- A
The CPU supports DDR4 memory
Why wrong: While the CPU's memory controller must support DDR4, the motherboard's DIMM slot type is the primary constraint; a DDR3 board cannot accept DDR4 even with a compatible CPU.
- B
The motherboard has DDR4 DIMM slots
DDR4 memory requires physically different slots; installing DDR4 into a DDR3 board is impossible due to different notch positions and keying.
- C
The power supply has a 4-pin connector for memory
Why wrong: Memory modules are powered directly from the motherboard's voltage regulator module; there is no separate PSU connector for RAM.
- D
The chipset supports dual-channel configuration
Why wrong: Dual-channel support is common but not a prerequisite for installation; the immediate requirement is that the motherboard physically accepts DDR4.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the technician must verify the motherboard has DDR4 DIMM slots. This is correct because DDR3 and DDR4 memory modules are physically and electrically incompatible—they use different notch positions to prevent insertion into the wrong slot, and DDR4 operates at a lower voltage (1.2V versus 1.5V/1.35V). Even if the CPU socket and chipset support DDR4, the motherboard itself must have been manufactured with DDR4 slots; you cannot install DDR4 into a DDR3 slot, nor can you mix the two types on the same board. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of memory generation compatibility, and a common trap is assuming that a newer CPU automatically supports newer RAM—it does not; the motherboard’s memory controller and slot design are the deciding factors. A helpful memory tip: “Notch and voltage—if they don’t match, don’t force it.”
220-1101 Motherboard Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of motherboard. 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 technician is upgrading a workstation from DDR3 to DDR4 memory. The motherboard currently has two DDR3 DIMM slots occupied. What must the technician verify before installing the new memory?
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 motherboard has DDR4 DIMM slots
DDR3 and DDR4 have different notch positions and voltage requirements, so they are not interchangeable. The motherboard must physically support DDR4, which means it must have DDR4 DIMM slots. The CPU socket type and chipset are secondary; the key factor is the motherboard's memory generation support.
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.
- ✗
The CPU supports DDR4 memory
Why it's wrong here
While the CPU's memory controller must support DDR4, the motherboard's DIMM slot type is the primary constraint; a DDR3 board cannot accept DDR4 even with a compatible CPU.
- ✓
The motherboard has DDR4 DIMM slots
Why this is correct
DDR4 memory requires physically different slots; installing DDR4 into a DDR3 board is impossible due to different notch positions and keying.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The power supply has a 4-pin connector for memory
Why it's wrong here
Memory modules are powered directly from the motherboard's voltage regulator module; there is no separate PSU connector for RAM.
- ✗
The chipset supports dual-channel configuration
Why it's wrong here
Dual-channel support is common but not a prerequisite for installation; the immediate requirement is that the motherboard physically accepts DDR4.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Motherboard — study guide chapter
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Motherboard practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Motherboard — This question tests Motherboard — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The motherboard has DDR4 DIMM slots — DDR3 and DDR4 have different notch positions and voltage requirements, so they are not interchangeable. The motherboard must physically support DDR4, which means it must have DDR4 DIMM slots. The CPU socket type and chipset are secondary; the key factor is the motherboard's memory generation support.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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