- A
The power surge damaged the motherboard's memory controller.
Why wrong: Incorrect; while possible, a DRAM LED typically points to the RAM itself or its connection, not the memory controller.
- B
The new RAM module is not compatible with the motherboard.
Correct; the red DRAM LED suggests the motherboard is detecting a problem with the RAM, and incompatible or faulty RAM is a common issue after an upgrade.
- C
The power surge corrupted the BIOS firmware.
Why wrong: Incorrect; a corrupted BIOS usually causes no POST or different diagnostic codes, not a specific DRAM LED.
- D
The RAM is not seated in the correct slots for dual-channel mode.
Why wrong: Incorrect; incorrect slot placement may reduce performance but typically does not prevent boot or trigger a DRAM LED.
Quick Answer
The most likely cause is that the new RAM module is not compatible with the motherboard. When a PC won't boot after a power surge and the DRAM LED glows red, the diagnostic light is signaling a memory initialization failure, which often stems from incompatible or faulty RAM. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between surge-related damage and pre-existing hardware issues; the key clue here is the recent RAM upgrade, making incompatibility more probable than a surge-damaged stick. A common trap is to assume the surge fried the RAM, but the red LED specifically points to a training or timing mismatch that the motherboard cannot resolve. Remember the mnemonic “Red RAM, Recent Upgrade” to recall that a red DRAM LED after a power surge, combined with a fresh install, almost always points to compatibility over physical damage.
220-1101 Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of core pc hardware troubleshooting. 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 troubleshooting a PC that will not boot after a power surge. The motherboard has a built-in diagnostic LED that shows a red light near the DRAM slot. The user had recently upgraded the RAM. What is the most likely cause?
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 new RAM module is not compatible with the motherboard.
A red LED near the DRAM slot indicates a memory-related issue. After a power surge, the RAM could be damaged, or the new RAM might have been improperly seated. However, since the user recently upgraded, the most likely cause is that the new RAM is not compatible or is faulty.
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 power surge damaged the motherboard's memory controller.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; while possible, a DRAM LED typically points to the RAM itself or its connection, not the memory controller.
- ✓
The new RAM module is not compatible with the motherboard.
Why this is correct
Correct; the red DRAM LED suggests the motherboard is detecting a problem with the RAM, and incompatible or faulty RAM is a common issue after an upgrade.
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 power surge corrupted the BIOS firmware.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; a corrupted BIOS usually causes no POST or different diagnostic codes, not a specific DRAM LED.
- ✗
The RAM is not seated in the correct slots for dual-channel mode.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; incorrect slot placement may reduce performance but typically does not prevent boot or trigger a DRAM LED.
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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Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — This question tests Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The new RAM module is not compatible with the motherboard. — A red LED near the DRAM slot indicates a memory-related issue. After a power surge, the RAM could be damaged, or the new RAM might have been improperly seated. However, since the user recently upgraded, the most likely cause is that the new RAM is not compatible or is faulty.
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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