NIMCET 2007 — Computer PYQ
NIMCET | Computer | 2007Select the correct memory hierarchy :
Choose the correct answer:
- A.
Magnetic disk, DRAM, ROM
- B.
Cache, DRAM, ROM
- C.
SRAM, ROM, Magnetic disk
(Correct Answer) - D.
ROM, DRAM, Magnetic disk
SRAM, ROM, Magnetic disk
Explanation
Step 1: Understanding Memory Hierarchy
In computer architecture, the memory hierarchy organizes different types of computer storage based on three key parameters:
Speed (Access Time): Faster memory is placed closer to the CPU.
Cost: Faster memory is highly expensive per unit of storage.
Capacity: Due to cost limitations, the fastest storage levels are small, while the slowest are large.
Step 2: Comparing the Given Memory Elements
Let's analyze the access speed and standard hierarchical placement of the components mentioned in the options:
Internal CPU Registers / Cache (SRAM): These are the fastest, smallest, and most expensive volatile memory elements located directly inside or closest to the CPU core.
Main Memory (DRAM): Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) forms the primary workspace system memory (RAM). It is significantly slower than cache but much larger and cheaper.
Read-Only Memory (ROM): Non-volatile semiconductor storage used primarily for firmware (like BIOS). In classic system architecture hierarchy layouts, solid-state primary memory systems (ROM / RAM) occupy the middle tiers below high-speed CPU caches.
Secondary Storage (Magnetic Disk): Magnetic hard drives or mechanical disks are non-volatile storage components. They have the largest capacities and lowest costs, but their mechanical nature makes them the slowest layer in this group.
Step 3: Determining the Proper Sequence
Arranging these memory types from the fastest (closest to CPU processing) to the slowest (mass storage scale) yields:
Fastest⟶Slowest
SRAM (Cache)⟶DRAM (RAM)⟶ROM⟶Magnetic Disk
Let's look at how the options group these elements sequentially:
Option (c) lists SRAM, ROM, Magnetic disk in a strictly decreasing order of operational performance speed, which precisely matches a top-to-bottom traversal of a standard computer memory pyramid hierarchy.
Final Answer
The correct option is (c) SRAM, ROM, Magnetic disk.

