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220-1201 Practice Question: A customer reports that their desktop computer,…
A customer reports that their desktop computer, used for video editing, frequently runs out of memory and slows down. They want to upgrade the RAM but are not sure which type is compatible. The motherboard manual lists support for DDR4-3200 and DDR4-2666. The system currently has two 8 GB DDR4-2666 modules installed. What is the best upgrade to maximize performance and capacity?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests the misconception that adding more RAM is always better than replacing, and that mixing speeds is fine; candidates must recognize that matched, higher-speed modules replacing slower ones yield the best performance.
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
✓
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules.
To maximize performance and capacity, you should replace the existing slower DDR4-2666 modules with higher-capacity DDR4-3200 modules. The motherboard supports DDR4-3200, so the system can run at the faster speed, and replacing rather than mixing ensures all modules operate at the same speed and timings. Two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules provide 32 GB total, doubling capacity and increasing memory bandwidth for video editing.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Add two 8 GB DDR4-3200 modules to the existing RAM.
Why it's wrong here
Adding two 8 GB DDR4-3200 modules to existing slower RAM, presumably DDR4-2666, would force all memory to operate at the lowest common speed of 2666 MHz. This negates any performance benefit from the faster modules, effectively wasting the investment and failing to improve the system's overall memory bandwidth, which is critical for better performance.
- ✗
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the current 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules only increases the total RAM capacity. While more RAM can be beneficial for heavy multitasking or memory-intensive applications, it does not enhance the memory's operating speed or bandwidth. Therefore, this upgrade would not deliver the desired performance improvement in terms of data transfer rates, as the system would still run at 2666 MHz.
- ✓
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules.
Why this is correct
This option provides a comprehensive upgrade by simultaneously increasing both RAM capacity and speed. Replacing the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules doubles the total memory while significantly boosting the memory clock speed to 3200 MHz, assuming motherboard compatibility. This dual improvement directly addresses the customer's request for better performance by enabling faster data access and supporting more demanding workloads efficiently.
- ✗
Add two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules to the existing RAM.
Why it's wrong here
Adding two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules to the existing RAM would increase total capacity but would not improve the system's memory speed, as all modules would still operate at 2666 MHz. Furthermore, populating all four memory slots with modules of different capacities (8 GB and 16 GB) can sometimes hinder optimal dual-channel operation or introduce minor stability issues, even if speeds are matched. This approach fails to provide a speed upgrade and introduces potential compatibility complexities.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This 220-1201 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 220-1201 exam.