- A
Replace the 2TB HDD with a 2TB SATA SSD.
Why wrong: This would improve access to files stored on the HDD, but the OS and applications are already on the SATA SSD. The boot time and application loading would see minimal improvement because the system drive is unchanged.
- B
Install an M.2 NVMe SSD and migrate the OS and applications to it.
An M.2 NVMe SSD is much faster than a SATA SSD (up to 3,500 MB/s vs 550 MB/s). Moving the OS and applications to the NVMe drive will dramatically reduce boot times and application loading.
- C
Add more RAM to the system.
Why wrong: Adding RAM can improve performance if the system is memory-constrained, but it does not directly affect storage read/write speeds. The main bottleneck here is the SATA SSD's speed.
- D
Replace the 500GB SATA SSD with a larger SATA SSD.
Why wrong: A larger SATA SSD would provide more space but the same speed. The performance improvement would be negligible compared to switching to an NVMe drive.
Quick Answer
The answer is to install an M.2 NVMe SSD and migrate the OS and applications to it. This provides the most noticeable performance improvement because NVMe drives connect directly to the PCIe bus, offering significantly higher read/write speeds—typically three to five times faster than a SATA SSD—which directly addresses the need for faster boot times and application loading. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of storage hierarchy and interface bandwidth, often appearing as a trap where candidates might mistakenly choose to replace the HDD with another SATA SSD or add RAM. The key distinction is that while a SATA SSD is already fast, the M.2 slot on this motherboard supports PCIe 3.0 x4, unlocking NVMe’s full potential for sequential reads that accelerate OS startup and program launches. A helpful memory tip: think “NVMe for the OS, SATA for the bulk”—the fastest drive always hosts the operating system for maximum responsiveness.
220-1201 Storage Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of storage devices. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 tasked with upgrading a desktop computer that has a 500GB SATA SSD and a 2TB SATA HDD. The motherboard has one M.2 slot (PCIe 3.0 x4) and four SATA III ports. The user wants faster boot times and application loading. Which upgrade will provide the most noticeable performance improvement?
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
Install an M.2 NVMe SSD and migrate the OS and applications to it.
This question tests understanding of storage performance hierarchy. The existing SATA SSD is already fast for boot and applications, but an M.2 NVMe SSD is significantly faster (3-5x). Replacing the HDD with another SSD would not improve boot times as much, and adding RAM does not directly affect storage speed.
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.
- ✗
Replace the 2TB HDD with a 2TB SATA SSD.
Why it's wrong here
This would improve access to files stored on the HDD, but the OS and applications are already on the SATA SSD. The boot time and application loading would see minimal improvement because the system drive is unchanged.
- ✓
Install an M.2 NVMe SSD and migrate the OS and applications to it.
Why this is correct
An M.2 NVMe SSD is much faster than a SATA SSD (up to 3,500 MB/s vs 550 MB/s). Moving the OS and applications to the NVMe drive will dramatically reduce boot times and application loading.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Add more RAM to the system.
Why it's wrong here
Adding RAM can improve performance if the system is memory-constrained, but it does not directly affect storage read/write speeds. The main bottleneck here is the SATA SSD's speed.
- ✗
Replace the 500GB SATA SSD with a larger SATA SSD.
Why it's wrong here
A larger SATA SSD would provide more space but the same speed. The performance improvement would be negligible compared to switching to an NVMe drive.
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.
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Storage Devices — study guide chapter
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Storage Devices practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Storage Devices — This question tests Storage Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Install an M.2 NVMe SSD and migrate the OS and applications to it. — This question tests understanding of storage performance hierarchy. The existing SATA SSD is already fast for boot and applications, but an M.2 NVMe SSD is significantly faster (3-5x). Replacing the HDD with another SSD would not improve boot times as much, and adding RAM does not directly affect storage speed.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is building a high-performance workstation for video editing. The user needs fast read/write speeds for large 4K video files and wants the OS and applications on the same drive. The motherboard has one M.2 slot (PCIe 4.0 x4) and four SATA III ports. Which storage configuration should the technician recommend?
medium- A.Install one SATA III SSD for the OS and one SATA III HDD for video files.
- ✓ B.Install one M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD for both OS and video files.
- C.Install two SATA III SSDs in a RAID 0 array for the OS and video files.
- D.Install one M.2 SATA SSD for the OS and one SATA III HDD for video files.
Why B: This question tests understanding of NVMe versus SATA performance. For video editing, extremely fast sequential read/write speeds are critical. An M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 drive offers speeds up to 7,000 MB/s, far exceeding SATA SSDs (about 550 MB/s). The correct answer is to use the M.2 slot for a single fast drive.
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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