- A
The new RAM stick is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Why wrong: Faulty RAM typically causes boot failures, crashes, or memory errors, but does not result in the OS showing exactly half the installed memory while BIOS sees full capacity.
- B
The RAM is not fully seated in the slot.
Why wrong: If the RAM were not fully seated, the system would likely fail to boot or the BIOS would not detect 16 GB.
- C
The new RAM stick is incompatible with the existing module, causing the system to run in single-channel mode and limiting usable memory.
Why wrong: Incompatible RAM (mismatched speed/timings) may cause performance degradation or instability, but does not reduce total usable memory; the OS would still report 16 GB.
- D
The motherboard only supports up to 8 GB of RAM.
If the motherboard's chipset or BIOS has a maximum memory limit of 8 GB, the OS will only report 8 GB usable even if BIOS detects 16 GB installed.
220-1201 Motherboard memory limit Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ram. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: motherboard memory limit. 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 PC, which originally had 8 GB of RAM, is now very slow after they installed a second 8 GB stick. The system boots and shows 16 GB in the BIOS, but the OS only reports 8 GB usable. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 only supports up to 8 GB of RAM.
The most likely cause is that the motherboard has a 8 GB maximum memory limit, often due to chipset or BIOS limitations. Even if the BIOS detects 16 GB installed, the OS cannot address beyond the supported limit, resulting in only 8 GB usable. This is a common occurrence on older motherboards or those with a 32-bit UEFI.
Key principle: Motherboard memory limit
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 new RAM stick is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Why it's wrong here
Faulty RAM typically causes boot failures, crashes, or memory errors, but does not result in the OS showing exactly half the installed memory while BIOS sees full capacity.
- ✗
The RAM is not fully seated in the slot.
Why it's wrong here
If the RAM were not fully seated, the system would likely fail to boot or the BIOS would not detect 16 GB.
- ✗
The new RAM stick is incompatible with the existing module, causing the system to run in single-channel mode and limiting usable memory.
Why it's wrong here
Incompatible RAM (mismatched speed/timings) may cause performance degradation or instability, but does not reduce total usable memory; the OS would still report 16 GB.
- ✓
The motherboard only supports up to 8 GB of RAM.
Why this is correct
If the motherboard's chipset or BIOS has a maximum memory limit of 8 GB, the OS will only report 8 GB usable even if BIOS detects 16 GB installed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Motherboard memory limit
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Faulty RAM typically causes boot failures, crashes, or memory errors, but does not result in the OS showing exactly half the installed memory while BIOS sees full capacity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Motherboard memory limit
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Motherboard memory limit
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. Motherboard memory limit 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.
Review motherboard memory limit, then practise related 220-1201 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
RAM — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
RAM practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
RAM — This question tests RAM — Motherboard memory limit.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The motherboard only supports up to 8 GB of RAM. — The most likely cause is that the motherboard has a 8 GB maximum memory limit, often due to chipset or BIOS limitations. Even if the BIOS detects 16 GB installed, the OS cannot address beyond the supported limit, resulting in only 8 GB usable. This is a common occurrence on older motherboards or those with a 32-bit UEFI.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review motherboard memory limit, then practise related 220-1201 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Motherboard memory limit
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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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