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Quizzes > Computers & IT

Computer Parts Test: Check Your Hardware Know-How

Quick, free computer components quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Suhela KaziUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 7
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art promoting the Computer Parts Challenge, an interactive high school quiz.

Use this quiz to check your computer parts knowledge across CPU, memory, storage, and ports. Answer 20 quick questions and see instant results to guide your study. For extra practice, try the computer hardware quiz and a hardware practice quiz, or review core terms with a computer basics mcq.

What does CPU stand for?
Central Peripheral Unit
Central Processing Unit
Computer Personal Unit
Control Process Unit
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is often described as the brain of the computer because it performs the main processing tasks. It executes instructions and manages data flow within the system.
Which computer component is known as the main memory of a computer?
Hard Drive
RAM
GPU
CPU
Random Access Memory (RAM) serves as the primary, temporary storage for data actively used by the computer. It holds the operating system, applications, and data during processing, but its contents are lost when power is removed.
What is the primary purpose of a motherboard in a computer system?
It stores data permanently
It provides power to the computer
It connects and allows communication between all components
It processes data
The motherboard acts as the main circuit board that ties together all computer components. It facilitates communication among the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices, ensuring the system functions cohesively.
Which device is primarily used to input data into a computer?
Speaker
Keyboard
Printer
Monitor
A keyboard is a standard input device used for entering data into a computer. It allows users to input commands and text, making it essential for everyday computing tasks.
Which of these is an example of an output device?
RAM
Keyboard
Monitor
Motherboard
Monitors are output devices that display visual information processed by the computer. They allow users to interact with the system by showing text, images, and videos.
What does RAM stand for, and what is its function?
Random Application Memory - used for running applications
Random Access Memory - temporarily stores data for quick access
Readily Available Memory - stores data permanently
Run-time Access Module - handles processing tasks
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is used to hold data that is actively being used by the computer. Its high-speed access helps in efficient processing, but its contents are lost when the computer is turned off.
Which component is primarily responsible for rendering images and video on a computer's display?
HDD - stores digital content
CPU - executes general processing instructions
PSU - supplies power to components
GPU - processes and renders graphics
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is designed specifically to handle complex image and video rendering tasks. It accelerates the creation of graphics, making it essential for gaming, video editing, and general visual tasks.
What is the main function of a hard drive in a computer?
Process complex calculations
Temporarily store data during operation
Permanently store data and files
Convert digital signals to analog
The hard drive is used for long-term data storage, keeping files and applications even when the computer is turned off. Its role distinguishes it from temporary memory like RAM, ensuring data persistence.
What is the primary role of a Power Supply Unit (PSU) in a computer?
Manage network communications
Store user data and programs
Generate graphics for display
Convert and distribute power to computer components
The PSU converts the household AC power into low-voltage DC power required by internal components. It ensures that all computer hardware receives a stable and appropriate power supply for proper operation.
What does GPU stand for, and what is its significance?
Gaming Performance Utility - improves game graphics
Graphic Protocol Unit - manages display settings
Graphical Processing Unit - renders images and video
General Performance Unit - boosts overall speed
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) specializes in handling visual data, converting digital information into images and video. Its performance directly affects how smoothly and accurately graphics are rendered on the screen.
Which component serves as the main circuit board to connect computer parts?
HDD - data storage
RAM - temporary storage
CPU - processes data
Motherboard - integrates key system components
The motherboard is the central hub that connects all essential components of a computer. It allows the CPU, memory, storage devices, and peripheral hardware to communicate and work in harmony.
Which type of memory loses its data when the power is turned off?
RAM - volatile memory
ROM - non-volatile memory
SSD - solid state storage
HDD - hard disk storage
RAM is considered volatile memory because it requires power to maintain stored information. Once the computer is shut down, all data in RAM is lost, unlike non-volatile storage solutions.
What is the function of the BIOS in a computer system?
Convert power supply voltage
Store user files permanently
Process graphical commands
Initialize hardware components during startup
The BIOS is a firmware that initializes and tests hardware components during the computer's boot-up process. It lays the groundwork for the operating system to load and ensures proper communication between hardware parts.
Which expansion card is used to enhance a computer's audio output?
Storage controller - manages disk drives
Network card - handles network connections
Graphics card - processes visual data
Sound card - manages audio processing
A sound card is designed to process audio signals, thereby improving the quality of sound output. It is an important component for multimedia tasks such as gaming, music production, and video playback.
What device is typically used to control the movement of the on-screen cursor?
Printer - outputs documents
Keyboard - used for typing
Microphone - captures audio
Mouse - a pointing device for navigation
The mouse is a peripheral device that allows users to interact easily with graphical interfaces. Its movement controls the on-screen cursor, making navigation and selection tasks straightforward.
How does cache memory improve the performance of a CPU?
It stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval
It permanently stores system files
It cools down the CPU during operation
It increases the CPU's clock speed
Cache memory is a high-speed storage solution located very close to the CPU. It temporarily holds frequently accessed data, reducing the time the CPU takes to retrieve information and boosting overall system performance.
Which component typically includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to support older display technologies?
RAM - stores data temporarily
CPU - processes core instructions
HDD - retains digital data
Graphics card - converts digital signals to analog for older monitors
Many traditional graphics cards are equipped with a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to interface with legacy analog monitors. This conversion is essential for displaying digital images on older display technologies.
How does solid-state drive (SSD) technology enhance computer performance compared to a hard disk drive (HDD)?
SSDs have no moving parts, allowing for faster data access
SSDs use magnetic storage that spins faster
SSDs increase the computer's processing power
SSDs operate at a lower temperature due to mechanical parts
Solid-state drives (SSDs) use flash memory without any moving parts, which allows for significantly faster data access compared to traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). This speed boost enhances boot times and overall system responsiveness.
What is one of the primary functions of a chipset on a motherboard?
To manage data flow between the CPU, memory, and peripherals
To directly process all computational tasks
To generate clear audio signals
To serve as the main storage unit for data
The chipset coordinates communication between the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices. By managing data flow efficiently, it ensures that all the system's components work together smoothly during operation.
Which type of memory is permanently programmed with firmware instructions for booting a computer system?
ROM - Read-Only Memory
Cache - temporary storage
SSD - solid-state drive
RAM - Random Access Memory
ROM (Read-Only Memory) contains the firmware instructions necessary for booting the computer. Since it is non-volatile, its data remains intact even when the system is powered off, ensuring consistent startup behavior.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify the key functions of major computer hardware components.
  2. Describe the roles and interactions of different computer parts.
  3. Analyze how computer components contribute to overall system performance.
  4. Apply hardware knowledge to troubleshoot and solve basic computer issues.

Computer Parts Practice Test Cheat Sheet

  1. Central Processing Unit (CPU) - Often called your computer's brain, the CPU zips through instructions and processes data to keep everything running smoothly. Think of it as the star quarterback calling all the plays on the field!
  2. Motherboard - The motherboard is the grand central station where every component - CPU, memory, storage, and more - checks in and exchanges data. Picture a bustling city map with all roads converging into one lively downtown hub.
  3. Random Access Memory (RAM) - RAM is your computer's short-term memory, holding data and instructions for quick access by the CPU. It's like a desktop cluttered with sticky notes - fast and handy but gone when you shut down.
  4. Storage Devices - Hard drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) team up as your computer's long-term memory vault. SSDs are the speed demons with no moving parts, while HDDs pack more capacity at a lower price.
  5. Power Supply Unit (PSU) - The PSU is the electrical heart, converting wall power into the right voltages to keep each part beating along. Without it, your PC would be a fancy paperweight!
  6. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) - The GPU is your visual wizard, rendering images, animations, and videos with dazzling speed. Gamers and artists alike salute its power to paint pixels in real time.
  7. Cooling Systems - Fans, heat sinks, and liquid loops form the cooling squad that keeps your CPU and GPU from turning into toasty paperweights. Proper cooling means peak performance without the meltdown!
  8. Input Devices - Keyboards, mice, and game controllers let you talk to your computer, feeding it commands and data. They're like the friendly translators between human ideas and machine code.
  9. Output Devices - Monitors, printers, and speakers showcase the results of your computer's work, turning digital data into visuals, text, or sound. They're the grand finale that brings everything to life!
  10. Network Interface Card (NIC) - The NIC is your computer's passport to the network world, handling wired Ethernet or wireless Wi-Fi connections. With it, you chat, game, stream, and browse across the globe.
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