220-1101 Hardware Practice Question
A technician is building a new gaming PC with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X and a B550 motherboard. The technician installs two 16GB DDR4-3200 RAM modules into the two blue slots (A1 and A2) as labeled on the motherboard. The system powers on, case fans spin, and the CPU fan spins, but there is no display and the motherboard's DRAM_LED remains lit. The technician has previously verified that the RAM modules are compatible with the motherboard. Which of the following should the technician do FIRST to resolve the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume any two slots will work for dual-channel memory, but CompTIA tests the specific motherboard manual recommendation that for two-module configurations, the modules must be placed in the slots designated for dual-channel operation (typically A2 and B2), not adjacent slots like A1 and A2.
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
✓
Reseat the RAM modules into slots A2 and B2 as recommended by the motherboard manual.
The B550 motherboard manual typically specifies that for dual-channel memory configuration with two modules, the modules should be installed in slots A2 and B2 (the second and fourth slots from the CPU). Installing both modules in the same channel (A1 and A2) forces single-channel mode and can cause the system to fail to POST, as the memory controller may not recognize the configuration. Reseating the RAM into the correct slots (A2 and B2) is the first logical step before attempting more invasive troubleshooting like BIOS updates or component replacement.
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 RAM modules with a known-good set of DDR4-3600 modules.
Why it's wrong here
The current modules are already on the motherboard's QVL and verified compatible; swapping them for another DDR4-3600 kit won't address the root cause. The no-POST condition is typically due to the physical slot placement (single-channel or wrong slots) rather than a memory defect. Replacing hardware without first verifying installation is premature and wastes time; reseating into the correct slots is the logical first step.
- ✓
Reseat the RAM modules into slots A2 and B2 as recommended by the motherboard manual.
Why this is correct
B550 boards with Ryzen 5000 CPUs require memory in specific slots for proper signaling and daisy-chain topology; A2 and B2 (the second and fourth slots from the CPU) are the recommended configuration for two DIMMs. Installing modules in A1/B1 or adjacent slots can prevent the memory training from completing, leading to a black screen or beep codes. Reseating the existing kit into A2/B2 is the fastest, non-destructive first step to establish POST before troubleshooting further.
- ✗
Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version.
Why it's wrong here
While a BIOS update can add AGESA microcode for newer CPUs or memory compatibility, it won't fix a no-POST caused by physically incorrect DIMM slot population. The system currently fails because the memory controller can't reach the modules in the wrong slots; updating firmware doesn't change board layout or slot priority. Only attempt a BIOS flash after verifying hardware seating, and even then it's a secondary measure—not the first action.
- ✗
Test each RAM module individually in slot A1 only.
Why it's wrong here
Testing modules singly in A1 might help isolate a defective stick, but it ignores the board's recommended dual-channel population (A2/B2) and could produce false negatives if the DIMM is fine but slot A1 is not preferred. The manual specifies A2/B2 as the first populated slots for daisy-chain routing; forcing A1-only testing may still fail to POST even with a good module. Proper procedure is to first install both modules in the recommended slots, then if needed test each module in A2 (or B2) individually.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
PCIe Slots and Expansion Cards
Key term
Double Data Rate
Double Data Rate (DDR) is a technology that doubles the data transfer rate of a memory or bus by sending data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, effectively doing twice as much work per clock cycle.
Key term
Power-on Self-test
The Power-on Self-test (POST) is a diagnostic process a computer runs immediately when you turn it on to check that essential hardware components are working correctly before loading the operating system.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1101 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 220-1101 exam.