The answer is to install two modules in channel A and two in channel B. This configuration enables dual-channel memory operation because the motherboard’s memory controller pairs slots A1/A2 for channel A and B1/B2 for channel B, allowing each channel to access two modules simultaneously. When all four modules are installed across both channels, the system reads and writes data in 128-bit chunks instead of 64-bit, effectively doubling memory bandwidth—a critical advantage for video editing workloads. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of channel mapping versus slot population; a common trap is assuming that filling all four slots automatically enables dual-channel, but placing all modules in the same channel (e.g., only A1 and A2) forces single-channel mode. Remember the mnemonic: “Pairs in the same paint—A with A, B with B—keep the bandwidth train on track.”
220-1201 Motherboard Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of motherboard. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is building a PC for video editing and wants to install 32 GB of RAM using four 8 GB modules. The motherboard supports dual-channel memory. Which DIMM slot configuration should the technician use to achieve the best performance?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Install two modules in channel A and two in channel B
For dual-channel memory with four modules, the motherboard typically uses slots A1, A2, B1, and B2. To enable dual-channel, matching pairs must be in the same channel (e.g., A1 and A2 for channel A, B1 and B2 for channel B). Installing all four modules in the same channel would force single-channel operation, halving memory bandwidth.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Install all four modules in the same channel (e.g., A1, A2, A3, A4)
Why it's wrong here
This would only use one memory channel, resulting in single-channel performance and reduced bandwidth.
✓
Install two modules in channel A and two in channel B
Why this is correct
This configuration utilizes both memory channels, enabling dual-channel mode for maximum bandwidth.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Install one module in each channel, leaving two slots empty
Why it's wrong here
This would only use 16 GB, not the desired 32 GB, and would not take advantage of all slots.
✗
Install three modules in channel A and one in channel B
Why it's wrong here
This unbalanced configuration would likely force single-channel mode or cause instability.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Motherboard — This question tests Motherboard — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Install two modules in channel A and two in channel B — For dual-channel memory with four modules, the motherboard typically uses slots A1, A2, B1, and B2. To enable dual-channel, matching pairs must be in the same channel (e.g., A1 and A2 for channel A, B1 and B2 for channel B). Installing all four modules in the same channel would force single-channel operation, halving memory bandwidth.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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