- A
Slots 1 and 2 (adjacent to each other).
Why wrong: Adjacent slots often belong to the same channel, so using slots 1 and 2 would likely run in single-channel mode, halving memory bandwidth.
- B
Slots 2 and 4 (alternating slots).
Most motherboards designate slots 2 and 4 (or A2 and B2) as the primary dual-channel configuration, ensuring the memory controller can access both sticks in parallel.
- C
Slots 1 and 3 (alternating slots).
Why wrong: While slots 1 and 3 are also alternating, they are often the secondary dual-channel pair and may not be optimal for stability; many boards recommend slots 2 and 4 first.
- D
Any two slots will work; dual-channel is automatic.
Why wrong: Dual-channel is not automatic; the modules must be installed in the correct paired slots. Using any two slots may result in single-channel mode.
Quick Answer
The answer is slots 2 and 4, which are the alternating slots counting from the CPU. This configuration enables dual-channel operation by allowing the memory controller to access both 16 GB sticks simultaneously, effectively doubling the data bandwidth between the RAM and the CPU. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of motherboard memory architecture and the physical installation requirements for optimal performance. A common trap is assuming any two slots will work, but using adjacent slots like 1 and 2 forces single-channel mode, halving throughput. The exam often presents a scenario with a labeled motherboard diagram, so look for the slots marked A2 and B2, or the second and fourth positions from the CPU socket. For a quick memory tip, remember "2 and 4, not 1 and 3" — or think of it as leaving a gap for the dual-channel magic to flow.
220-1201 RAM Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ram. 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 user is building a new gaming PC and wants to install 32 GB of DDR4 RAM in a dual-channel configuration. They have two 16 GB sticks. Which motherboard slots should they use to ensure dual-channel operation?
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
Slots 2 and 4 (alternating slots).
For dual-channel operation, memory modules must be installed in the correct slots, typically alternating colors or labeled as A2 and B2 (or slots 2 and 4) on most modern motherboards. This ensures the memory controller can access both sticks simultaneously, increasing bandwidth. The user manual or motherboard labeling is the definitive guide, but the common practice is to use the second and fourth slots from the CPU.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Slots 1 and 2 (adjacent to each other).
Why it's wrong here
Adjacent slots often belong to the same channel, so using slots 1 and 2 would likely run in single-channel mode, halving memory bandwidth.
- ✓
Slots 2 and 4 (alternating slots).
Why this is correct
Most motherboards designate slots 2 and 4 (or A2 and B2) as the primary dual-channel configuration, ensuring the memory controller can access both sticks in parallel.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Slots 1 and 3 (alternating slots).
Why it's wrong here
While slots 1 and 3 are also alternating, they are often the secondary dual-channel pair and may not be optimal for stability; many boards recommend slots 2 and 4 first.
- ✗
Any two slots will work; dual-channel is automatic.
Why it's wrong here
Dual-channel is not automatic; the modules must be installed in the correct paired slots. Using any two slots may result in single-channel mode.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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RAM — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
RAM — This question tests RAM — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Slots 2 and 4 (alternating slots). — For dual-channel operation, memory modules must be installed in the correct slots, typically alternating colors or labeled as A2 and B2 (or slots 2 and 4) on most modern motherboards. This ensures the memory controller can access both sticks simultaneously, increasing bandwidth. The user manual or motherboard labeling is the definitive guide, but the common practice is to use the second and fourth slots from the CPU.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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