Question

_____ represents the memory hierarchy from fastest to slowest in speed.

• A. Hard Disk $\rightarrow$ Register $\rightarrow$ Cache $\rightarrow$ RAM
• B. RAM $\rightarrow$ Cache $\rightarrow$ Register $\rightarrow$ Hard Disk
• C. Register $\rightarrow$ Cache $\rightarrow$ RAM $\rightarrow$ Hard Disk
• D. RAM $\rightarrow$ Register $\rightarrow$ Cache $\rightarrow$ Hard Disk

Hint:

Memory Hierarchy (Fastest $\rightarrow$ Slowest): \[ \boxed{\text{Register} \rightarrow \text{Cache} \rightarrow \text{RAM} \rightarrow \text{Hard Disk}} \] Speed decreases downward, while storage capacity increases downward.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Computer memory is organized in a hierarchy based on speed, cost and storage capacity. The closer a memory is to the CPU, the faster it is, but it usually has smaller storage capacity and higher cost. The standard memory hierarchy is: \[ \boxed{\text{Register} \rightarrow \text{Cache} \rightarrow \text{RAM} \rightarrow \text{Hard Disk}} \]

Step 1: Understand the function of each memory.

• Registers are located inside the CPU and are the fastest memory.
• Cache Memory stores frequently used data for quick CPU access.
• RAM (Main Memory) temporarily stores programs and data currently in use.
• Hard Disk provides permanent storage but is much slower than RAM.

Step 2: Compare their speeds.
The speed decreases in the following order: \[ \boxed{\text{Register} > \text{Cache} > \text{RAM} > \text{Hard Disk}} \] Similarly, storage capacity increases in the reverse order.

Step 3: Analyse the options.

• Hard Disk $\rightarrow$ Register $\rightarrow$ Cache $\rightarrow$ RAM -- Incorrect.
• RAM $\rightarrow$ Cache $\rightarrow$ Register $\rightarrow$ Hard Disk -- Incorrect.
• Register $\rightarrow$ Cache $\rightarrow$ RAM $\rightarrow$ Hard Disk -- Correct.
• RAM $\rightarrow$ Register $\rightarrow$ Cache $\rightarrow$ Hard Disk -- Incorrect.

Step 4: Final conclusion.
Hence, the correct memory hierarchy from fastest to slowest is: \[ \boxed{\text{Register} \rightarrow \text{Cache} \rightarrow \text{RAM} \rightarrow \text{Hard Disk}} \]