hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A user complains that their computer with a 256…
A user complains that their computer with a 256 GB NVMe SSD is running out of storage space. They want to add more internal storage but only have one M.2 slot. What is the best solution to expand capacity without sacrificing performance?
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
✓
Replace the NVMe SSD with a larger capacity NVMe SSD.
Replacing the existing NVMe SSD with a larger capacity model is the most direct and universally applicable way to increase internal storage while maintaining NVMe performance, suitable for both laptops and desktops. While adding a second M.2 drive via a PCIe adapter card (Option D) is a viable solution for desktops with available PCIe slots, it adds complexity and cost (requiring an adapter card in addition to the drive) and is not an option for laptops. Adding a SATA SSD via a 2.5-inch bay (Option B) is also viable but slower than NVMe. External drives (Option C) are not internal storage.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Replace the NVMe SSD with a larger capacity NVMe SSD.
Why this is correct
The most effective solution for a user running out of space on their primary 256 GB NVMe SSD is to replace it with a larger capacity NVMe SSD. This directly expands the primary storage volume, ensuring that the operating system and frequently accessed applications continue to benefit from the superior speed and low latency of the NVMe interface. It utilizes the existing M.2 slot efficiently, maintaining the highest possible storage performance without adding complexity or sacrificing speed.
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Install a SATA SSD in an available 2.5-inch drive bay.
Why it's wrong here
Installing a SATA SSD in an available 2.5-inch drive bay would indeed add storage capacity, but it would not expand the primary NVMe drive's volume and would introduce a slower storage tier. SATA SSDs are limited by the SATA III interface to a maximum theoretical throughput of 6 Gbps, which is significantly slower than NVMe SSDs utilizing PCIe lanes (e.g., PCIe Gen3 x4 offers up to 32 Gbps). This option compromises overall system performance by not leveraging the fastest available technology for the primary storage expansion.
- ✗
Use an external USB SSD for additional storage.
Why it's wrong here
Using an external USB SSD for additional storage is generally not an optimal solution for expanding primary system storage due to inherent performance limitations and convenience factors. USB interfaces, even the faster versions like USB 3.0 or 3.1, typically offer lower throughput and higher latency compared to internal NVMe connections, which can negatively impact application loading and file transfer speeds. Furthermore, an external drive is not integrated into the system's internal architecture, making it less suitable for critical system files or primary data storage and less convenient due to its external nature.
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Add a second M.2 drive using a PCIe adapter card.
Why it's wrong here
Adding a second M.2 drive via a PCIe adapter card is not the optimal solution here because the user's existing 256 GB NVMe SSD is running out of space, and the most direct way to expand the capacity of that primary storage volume is to replace the existing drive with a larger one. This option would result in two separate storage volumes, rather than expanding the primary drive's capacity. However, this approach is tempting and would be correct if the user needed to add *additional* high-performance storage to a system that already has its M.2 slot occupied, and has available PCIe slots, allowing for the installation of another NVMe SSD without performance compromise.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
RAM Types and Memory Slots
Key term
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) is a computer bus interface used to connect storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives to a computer's motherboard.
Key term
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
PCI Express (PCIe) is a high-speed expansion bus standard that connects internal hardware components like graphics cards, SSDs, and network adapters to a computer's motherboard.
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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.