220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is configuring a server that…

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

• ✗

  Install both DIMMs in slots 1 and 2 (same channel)

  Why it's wrong here

  Placing both DIMMs in slots 1 and 2, which typically belong to the same memory channel, forces the system to operate in single-channel mode. This configuration limits the memory controller to accessing only one data path at a time, effectively halving the potential memory bandwidth compared to a dual-channel setup. For a server requiring maximum performance, this bottleneck significantly degrades data throughput, impacting overall system responsiveness and application efficiency.

• ✓

  Install both DIMMs in slots 1 and 3 (different channels)

  Why this is correct

  Installing both DIMMs in slots 1 and 3, assuming they correspond to different memory channels (e.g., Channel A and Channel B), correctly enables dual-channel memory architecture. This configuration allows the memory controller to access both DIMMs simultaneously, effectively doubling the theoretical memory bandwidth. Such an interleaved access scheme is crucial for achieving maximum data throughput, which is essential for server applications demanding high memory performance and responsiveness.

• ✗

  Install one DIMM in slot 1 and leave the other empty

  Why it's wrong here

  Utilizing only one DIMM in slot 1 restricts the server to single-channel memory operation, regardless of motherboard capabilities. This setup not only limits the total available memory capacity but also severely bottlenecks memory bandwidth, as the system cannot leverage parallel data access paths. For a server requiring maximum performance, especially one hosting memory-intensive virtual machines, this configuration would lead to significant performance degradation due to insufficient data throughput.

• ✗

  Install both DIMMs in slots 2 and 3 (adjacent slots)

  Why it's wrong here

  Placing DIMMs in adjacent slots like 2 and 3 often results in them being assigned to the same memory channel, depending on the specific motherboard's layout and documentation. Even with two DIMMs installed, this configuration would default to single-channel operation, preventing the system from achieving the desired dual-channel bandwidth. To maximize memory performance, it is critical to consult the motherboard manual to identify the correct slot pairings for multi-channel mode, which typically involves non-adjacent slots.

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