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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is configuring a workstation for a…
A technician is configuring a workstation for a video editing application that requires 64 GB of RAM. The motherboard has four slots and supports up to 128 GB. The technician has four 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules. What is the most important consideration when installing these modules?
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
✓
Ensure all modules are from the same manufacturer and have the same speed and timings.
When installing four identical RAM modules, the key consideration is ensuring they are all from the same matched set or have identical specifications (speed, timings, voltage) to maintain stability and performance. Mixing modules from different manufacturers or batches can cause instability even if they have the same rated speed. Additionally, the technician should install them in the correct slots for dual-channel operation, but the primary concern is compatibility.
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 the modules in slots 1, 2, 3, and 4 in any order.
Why it's wrong here
Installing RAM modules in "any order" can prevent the motherboard from utilizing performance-enhancing features like dual-channel or quad-channel memory, which often require specific slot population patterns. While the system might boot, it would operate below optimal performance and could even lead to instability if modules are mismatched or improperly seated, rather than following the motherboard's recommended configuration for memory channels.
- ✓
Ensure all modules are from the same manufacturer and have the same speed and timings.
Why this is correct
Ensuring all RAM modules originate from the same manufacturer and possess identical speed and timing specifications is crucial for system stability and optimal performance. Mismatched modules can lead to the system defaulting to the slowest common denominator, or worse, cause frequent crashes, boot failures, or data corruption due to timing conflicts and voltage incompatibilities. A matched set guarantees seamless operation and full utilization of the memory controller.
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Install the modules only in the first two slots to leave room for future upgrades.
Why it's wrong here
Installing RAM modules only in the first two slots would directly contradict the immediate requirement for 64 GB of RAM, assuming the individual modules are not 32GB each. If the workstation needs 64 GB now, all four available slots must be populated with appropriate module sizes to meet the specified capacity. Prioritizing future upgrades over current operational needs is an incorrect approach in this scenario.
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Set the RAM voltage to the maximum supported by the motherboard.
Why it's wrong here
Setting the RAM voltage to the maximum supported by the motherboard is a hazardous practice that risks permanently damaging the memory modules. While a motherboard might support a wide voltage range, each RAM module has a specific operating voltage specified by its manufacturer, typically 1.2V for DDR4. Exceeding this recommended voltage can lead to overheating, premature component failure, and system instability.
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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.