Which memory is permanently installed on the motherboard and contains the BIOS?

• A. RAM
• B. Cache
• C. ROM
• D. SSD

Answer: (C)

Firmware that boots the computer is stored in non-volatile memory on the motherboard. This memory is permanently installed and retains its contents without power, which is essential for the BIOS to be available whenever the machine starts. ROM, or read-only memory, is designed for this purpose, holding the BIOS firmware. RAM, by contrast, is volatile and used for active data and programs while the system is running, losing its contents when power is removed. Cache is a tiny, ultra-fast memory near the CPU used to speed up access to frequently used data, not to store firmware. An SSD is storage memory used for long-term data, not memory that stores the BIOS. Some systems use flash memory to hold and update the BIOS, but it remains non-volatile, motherboard-based firmware that contains the BIOS.