- A
The SO-DIMM module is incompatible with the laptop's chipset.
Why wrong: Incompatibility usually causes a no-boot or beep code, not a system that boots but ignores the soldered RAM.
- B
The soldered RAM is faulty and has been disabled.
Why wrong: If the soldered RAM were faulty, the system might not boot at all or would show errors, not simply report the SO-DIMM only.
- C
The laptop's BIOS is configured to use only the SO-DIMM slot when populated.
Many laptops with soldered RAM automatically disable the onboard memory when a SO-DIMM is installed to avoid compatibility issues, resulting in only the SO-DIMM's capacity being available.
- D
The SO-DIMM is not seated properly in the slot.
Why wrong: Improper seating would likely cause the system to not recognize the SO-DIMM at all, resulting in the original 4 GB being reported, not 8 GB.
220-1101 RAM Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ram. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 the RAM in a laptop that uses SO-DIMM modules. The laptop currently has 4 GB of RAM soldered on the motherboard and one empty SO-DIMM slot. The technician installs an 8 GB SO-DIMM, but the system only reports 8 GB total. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The laptop's BIOS is configured to use only the SO-DIMM slot when populated.
Some laptops with soldered RAM have a limitation where the SO-DIMM slot cannot be used simultaneously with the onboard memory, or the system may disable the onboard RAM when a module is installed. This is a design constraint, not a hardware failure.
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.
- ✗
The SO-DIMM module is incompatible with the laptop's chipset.
Why it's wrong here
Incompatibility usually causes a no-boot or beep code, not a system that boots but ignores the soldered RAM.
- ✗
The soldered RAM is faulty and has been disabled.
Why it's wrong here
If the soldered RAM were faulty, the system might not boot at all or would show errors, not simply report the SO-DIMM only.
- ✓
The laptop's BIOS is configured to use only the SO-DIMM slot when populated.
Why this is correct
Many laptops with soldered RAM automatically disable the onboard memory when a SO-DIMM is installed to avoid compatibility issues, resulting in only the SO-DIMM's capacity being available.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
The SO-DIMM is not seated properly in the slot.
Why it's wrong here
Improper seating would likely cause the system to not recognize the SO-DIMM at all, resulting in the original 4 GB being reported, not 8 GB.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
If the soldered RAM were faulty, the system might not boot at all or would show errors, not simply report the SO-DIMM only.
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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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: The laptop's BIOS is configured to use only the SO-DIMM slot when populated. — Some laptops with soldered RAM have a limitation where the SO-DIMM slot cannot be used simultaneously with the onboard memory, or the system may disable the onboard RAM when a module is installed. This is a design constraint, not a hardware failure.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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