- A
No, because the speeds are different and will cause system instability.
Why wrong: Different speeds of the same DDR generation are generally compatible; the system will run at the slower speed, not become unstable.
- B
Yes, but only if they replace the existing modules entirely with the DDR3-1333 modules.
Why wrong: They can mix modules, but if they replace entirely, they lose the faster 1600 MHz capability.
- C
No, because DDR3-1333 is not compatible with DDR3-1600 slots.
Why wrong: All DDR3 modules use the same slot type and are compatible regardless of speed.
- D
Yes, they can add the DDR3-1333 modules, but all RAM will run at 1333 MHz.
Mixing speeds is allowed; the memory controller will run all modules at the speed of the slowest module, which is 1333 MHz.
220-1201 RAM Practice Question
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 small office manager wants to upgrade the RAM in several identical workstations from 8 GB to 16 GB. The current modules are DDR3-1600. The company has a box of unused DDR3-1333 modules from an older system. Can they use these modules to upgrade the workstations?
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
Yes, they can add the DDR3-1333 modules, but all RAM will run at 1333 MHz.
DDR3-1333 and DDR3-1600 are both DDR3, so they are physically compatible. However, mixing speeds forces all modules to run at the slower 1333 MHz, which may slightly reduce performance. The upgrade is possible but not optimal.
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.
- ✗
No, because the speeds are different and will cause system instability.
Why it's wrong here
Different speeds of the same DDR generation are generally compatible; the system will run at the slower speed, not become unstable.
- ✗
Yes, but only if they replace the existing modules entirely with the DDR3-1333 modules.
Why it's wrong here
They can mix modules, but if they replace entirely, they lose the faster 1600 MHz capability.
- ✗
No, because DDR3-1333 is not compatible with DDR3-1600 slots.
Why it's wrong here
All DDR3 modules use the same slot type and are compatible regardless of speed.
- ✓
Yes, they can add the DDR3-1333 modules, but all RAM will run at 1333 MHz.
Why this is correct
Mixing speeds is allowed; the memory controller will run all modules at the speed of the slowest module, which is 1333 MHz.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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RAM — study guide chapter
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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: Yes, they can add the DDR3-1333 modules, but all RAM will run at 1333 MHz. — DDR3-1333 and DDR3-1600 are both DDR3, so they are physically compatible. However, mixing speeds forces all modules to run at the slower 1333 MHz, which may slightly reduce performance. The upgrade is possible but not optimal.
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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