- A
Add two 8 GB DDR4-3200 modules to the existing RAM.
Why wrong: This would mix speeds, forcing all RAM to run at 2666 MHz, and the new modules' potential would be wasted.
- B
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules.
Why wrong: While this increases capacity, it does not improve speed; the system would still run at 2666 MHz, and the customer wants better performance.
- C
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules.
This provides both higher capacity and faster speed, fully utilizing the motherboard's supported speed and improving performance.
- D
Add two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules to the existing RAM.
Why wrong: This would increase capacity but still run at 2666 MHz, and mixing sizes can sometimes cause stability issues, though not guaranteed.
Quick Answer
The best upgrade is to replace the two 8 GB DDR4-2666 modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules. This is correct because when mixing RAM speeds, all modules in the system will downclock to the speed of the slowest stick; adding a faster DDR4-3200 module to the existing DDR4-2666 setup would force the new memory to run at 2666 MHz, wasting its potential. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of RAM compatibility and the importance of matched kits for optimal performance—a common trap is assuming you can simply add faster RAM to boost speed. Remember the memory tip: “Match the kit, don’t mix the sticks” to avoid downclocking and ensure your video editing system gets both the full capacity and the highest supported speed.
220-1101 RAM Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ram. 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 customer reports that their desktop computer, used for video editing, frequently runs out of memory and slows down. They want to upgrade the RAM but are not sure which type is compatible. The motherboard manual lists support for DDR4-3200 and DDR4-2666. The system currently has two 8 GB DDR4-2666 modules installed. What is the best upgrade to maximize performance and capacity?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules.
Mixing RAM speeds forces all modules to run at the slowest speed, so adding DDR4-3200 modules would cause them to downclock to 2666 MHz, wasting potential performance. The best upgrade is to replace the existing modules with a matched kit of DDR4-3200 modules, ensuring full speed and capacity. This scenario tests understanding of RAM speed compatibility and the importance of matched modules for optimal performance.
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.
- ✗
Add two 8 GB DDR4-3200 modules to the existing RAM.
Why it's wrong here
This would mix speeds, forcing all RAM to run at 2666 MHz, and the new modules' potential would be wasted.
- ✗
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules.
Why it's wrong here
While this increases capacity, it does not improve speed; the system would still run at 2666 MHz, and the customer wants better performance.
- ✓
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules.
Why this is correct
This provides both higher capacity and faster speed, fully utilizing the motherboard's supported speed and improving performance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Add two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules to the existing RAM.
Why it's wrong here
This would increase capacity but still run at 2666 MHz, and mixing sizes can sometimes cause stability issues, though not guaranteed.
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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RAM practice questions
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CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
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220-1201 practice test guide
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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: Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules. — Mixing RAM speeds forces all modules to run at the slowest speed, so adding DDR4-3200 modules would cause them to downclock to 2666 MHz, wasting potential performance. The best upgrade is to replace the existing modules with a matched kit of DDR4-3200 modules, ensuring full speed and capacity. This scenario tests understanding of RAM speed compatibility and the importance of matched modules for optimal performance.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
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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