- A
The RAM sticks are not identical in speed and timings.
Why wrong: While mismatched RAM can cause issues, the technician installed four identical sticks, so this is unlikely.
- B
The motherboard BIOS needs to be configured to enable quad-channel mode.
Why wrong: Quad-channel mode is typically automatic when the CPU supports it and the RAM is installed correctly; there is usually no BIOS setting to enable it.
- C
The installed CPU only supports dual-channel memory.
The CPU's memory controller determines the maximum number of channels. A dual-channel CPU will only use two channels even if four sticks are installed, so the system will run in dual-channel mode.
- D
The RAM is installed in the wrong slots for quad-channel operation.
Why wrong: The technician verified the correct slots, and the system recognizes all 64 GB, so the installation is physically correct.
Quad-Channel Memory Not Working: CPU Support Issue
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 technician is configuring a high-performance workstation for scientific simulations that require large amounts of RAM. The motherboard has eight DDR4 slots and supports quad-channel memory. The technician installs four 16 GB sticks in the correct slots for quad-channel mode. After booting, the system reports 64 GB of RAM but only runs in dual-channel mode. 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.
Quick Answer
The answer is the installed CPU only supports dual-channel memory. This is because quad-channel memory architecture requires a compatible CPU with an integrated memory controller designed for quad-channel operation, typically found in server or High-End Desktop (HEDT) processors like Intel Xeon or AMD Threadripper. Most consumer CPUs, such as Intel Core i7 or i9, are limited to dual-channel, even when the motherboard physically has eight slots and supports quad-channel—the memory controller on the chip itself is the bottleneck. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding that memory channel support is a CPU specification, not just a motherboard feature, and a common trap is assuming that populating the correct slots guarantees quad-channel mode. A helpful memory tip: think "CPU controls the channels, motherboard just provides the lanes"—if the CPU only has two channels, you can't unlock four.
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 installed CPU only supports dual-channel memory.
Quad-channel memory requires a compatible CPU that supports quad-channel architecture. Most consumer CPUs (like Intel Core i7/i9) only support dual-channel, even if the motherboard has four slots. Server or HEDT (High-End Desktop) CPUs are needed for quad-channel.
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.
- ✗
The RAM sticks are not identical in speed and timings.
Why it's wrong here
While mismatched RAM can cause issues, the technician installed four identical sticks, so this is unlikely.
- ✗
The motherboard BIOS needs to be configured to enable quad-channel mode.
Why it's wrong here
Quad-channel mode is typically automatic when the CPU supports it and the RAM is installed correctly; there is usually no BIOS setting to enable it.
- ✓
The installed CPU only supports dual-channel memory.
Why this is correct
The CPU's memory controller determines the maximum number of channels. A dual-channel CPU will only use two channels even if four sticks are installed, so the system will run in dual-channel mode.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The RAM is installed in the wrong slots for quad-channel operation.
Why it's wrong here
The technician verified the correct slots, and the system recognizes all 64 GB, so the installation is physically correct.
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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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: The installed CPU only supports dual-channel memory. — Quad-channel memory requires a compatible CPU that supports quad-channel architecture. Most consumer CPUs (like Intel Core i7/i9) only support dual-channel, even if the motherboard has four slots. Server or HEDT (High-End Desktop) CPUs are needed for quad-channel.
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.
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?
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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