The answer is to replace the existing NVMe SSD with a larger capacity NVMe SSD. This is the best solution because the motherboard has only one M.2 slot, which is designed for NVMe drives that connect directly to the PCIe lanes for maximum speed. Swapping the 256 GB drive for a 1 TB or 2 TB NVMe SSD preserves that high-bandwidth performance, whereas adding a SATA SSD through a 2.5-inch bay would introduce a slower interface bottleneck. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of storage interface limitations and the trade-off between expansion and performance—a common trap is choosing to add a SATA SSD when the user specifically wants internal storage without sacrificing speed. Remember the memory tip: “One slot, swap the lot”—if you only have one M.2 slot, you must replace, not add, to keep NVMe performance.
220-1101 Storage Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of storage devices. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 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?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Replace the NVMe SSD with a larger capacity NVMe SSD.
This uses the single M.2 slot to upgrade capacity while keeping the fastest storage option.
B
Install a SATA SSD in an available 2.5-inch drive bay.
Why wrong: This adds storage but does not use the M.2 slot; however, it is a valid option, but the question asks for the best solution without sacrificing performance, and NVMe is faster.
C
Use an external USB SSD for additional storage.
Why wrong: External drives are slower and not internal, making them less ideal for primary storage expansion.
D
Add a second M.2 drive using a PCIe adapter card.
Why wrong: This is possible but may not be supported by all motherboards and could be more complex than a simple replacement.
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 way to increase internal storage while maintaining NVMe performance. Adding a SATA SSD via a 2.5-inch bay is also viable but slower. External drives are not internal.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
This uses the single M.2 slot to upgrade capacity while keeping the fastest storage option.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Install a SATA SSD in an available 2.5-inch drive bay.
Why it's wrong here
This adds storage but does not use the M.2 slot; however, it is a valid option, but the question asks for the best solution without sacrificing performance, and NVMe is faster.
✗
Use an external USB SSD for additional storage.
Why it's wrong here
External drives are slower and not internal, making them less ideal for primary storage expansion.
✗
Add a second M.2 drive using a PCIe adapter card.
Why it's wrong here
This is possible but may not be supported by all motherboards and could be more complex than a simple replacement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Storage Devices — This question tests Storage Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Replace the NVMe SSD with a larger capacity NVMe SSD. — Replacing the existing NVMe SSD with a larger capacity model is the most direct way to increase internal storage while maintaining NVMe performance. Adding a SATA SSD via a 2.5-inch bay is also viable but slower. External drives are not internal.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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