- A
Add two 8 GB DDR4-3200 modules to the existing RAM.
Why wrong: This would mix speeds, forcing all RAM to run at 2666 MHz, and the new modules' potential would be wasted.
- B
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules.
Why wrong: While this increases capacity, it does not improve speed; the system would still run at 2666 MHz, and the customer wants better performance.
- C
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules.
This provides both higher capacity and faster speed, fully utilizing the motherboard's supported speed and improving performance.
- D
Add two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules to the existing RAM.
Why wrong: This would increase capacity but still run at 2666 MHz, and mixing sizes can sometimes cause stability issues, though not guaranteed.
Mixing RAM Speeds: DDR4 Upgrade Performance Tips
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ram. 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 customer reports that their desktop computer, used for video editing, frequently runs out of memory and slows down. They want to upgrade the RAM but are not sure which type is compatible. The motherboard manual lists support for DDR4-3200 and DDR4-2666. The system currently has two 8 GB DDR4-2666 modules installed. What is the best upgrade to maximize performance and capacity?
Quick Answer
The best upgrade is to replace the two 8 GB DDR4-2666 modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules. This is correct because when mixing RAM speeds, all modules in the system will downclock to the speed of the slowest stick; adding a faster DDR4-3200 module to the existing DDR4-2666 setup would force the new memory to run at 2666 MHz, wasting its potential. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of RAM compatibility and the importance of matched kits for optimal performance—a common trap is assuming you can simply add faster RAM to boost speed. Remember the memory tip: “Match the kit, don’t mix the sticks” to avoid downclocking and ensure your video editing system gets both the full capacity and the highest supported speed.
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 two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules.
Mixing RAM speeds forces all modules to run at the slowest speed, so adding DDR4-3200 modules would cause them to downclock to 2666 MHz, wasting potential performance. The best upgrade is to replace the existing modules with a matched kit of DDR4-3200 modules, ensuring full speed and capacity. This scenario tests understanding of RAM speed compatibility and the importance of matched modules for optimal performance.
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.
- ✗
Add two 8 GB DDR4-3200 modules to the existing RAM.
Why it's wrong here
This would mix speeds, forcing all RAM to run at 2666 MHz, and the new modules' potential would be wasted.
- ✗
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules.
Why it's wrong here
While this increases capacity, it does not improve speed; the system would still run at 2666 MHz, and the customer wants better performance.
- ✓
Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules.
Why this is correct
This provides both higher capacity and faster speed, fully utilizing the motherboard's supported speed and improving performance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Add two 16 GB DDR4-2666 modules to the existing RAM.
Why it's wrong here
This would increase capacity but still run at 2666 MHz, and mixing sizes can sometimes cause stability issues, though not guaranteed.
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.
- →
RAM — study guide chapter
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RAM practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
RAM — This question tests RAM — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Replace the two 8 GB modules with two 16 GB DDR4-3200 modules. — Mixing RAM speeds forces all modules to run at the slowest speed, so adding DDR4-3200 modules would cause them to downclock to 2666 MHz, wasting potential performance. The best upgrade is to replace the existing modules with a matched kit of DDR4-3200 modules, ensuring full speed and capacity. This scenario tests understanding of RAM speed compatibility and the importance of matched modules for optimal performance.
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.
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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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