) POST
Answer: A
Description: Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) is
the standard motherboard design used in most desktop
computers.
4. What is the role of the Northbridge in a motherboard?
A) Manages slow peripherals like USB
B) Connects the CPU to memory and high-speed
graphics
C) Controls the power supply
D) Acts as the BIOS battery
Answer: B
Description: The Northbridge handles high-speed
communication between the CPU, RAM, and GPU.
5. Which part of the CPU performs mathematical
calculations?
A) CU
B) Register
C) Cache
D) ALU
Answer: D
Description: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is
responsible for all arithmetic (addition, subtraction) and
logical operations.
6. The physical connection point on a motherboard where
a CPU is installed is called:
A) Socket
B) Port
C) Bus
D) Slot
Answer: A
Description: A CPU socket (or slot) allows the processor
to be connected to the motherboard circuitry.
7. What is the purpose of the Southbridge?
A) Communicating with high-speed RAM
B) Executing code
C) Managing I/O functions and slow peripherals
 D) Storing system date/time
Answer: C
Description: The Southbridge handles lower-speed
communication such as USB, SATA, and audio.
8. Which term refers to the speed at which a CPU
executes instructions?
A) Bus width
B) Latency
C) Throughput
D) Clock speed
Answer: D
Description: Clock speed, measured in GHz,
determines how many cycles a processor can execute
per second.
9. Which component holds the rmware needed to boot
the computer?
A) ROM/BIOS
B) RAM
C) HDD
D) CPU Cache
Answer: A
Description: ROM (Read-Only Memory) contains the
BIOS or UEFI, which initializes hardware during startup.
[Link] is the primary function of the Chipset?
A) To process user input
B) To act as a communication hub between
components
C) To display graphics
D) To cool the processor
Answer: B
Description: The chipset manages data ow between
the processor, memory, and peripherals.
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[Link] is the purpose of the CMOS battery?
A) To provide power to the CPU
B) To charge the RAM
C) To keep the BIOS settings and time accurate
D) To cool the motherboard
Answer: C
Description: The Complementary Metal-Oxide-
Semiconductor (CMOS) battery ensures system
settings are saved when power is off.
[Link] of the following is a type of CPU architecture?
A) USB
B) CISC
C) SATA
D) PCIe
Answer: B
Description: Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC)
is an architecture used by processors like x86.
[Link] is the function of the System Bus?
A) To power the monitor
B) To save les permanently
C) To execute software code
D) To transfer data between hardware components
Answer: D
Description: The system bus acts as a communication
path for data, addresses, and control signals.
[Link] memory type is integrated directly into the CPU?
A) Cache
B) Hard Disk
C) RAM
D) Flash Drive
Answer: A
Description: Cache memory is high-speed volatile
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 memory inside the CPU used to store frequently
accessed data.
[Link] does the acronym POST stand for in motherboard
startup?
A) Processor On System Timer
B) Power On Self Test
C) Power Output System Tool
D) Primary Operating System Task
Answer: B
Description: POST is a diagnostic test performed by the
BIOS when the computer is turned on.
[Link] interface is typically used to connect graphics
cards to the motherboard?
A) SATA
B) IDE
C) PCIe
D) VGA
Answer: C
Description: Peripheral Component Interconnect
Express (PCIe) is the high-speed interface for modern
expansion cards.
[Link] is the main purpose of the CPU Heat Sink and
Fan?
A) To store temporary les
B) To dissipate heat from the CPU
C) To improve processing speed
D) To connect to the internet
Answer: B
Description: CPUs generate signi cant heat; the heat
sink and fan act as a cooling system to prevent
damage.
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[Link] unit measures the clock speed of a CPU?
A) Bytes
B) Watts
C) Hertz
D) Bits
Answer: C
Description: CPU speed is measured in Hertz (usually
GHz), representing cycles per second.
[Link] component stores data that the CPU needs to
access immediately?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Hard Drive
D) Optical Disc
Answer: A
Description: Random Access Memory (RAM) provides
the CPU with fast, temporary access to data being
actively used.
[Link] is the function of the BIOS?
A) To perform hardware initialization
B) To run the Operating System
C) To manage network security
D) To write data to CDs
Answer: A
Description: The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
manages the initial hardware setup during the boot
process.
[Link] of the following is an expansion slot on a
motherboard?
A) SATA
B) CPU Socket
C) PCIe
 D) Power Connector
Answer: C
Description: PCIe slots allow users to add additional
hardware like graphics cards or network cards.
[Link] does 'Multi-core' refer to in a processor?
A) High clock speed
B) Multiple CPUs on one chip
C) High power consumption
D) Large physical size
Answer: B
Description: Multi-core processors integrate two or
more independent processing units into a single
package.
[Link] bus standard is used for connecting hard drives?
A) PCIe
B) AGP
C) SATA
D) PCI
Answer: C
Description: Serial ATA (SATA) is the standard interface
for connecting mass storage devices to the
motherboard.
[Link] is the purpose of the control bus?
A) To manage keyboard input
B) To store user les
C) To send control signals to components
D) To display pixels
Answer: C
Description: The control bus carries the signals that
command the various components of the computer to
perform speci c actions.
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[Link] part of the motherboard connects the CPU to the
RAM?
A) Southbridge
B) Northbridge
C) SATA port
D) CMOS
Answer: B
Description: The Northbridge is the primary link
between the processor and memory.
[Link] of the following is a volatile type of memory?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) EEPROM
D) HDD
Answer: A
Description: Volatile memory, like RAM, loses its data
when the power is turned off.
[Link] is the function of the register in a CPU?
A) To store the Operating System
B) To hold small amounts of data during processing
C) To connect to the internet
D) To provide cooling
Answer: B
Description: Registers are extremely fast, small storage
locations within the CPU used for immediate
operations.
[Link] component is responsible for supplying power to
the motherboard?
A) CPU
B) GPU
C) PSU
D) BIOS
 Answer: C
Description: The Power Supply Unit (PSU) converts AC
power from the wall into DC power for internal
components.
[Link] is an instruction set?
A) The operating system manual
B) A collection of commands a CPU can execute
C) The boot order list
D) The physical dimensions of the CPU
Answer: B
Description: An instruction set de nes the commands a
processor understands and can execute directly.
[Link] does the acronym CPU stand for?
A) Control Processing Unit
B) Central Processing Unit
C) Central Power Unit
D) Core Processing Utility
Answer: B
Description: The Central Processing Unit is the main
component that performs calculations and instructions.
[Link] of these is a feature of the motherboard?
A) Generates electricity
B) Provides data pathways
C) Runs the web browser
D) Screens images
Answer: B
Description: The motherboard acts as the backbone,
providing pathways for data to travel between all
components.
[Link] is the primary role of a System Timer on the
motherboard?
A) To track the date and time for the OS
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 B) To provide a reference signal for CPU cycles
C) To power the cooling fan
D) To manage USB connections
Answer: B
Description: The system timer (or clock) coordinates the
execution of operations within the CPU and across the
bus.
[Link] component performs the "Fetch-Decode-
Execute" cycle?
A) Motherboard
B) RAM
C) CPU
D) BIOS
Answer: C
Description: The CPU is responsible for the continuous
cycle of fetching instructions, decoding them, and
executing them.
[Link] is the main purpose of the motherboard's
rmware?
A) To edit documents
B) To control hardware during boot
C) To surf the internet
D) To print les
Answer: B
Description: Firmware (BIOS/UEFI) provides low-level
control of the hardware before the operating system
takes over.
[Link] bus carries the location of data?
A) Data bus
B) Address bus
C) Control bus
D) Power bus
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 Answer: B
Description: The address bus speci es the memory
location from which data is read or to which it is written.
[Link] feature allows a CPU to handle more than one
task simultaneously?
A) Hyper-threading
B) Higher clock speed
C) Larger heat sink
D) More BIOS storage
Answer: A
Description: Hyper-threading allows a single physical
processor to act like two logical processors.
[Link] is the main difference between RAM and ROM?
A) RAM stores BIOS; ROM stores OS
B) ROM is volatile; RAM is non-volatile
C) RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile
D) RAM is slower than ROM
Answer: C
Description: RAM requires power to maintain data;
ROM retains data even without power.
[Link] component is responsible for sound processing if
no dedicated card exists?
A) CPU
B) Integrated Audio Chip
C) RAM
D) Northbridge
Answer: B
Description: Modern motherboards include onboard
audio chips to handle sound functions.
[Link] is a "Bus" in computer terms?
A) A piece of software
B) A set of wires for data transmission
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 C) A storage device
D) A cooling system
Answer: B
Description: A bus is a communication system that
transfers data between components inside or between
computers.
[Link] of these is NOT a function of the CPU?
A) Executing logic
B) Arithmetic calculations
C) Storing permanent les
D) Controlling hardware
Answer: C
Description: Permanent le storage is the role of Hard
Drives or SSDs, not the CPU.
[Link] is the purpose of the Front Side Bus (FSB)?
A) Connects keyboard to mouse
B) Connects power supply to CPU
C) Connects CPU to Northbridge/Memory
D) Connects monitor to graphics card
Answer: C
Description: The FSB is the communication link
between the CPU and the rest of the motherboard
components.
[Link] hardware component uses "Cache" memory?
A) Hard Drive
B) Monitor
C) CPU
D) Mouse
Answer: C
Description: Cache memory is used by the CPU to
bridge the speed gap between itself and slower RAM.
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[Link] is the main characteristic of a "Motherboard"?
A) It is a type of RAM
B) It is the main circuit board
C) It is a type of software
D) It manages graphics only
Answer: B
Description: The motherboard acts as the central hub
connecting all computer components.
[Link] process does the CPU perform to understand an
instruction?
A) Fetching
B) Decoding
C) Executing
D) Storing
Answer: B
Description: Decoding is the step where the CPU
interprets what the retrieved instruction means.
[Link] of these is a port found on a motherboard?
A) CPU
B) HDMI
C) ALU
D) BIOS
Answer: B
Description: HDMI ports are standard for video output,
often integrated directly into the motherboard or GPU.
[Link] is the purpose of a jumper on a motherboard?
A) To increase RAM speed
B) To con gure hardware settings
C) To cool the CPU
D) To store data
Answer: B
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 Description: Jumpers are small pins used to manually
con gure settings like BIOS reset or CPU frequency.
[Link] is the role of an I/O controller?
A) Increases CPU speed
B) Manages input and output operations
C) Stores system les
D) Displays images
Answer: B
Description: I/O controllers facilitate communication
between the CPU and peripheral devices.
[Link] memory is the fastest in a computer system?
A) RAM
B) CPU Registers
C) Hard Drive
D) Flash Memory
Answer: B
Description: Registers located inside the CPU are the
fastest type of memory available.
[Link] does the 'bit' width of a CPU indicate?
A) Physical size of the chip
B) Amount of data processed in one cycle
C) Number of fans it supports
D) Total power consumption
Answer: B
Description: A 64-bit CPU can process 64 bits of data at
once, making it faster than a 32-bit CPU.
[Link] type of motherboard component holds system
settings like boot order?
A) CPU
B) RAM
C) BIOS/UEFI
D) Fan
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 Answer: C
Description: The BIOS/UEFI chip stores con gurable
settings that dictate how the computer starts.
[Link] connects the internal components to the power
supply?
A) Ribbon cables
B) Power cables (24-pin/8-pin)
C) Data cables
D) USB ports
Answer: B
Description: Motherboards rely on speci c power
cables from the PSU to distribute electricity.
[Link] is the function of the "Instruction Pointer" (a
register)?
A) To hold the address of the next instruction
B) To hold the result of an addition
C) To store the user's password
D) To cool the processor
Answer: A
Description: The Instruction Pointer keeps track of the
next instruction to be fetched from memory.
[Link] component performs logical comparisons (e.g.,
greater than, equal to)?
A) ALU
B) CU
C) Register
D) Cache
Answer: A
Description: The ALU handles logical operations by
comparing two values to make decisions.
[Link] is the purpose of a heat spreader on a CPU?
A) Increase processing power
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 B) Distribute heat evenly to the heat sink
C) Protect from static electricity
D) Enhance aesthetic appeal
Answer: B
Description: The heat spreader is the metal cap that
protects the CPU core and facilitates heat transfer to
the cooler.
[Link] of the following connects to the Southbridge?
A) CPU
B) RAM
C) Graphics Card
D) USB ports
Answer: D
Description: The Southbridge manages slower devices,
including USB, SATA, and audio.
[Link] does a "socket" on a motherboard signify?
A) Software connection
B) Physical CPU interface
C) Memory slot
D) Power outlet
Answer: B
Description: CPU sockets are mechanical components
that secure the processor to the motherboard.
[Link] type of memory is used to build the RAM?
A) DRAM
B) SRAM
C) HDD
D) Flash
Answer: A
Description: Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is the most
common memory type for system RAM due to its
density and cost.
[Link] is the bene t of a 64-bit architecture?
A) Uses less power
B) Can address more RAM
C) Smaller physical size
D) Better graphics
Answer: B
Description: 64-bit systems can address signi cantly
more than 4GB of RAM, unlike 32-bit systems.
[Link] component prevents the computer from
overheating?
A) BIOS
B) Heat sink/Fan
C) RAM
D) Power supply
Answer: B
Description: Active and passive cooling solutions are
essential to keep temperatures within safe operating
limits.
[Link] is the function of the "Address Bus"?
A) Transmits data values
B) Transmits memory locations
C) Transmits control commands
D) Transmits clock signals
Answer: B
Description: The address bus tells the computer which
memory address needs to be accessed.
[Link] is the primary purpose of a motherboard chipset?
A) Regulates data ow between components
B) Increases CPU core count
C) Stores long-term user data
D) Directly outputs video
Answer: A
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 Description: The chipset directs traf c between the CPU
and all other hardware connected to the board.
[Link] does 'volatile' mean regarding memory?
A) Requires power to hold data
B) Retains data without power
C) Very fast to access
D) Only stores read-only data
Answer: A
Description: Volatile memory, such as RAM, is cleared
as soon as the power is disconnected.
[Link] component manages hardware interrupts?
A) GPU
B) Hard Drive
C) Interrupt Controller
D) Power supply
Answer: C
Description: The interrupt controller manages signals
that require immediate attention from the CPU.
[Link] is the main advantage of an SSD over an HDD?
A) Capacity
B) Speed
C) Cost
D) Size
Answer: B
Description: SSDs are signi cantly faster than HDDs
because they have no moving parts.
[Link] is the primary purpose of the 'Control Unit' in the
CPU?
A) Performs arithmetic
B) Orchestrates instruction execution
C) Manages user passwords
D) Stores permanent les
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 Answer: B
Description: The Control Unit (CU) coordinates the
activities of all other parts of the computer.
[Link] connects the motherboard to peripheral devices
like keyboards?
A) CPU pins
B) Ports (USB/PS2)
C) Memory slots
D) SATA cables
Answer: B
Description: Peripheral ports allow external devices to
communicate with the system.
[Link] term describes the path for data transfer
between components?
A) Port
B) Slot
C) Bus
D) Socket
Answer: C
Description: A bus provides the physical and electrical
path for data transmission.
[Link] is the function of the "System Clock"?
A) Synchronizes processor operations
B) Displays time on screen
C) Manages power consumption
D) Controls fan speed
Answer: A
Description: The system clock keeps all components
working in unison at a speci c frequency.
[Link] is a "Microprocessor"?
A) A large server board
B) A type of RAM
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 C) A single-chip CPU
D) A graphics card
Answer: C
Description: Modern CPUs are referred to as
microprocessors because they are contained on a
single integrated circuit.
[Link] hardware component handles the screen
output?
A) CPU
B) GPU/Graphics Controller
C) Northbridge
D) RAM
Answer: B
Description: The GPU processes graphical data to
render images on the display.
[Link] happens during the 'Fetch' stage of the CPU
cycle?
A) Instruction is retrieved from memory
B) Instruction is decoded
C) Instruction is executed
D) Data is saved to HDD
Answer: A
Description: The CPU fetches an instruction from
memory to start the execution cycle.
[Link] component is the largest board in a computer?
A) Sound card
B) Motherboard
C) Network card
D) Graphics card
Answer: B
Description: The motherboard acts as the main base for
all other components.
[Link] is the function of an expansion slot?
A) Increase RAM capacity
B) Add new capabilities (e.g., extra ports)
C) Change the CPU
D) Power the computer
Answer: B
Description: Expansion slots (like PCIe) allow for the
addition of specialized hardware.
[Link] component stores BIOS settings when power is
off?
A) CPU
B) RAM
C) CMOS Memory
D) HDD
Answer: C
Description: CMOS memory is a small, battery-powered
storage area for BIOS/UEFI settings.
[Link] is the purpose of the 'Cache' memory levels (L1,
L2, L3)?
A) Increase speed by reducing RAM access
B) Store the operating system
C) Act as permanent storage
D) Replace the CPU
Answer: A
Description: Cache levels reduce the time it takes for
the CPU to access frequently used data.
[Link] component is responsible for data storage?
A) CPU
B) Hard Drive / SSD
C) Motherboard
D) BIOS
Answer: B
 Description: Mass storage devices (HDD/SSD) are
used for long-term le retention.
[Link] of these is a characteristic of RISC architecture?
A) Simple instructions
B) Complex instructions
C) High power usage
D) Slow execution
Answer: A
Description: Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC)
uses simpler, faster instructions for better ef ciency.
[Link] does "UEFI" replace?
A) CPU
B) RAM
C) BIOS
D) OS
Answer: C
Description: UEFI is a modern interface that replaces
the older BIOS rmware.
[Link] connects the CPU to the motherboard?
A) USB
B) Socket
C) SATA
D) Ethernet
Answer: B
Description: The CPU socket is the dedicated interface
on the motherboard.
[Link] component monitors temperature?
A) Thermal Sensors
B) BIOS
C) RAM
D) Power Supply
Answer: A
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 Description: Thermal sensors are built into the CPU and
motherboard to track heat levels.
[Link] unit is used to measure storage capacity?
A) Hertz
B) Terabyte
C) Watt
D) Volt
Answer: B
Description: Storage is measured in bytes (MB, GB,
TB).
[Link] is the purpose of the 'Power Supply Unit' (PSU)?
A) Process logic
B) Convert electricity for components
C) Store data
D) Display graphics
Answer: B
Description: The PSU supplies the correct voltage
levels to the motherboard and other hardware.
[Link] is the function of a 'Heat Sink'?
A) Spread and dissipate heat
B) Increase processing speed
C) Act as a power switch
D) Save les
Answer: A
Description: A heat sink is a metal device that increases
the surface area to dissipate heat from the CPU.
[Link] of the following is a type of Motherboard?
A) CISC
B) ALU
C) ATX
D) POST
Answer: C
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 Description: ATX is the most widely used motherboard
form factor.
[Link] component performs logical operations?
A) BIOS
B) ALU
C) RAM
D) HDD
Answer: B
Description: The ALU within the CPU is designed
speci cally for logic and math.
[Link] is the primary role of the Northbridge?
A) Keyboard interface
B) Power regulation
C) High-speed component communication
D) BIOS storage
Answer: C
Description: Northbridge manages high-bandwidth data
between the CPU, RAM, and GPU.
[Link] of the following is volatile memory?
A) ROM
B) RAM
C) EEPROM
D) HDD
Answer: B
Description: RAM is volatile, meaning data is lost if the
power is cut.
[Link] does a 64-bit CPU refer to?
A) Power consumption
B) Data processing width
C) Fan count
D) Physical length
Answer: B
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 Description: It refers to the size of data the CPU can
process in a single operation.
[Link] component stores initial system instructions?
A) CPU
B) RAM
C) BIOS
D) Hard drive
Answer: C
Description: BIOS is the rst software to run when a
computer is powered on.
[Link] is a 'core' in a CPU?
A) An independent processing unit
B) A memory stick
C) A power cable
D) A graphics port
Answer: A
Description: A core is the heart of the processor that
actually executes instructions.
[Link] bus carries the signals that control hardware?
A) Data Bus
B) Control Bus
C) Address Bus
D) Power Bus
Answer: B
Description: The control bus sends signals like "Read"
or "Write" to components.
[Link] component manages the keyboard and mouse?
A) CPU
B) I/O Controller
C) GPU
D) RAM
Answer: B
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 Description: I/O controllers bridge the gap between
input devices and the system.
[Link] is the function of the 'Bus Width'?
A) Determines speed of fans
B) Determines physical board size
C) Determines amount of data transferred
D) Determines power usage
Answer: C
Description: A wider bus allows more data to be sent at
once.
[Link] is the role of the Southbridge?
A) Link CPU and RAM
B) Store rmware
C) Manage slow peripherals
D) Perform arithmetic
Answer: C
Description: Southbridge handles slower connections
like USB and SATA.
[Link] component uses 'thermal paste'?
A) RAM
B) CPU/Heat sink
C) BIOS
D) Motherboard
Answer: B
Description: Thermal paste lls microscopic gaps
between the CPU and heat sink for better heat transfer.
[Link] does a "POST" failure usually indicate?
A) OS error
B) Hardware issue
C) Software virus
D) Internet failure
Answer: B
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 Description: If a POST fails, it means there is a physical
hardware problem.
[Link] of these is a port for high-speed video?
A) SATA
B) Power
C) HDMI
D) CPU
Answer: C
Description: HDMI is a standard high-de nition
multimedia port.
[Link] is the primary function of the System Unit?
A) Protects components
B) Plays audio
C) Connects to Wi-Fi
D) Prints documents
Answer: A
Description: The system unit houses the motherboard,
power supply, and other critical electronics.
[Link] memory type stores data permanently?
A) RAM
B) ROM/Flash
C) Cache
D) Registers
Answer: B
Description: ROM and Flash storage are designed to
retain data without power.
[Link] component performs the "Execute" step?
A) RAM
B) BIOS
C) CPU
D) Monitor
Answer: C
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Description: The CPU carries out the nal instruction as
commanded.

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