- A
One 32 GB stick of RAM.
Why wrong: A single stick operates in single-channel mode, which halves the memory bandwidth compared to dual-channel, reducing performance in memory-intensive tasks like video editing.
- B
Two 16 GB sticks of RAM.
Two matched sticks enable dual-channel mode, doubling the memory bandwidth and providing significantly better performance for the video editing workload.
- C
Four 8 GB sticks of RAM.
Why wrong: While this also provides 32 GB and can run in dual-channel, it uses all four slots, leaving no room for future upgrades and may not offer any performance advantage over two sticks.
- D
One 16 GB stick and two 8 GB sticks.
Why wrong: Mixing different capacities can prevent dual-channel mode from working correctly across all memory, potentially leading to suboptimal performance or instability.
Quick Answer
The answer is two 16 GB sticks of RAM, as this configuration enables dual-channel memory, which is the best RAM configuration for performance in a memory-intensive workstation. Dual-channel operation allows the memory controller to read from and write to both sticks simultaneously, effectively doubling the data transfer rate compared to a single stick. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of memory channel architecture and the performance impact of populating DIMM slots in matched pairs. A common trap is choosing a single 32 GB stick for simplicity, but that sacrifices bandwidth and is only recommended for systems with limited slots or future upgrade plans. Remember the memory tip: “Two sticks for speed, one stick for greed” — dual-channel gives you the throughput boost that video editing and other bandwidth-hungry tasks demand.
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 technician is building a new workstation for a video editor who needs to run memory-intensive applications. The motherboard supports DDR4 RAM and has four DIMM slots. The editor wants 32 GB of RAM. Which configuration should the technician choose for optimal performance?
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
Two 16 GB sticks of RAM.
Using dual-channel memory (two matched sticks) provides a performance boost over a single stick because it allows the memory controller to access both modules simultaneously. For 32 GB, two 16 GB sticks are the best balance of performance and capacity.
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.
- ✗
One 32 GB stick of RAM.
Why it's wrong here
A single stick operates in single-channel mode, which halves the memory bandwidth compared to dual-channel, reducing performance in memory-intensive tasks like video editing.
- ✓
Two 16 GB sticks of RAM.
Why this is correct
Two matched sticks enable dual-channel mode, doubling the memory bandwidth and providing significantly better performance for the video editing workload.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Four 8 GB sticks of RAM.
Why it's wrong here
While this also provides 32 GB and can run in dual-channel, it uses all four slots, leaving no room for future upgrades and may not offer any performance advantage over two sticks.
- ✗
One 16 GB stick and two 8 GB sticks.
Why it's wrong here
Mixing different capacities can prevent dual-channel mode from working correctly across all memory, potentially leading to suboptimal performance or 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 — study guide chapter
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RAM practice questions
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CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
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: Two 16 GB sticks of RAM. — Using dual-channel memory (two matched sticks) provides a performance boost over a single stick because it allows the memory controller to access both modules simultaneously. For 32 GB, two 16 GB sticks are the best balance of performance and capacity.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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