FC0-U71 Tech Concepts and Terminology Practice Question
A technician is explaining the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory to a trainee. Which TWO of the following are examples of volatile memory? (Select TWO.)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DDR4 RAM
Volatile memory loses data when power is off. RAM (including DDR4 and DDR5) and cache memory (L1/L2/L3) are volatile. ROM and SSDs are non-volatile.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ROM
Why it's wrong here
ROM retains its contents when power is removed, so it is non-volatile and cannot be a volatile memory example. It is tempting because ROM is memory and is often listed alongside RAM, but ROM is the correct answer when a question asks for non-volatile memory examples.
- ✗
BIOS firmware
Why it's wrong here
BIOS firmware is stored in non-volatile flash or ROM, retaining contents without power, so it is not volatile memory. It is tempting because BIOS runs at startup and interacts with RAM, but firmware is the correct answer when the question asks for non-volatile storage examples.
- ✓
DDR4 RAM
Why this is correct
DDR4 RAM is volatile: it holds data only while powered, and its contents are lost on power removal. This matches the stem's requirement for volatile memory, unlike ROM, SSDs or flash, which retain data without power.
- ✓
L3 cache
Why this is correct
L3 cache is volatile because it stores data only while powered, losing contents on shutdown. As CPU cache, it holds frequently accessed instructions and data for rapid retrieval, satisfying the stem's volatile-memory criterion alongside RAM. It is not persistent storage, unlike SSDs or ROM.
- ✗
SSD
Why it's wrong here
An SSD retains data without power, making it non-volatile storage, so it cannot be an example of volatile memory. It is tempting because SSDs are fast and sit close to RAM in the memory hierarchy, but they are correct answers when the question asks for non-volatile storage examples.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on FC0-U71
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which component of a computer stores data permanently even when the power is turned off?
easy- ✓ A.SSD
- B.CPU cache
- C.GPU
- D.RAM
Why A: An SSD (Solid State Drive) is non-volatile storage, meaning it retains data even when power is removed. It uses NAND flash memory to store data persistently, making it the correct answer for permanent storage. In contrast, CPU cache, GPU memory, and RAM are all volatile and lose their contents when power is cut.
Variation 2. Which type of memory is volatile and loses its data when the computer is turned off?
easy- A.SSD
- B.ROM
- C.HDD
- ✓ D.RAM
Why D: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile semiconductor memory that requires continuous power to retain its contents; when the computer is powered off, all data stored in RAM is lost. This is why unsaved work disappears on a power failure. ROM, by contrast, is non-volatile and retains firmware even without power.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.