easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is upgrading a client's laptop from…
A technician is upgrading a client's laptop from 8 GB to 16 GB of RAM. After installing the new module, the laptop powers on but the screen remains black, and the system emits a series of short beeps. What is the most likely issue?
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 RAM module is not fully seated in the slot.
A series of short beeps on a laptop usually indicates a memory failure, such as incompatible or improperly seated RAM. The most common cause is that the new RAM module is not fully inserted into the slot, causing a poor connection. The technician should reseat the module firmly until it clicks into place.
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 new RAM module is incompatible with the laptop's chipset.
Why it's wrong here
While incompatibility between the RAM module and the laptop's chipset (e.g., incorrect DDR generation, unsupported speed, or density) is a potential issue, it typically manifests differently. Such an incompatibility might prevent the system from powering on entirely, or it could lead to system instability, crashes, or specific error messages after a partial boot. However, the immediate symptom of a black screen with beep codes after installation is more commonly associated with a physical connection problem rather than a fundamental electrical or logical mismatch that would prevent any initial system recognition.
- ✓
The RAM module is not fully seated in the slot.
Why this is correct
When a RAM module is not fully seated in its slot, its electrical contacts fail to establish a complete and reliable connection with the motherboard's memory slot pins. This prevents the CPU from properly detecting and initializing the system memory during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) sequence. The BIOS/UEFI firmware, unable to find or access the required RAM, then generates a specific series of audible beep codes to signal a critical memory error, while the display remains black because the system cannot proceed with the boot process.
- ✗
The laptop's battery is dead.
Why it's wrong here
A dead or discharged laptop battery would not typically cause a black screen accompanied by beep codes. If the laptop is unplugged, a dead battery would simply prevent the device from powering on at all. If connected to AC power, the laptop would usually power on and operate, potentially displaying a battery charging indicator or a warning about the battery's health. Beep codes are diagnostic signals from the BIOS/UEFI indicating a hardware component failure or misconfiguration detected during POST, not a primary power source issue.
- ✗
The RAM is installed in the wrong orientation.
Why it's wrong here
RAM modules are engineered with a physical notch, or 'key,' on their edge connector that must align precisely with a corresponding raised section within the memory slot on the motherboard. This keying mechanism is a safety feature designed to physically prevent the module from being inserted in the wrong orientation. Attempting to force a RAM module into the slot incorrectly would likely result in physical damage to the module's pins or the memory slot itself, rather than simply causing the system to generate beep codes without any other visible damage or a successful, albeit flawed, insertion.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Laptop Hardware and Components
Key term
RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is your computer's short-term memory, temporarily holding data the CPU needs right now or very soon.
Key term
Dual In-line Memory Module
A Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) is a small circuit board that holds memory chips and plugs into a computer's motherboard to provide Random Access Memory (RAM).
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.