FC0-U71 Infrastructure Practice Question
A user wants to upgrade their desktop computer's RAM for better performance. The motherboard supports dual-channel memory. Which configuration will provide the best performance?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests whether candidates equate total capacity with performance — a single 16 GB stick and two 8 GB sticks both give 16 GB, but only the paired configuration activates dual-channel bandwidth, which is the actual performance differentiator.
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
✓
Two 8 GB DDR4 modules in paired slots
Dual-channel memory requires matched pairs of identical modules installed in the correct paired slots (often color-coded, e.g., slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 4). Two 8 GB DDR4 modules in paired slots gives 16 GB total with both memory channels active, effectively doubling memory bandwidth compared to single-channel operation. This is the optimal configuration for performance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Two 8 GB DDR4 modules in paired slots
Why this is correct
Installing two matched 8 GB DDR4 modules in the paired slots activates dual-channel mode, letting the memory controller access both modules simultaneously and doubling the effective data path width. This satisfies the motherboard's dual-channel constraint, unlike a single module or mismatched pairing.
- ✗
Three 4 GB DDR4 modules
Why it's wrong here
Three 4 GB DDR4 modules populate three slots, so the memory controller runs single-channel or flex mode rather than dual-channel, halving effective bandwidth. It is tempting because adding modules appears to increase capacity, and triple-module kits suit workloads needing maximum RAM where bandwidth is irrelevant, such as virtual machine hosts.
- ✗
One 16 GB DDR4 module
Why it's wrong here
A single module uses one channel, so the second memory channel stays idle and bandwidth is halved. One large module suits small-form-factor boards with a single slot, not a dual-channel board where matched pairs are supported.
- ✗
Two 8 GB DDR4 modules in the same channel
Why it's wrong here
Populating only one channel leaves the second memory controller idle, halving the effective bus width and peak bandwidth. Dual-channel gains require matched modules split across both channels. Two 8 GB DIMMs in separate channels is the correct configuration when maximising throughput on a dual-channel motherboard.
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About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every FC0-U71 question from scratch — 988 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.