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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is upgrading a client's older PC…
A technician is upgrading a client's older PC from 8 GB to 16 GB of DDR3 RAM. After installing the new modules, the system boots but only recognizes 8 GB in the BIOS and Windows. The technician has tried reseating the RAM and swapping slots. What should the technician check next?
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
✓
Check if the motherboard supports 16 GB of RAM.
Since the BIOS also reports only 8 GB, the issue is hardware-related, not an OS limitation. The most likely cause is that the motherboard or CPU does not support 16 GB of RAM. The technician should check the system's maximum supported RAM and the compatibility of the new modules.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version.
Why it's wrong here
Updating the motherboard BIOS can sometimes introduce support for newer hardware or resolve specific compatibility issues, including certain RAM configurations. However, it is a more advanced troubleshooting step that carries a small risk of system instability if not performed correctly. Before attempting a BIOS update, which should only be done after consulting release notes for relevant RAM support, the technician must first confirm the motherboard's inherent maximum RAM capacity, as a BIOS update cannot overcome fundamental hardware limitations.
- ✓
Check if the motherboard supports 16 GB of RAM.
Why this is correct
When the BIOS, the fundamental system firmware, only detects 8 GB of RAM despite 16 GB being physically installed, it strongly indicates a hardware limitation rather than a software or module fault. The most efficient initial diagnostic step is to consult the motherboard's official specifications, typically found in the user manual or on the manufacturer's website, to confirm its maximum supported RAM capacity. This directly addresses whether the hardware itself is architecturally capable of utilizing the full 16 GB before pursuing other troubleshooting avenues.
- ✗
Verify that the operating system is 64-bit.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The OS bitness does not affect how much RAM the BIOS detects. A 32-bit OS would still allow the BIOS to see all installed RAM, but Windows would only show up to 4 GB.
- ✗
Test each RAM module individually in a known working system.
Why it's wrong here
Testing individual RAM modules in a known working system is a valid diagnostic procedure for identifying a faulty module or slot. However, in this scenario, the BIOS is detecting *some* RAM (8 GB) but not the full installed amount, rather than reporting a complete failure or error. Before assuming a module is defective, it is more logical and efficient to first verify if the motherboard's architecture and chipset actually support the total 16 GB, as this could be the root cause of the discrepancy.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Laptop Hardware and Components
Key term
BIOS
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the low-level firmware stored on a motherboard chip that initializes and tests hardware components before loading the operating system.
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.