Which of the following storage types retains data even when the power is turned off?

Mass storage devices are designed to retain data even when the power is turned off. This includes various types of storage mediums such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), and optical disks. The primary function of these devices is to store large amounts of data permanently, making them essential for data retrieval and long-term data management.

In contrast, RAM (Random Access Memory) and cache memory are types of volatile storage, meaning they lose all stored data as soon as the power is turned off. Volatile memory is used for temporary storage, enabling quick access to data that the CPU needs while executing tasks. Buffered memory, though it can improve data transfer rates in certain applications, also falls under volatile storage and does not retain data without power.

This distinction is critical for understanding how different types of storage are utilized in computing systems, particularly in contexts where data persistence is required.