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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is configuring a new server and…
A technician is configuring a new server and needs to install ECC (Error-Correcting Code) RAM. The motherboard supports both ECC and non-ECC DDR4 memory. The technician installs ECC RAM, but the system boots and reports that ECC functionality is disabled. What is the most likely reason for this?
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
✓
The CPU does not support ECC memory.
ECC RAM requires a compatible CPU and motherboard chipset to function. If the CPU does not support ECC, the system may still boot with the RAM installed but will run it in non-ECC mode, disabling the error correction feature.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The ECC RAM is not seated properly.
Why it's wrong here
If ECC RAM modules were not seated properly, the server would typically fail to POST (Power-On Self-Test) entirely. This often results in a blank screen, a series of diagnostic beep codes from the motherboard, or a complete inability to power on, rather than booting successfully with ECC functionality simply disabled. The system would not even recognize the memory to the extent of disabling a feature.
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The BIOS needs to be updated to enable ECC support.
Why it's wrong here
While a BIOS update can sometimes introduce or improve compatibility for new hardware, the fundamental ability to utilize ECC memory is primarily determined by the CPU's integrated memory controller and the motherboard chipset. Most motherboards that support ECC memory will have that functionality enabled by default if a compatible CPU is installed. A BIOS update would typically not "enable" ECC support if the underlying CPU hardware lacks the capability.
- ✓
The CPU does not support ECC memory.
Why this is correct
The CPU contains the integrated memory controller, which is solely responsible for managing and accessing the installed RAM. For ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory to function, this memory controller within the CPU must specifically support ECC capabilities. Many consumer-grade CPUs lack this feature, even if the motherboard itself has slots for ECC RAM, rendering the ECC functionality of the RAM modules unusable.
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ECC RAM requires a registered (buffered) type to function.
Why it's wrong here
ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory can be either unbuffered (UDIMM) or registered (RDIMM). While registered memory is common in high-end servers due to its stability and ability to support more RAM modules, it is not a prerequisite for ECC functionality itself. Many server motherboards and CPUs support unbuffered ECC memory, meaning the "registered" aspect is a separate characteristic from the "ECC" feature.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.