The correct answer is to replace the faulty module with a new module of the same specifications. This is because modern motherboards use dual-channel memory architecture, which requires matched pairs of RAM modules to operate in the faster 128-bit data path; leaving three modules after removing the faulty one forces the system into single-channel mode, halving memory bandwidth and degrading performance. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of memory configuration best practices—a common trap is thinking you can simply remove the bad stick and run with three, but the exam emphasizes that unmatched or odd numbers of modules break dual-channel. A reliable memory tip is “match the pair or lose the speed,” meaning always keep an even number of identical modules to maintain dual-channel performance.
220-1201 RAM Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ram. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 troubleshooting a workstation that randomly crashes and shows memory errors in Windows. The system has four 4 GB DDR4 modules. The technician runs Memtest86 and finds errors in one module. What should the technician do to resolve the issue while maximizing performance?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Replace the faulty module with a new module of the same specifications.
The faulty module should be removed, but to maintain dual-channel performance, the remaining modules should be installed in matched pairs. Removing one module leaves three, which may force single-channel operation. The best solution is to replace the faulty module with a matching one, but if not available, removing two modules to keep a matched pair is optimal.
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.
✗
Remove the faulty module and leave the other three installed.
Why it's wrong here
Three modules will run in single-channel mode, reducing memory bandwidth and performance.
✓
Replace the faulty module with a new module of the same specifications.
Why this is correct
This restores full capacity and dual-channel operation, maximizing performance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Remove all modules and install a single 16 GB module.
Why it's wrong here
This would work but wastes the existing modules and may not be cost-effective; also, single-channel reduces performance.
✗
Remove the faulty module and the module in the same channel to keep dual-channel.
Why it's wrong here
This leaves only two modules, which is dual-channel but reduces total capacity to 8 GB, which may be insufficient.
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.
RAM — This question tests RAM — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Replace the faulty module with a new module of the same specifications. — The faulty module should be removed, but to maintain dual-channel performance, the remaining modules should be installed in matched pairs. Removing one module leaves three, which may force single-channel operation. The best solution is to replace the faulty module with a matching one, but if not available, removing two modules to keep a matched pair is optimal.
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.
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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