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Storage Density 0 / 14
Hardware Rank Sector
1 [4 Marks Total]
(a) Tick one box in each row to show which storage type the statement best describes. [3]
Statement Optical Magnetic Solid State
Has the fastest read/write speeds
Has the lowest cost per Gigabyte (GB)
Is the most durable (robust) when moved

(b) Give one example of an Optical storage device. [1]
✅ Mark Scheme

(a) Table:

  • Fastest Speed: Solid State
  • Lowest Cost: Magnetic
  • Most Durable: Solid State

(b) Example: CD / DVD / Blu-Ray

Score yourself (Max 4):
2 [4 Marks Total]
A photographer chooses an SSD over a Magnetic HDD for transporting and editing photos.

(a) Justify one reason why SSD is better for transporting data. [2]
💡Hint: Think about moving parts.
(b) Justify one reason why SSD is better for editing photos. [2]
💡Hint: Think about performance/speed.
✅ Mark Scheme

(a) Transport:

  • More durable / robust. (1)
  • Because it has no moving parts. (1)

(b) Editing:

  • Faster Read/Write speeds. (1)
  • Files load/save quicker. (1)
Score yourself (Max 4):
3 [3 Marks]
A school file server needs to back up 10 years of student work (rarely accessed).
Identify the most suitable storage type and justify your choice.
Storage Type:
✅ Mark Scheme

Type: Magnetic (1)

Justification (Max 2):

  • High capacity (for 10 years of data).
  • Low cost per GB.
  • Speed is not a priority (rarely accessed).
Score yourself (Max 3):
4 [3 Marks]
Explain two disadvantages of using Optical storage (CD/DVD) compared to a USB Flash Drive for transferring homework.
✅ Mark Scheme
  • Capacity: Optical has much lower capacity.
  • Speed: Optical is slower to save/load.
  • Durability: Discs scratch easily / fragile.
  • Reusability: CD-R cannot be reused (Read Only).
Score yourself (Max 3):