- A
Slots 1 and 2 (adjacent to each other).
Why wrong: Adjacent slots often belong to the same channel, so using slots 1 and 2 would likely run in single-channel mode, halving memory bandwidth.
- B
Slots 2 and 4 (alternating slots).
Most motherboards designate slots 2 and 4 (or A2 and B2) as the primary dual-channel configuration, ensuring the memory controller can access both sticks in parallel.
- C
Slots 1 and 3 (alternating slots).
Why wrong: While slots 1 and 3 are also alternating, they are often the secondary dual-channel pair and may not be optimal for stability; many boards recommend slots 2 and 4 first.
- D
Any two slots will work; dual-channel is automatic.
Why wrong: Dual-channel is not automatic; the modules must be installed in the correct paired slots. Using any two slots may result in single-channel mode.
Which Slots for Dual-Channel RAM?
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of ram. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 user is building a new gaming PC and wants to install 32 GB of DDR4 RAM in a dual-channel configuration. They have two 16 GB sticks. Which motherboard slots should they use to ensure dual-channel operation?
Quick Answer
The answer is slots 2 and 4, which are the alternating slots counting from the CPU. This configuration enables dual-channel operation by allowing the memory controller to access both 16 GB sticks simultaneously, effectively doubling the data bandwidth between the RAM and the CPU. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of motherboard memory architecture and the physical installation requirements for optimal performance. A common trap is assuming any two slots will work, but using adjacent slots like 1 and 2 forces single-channel mode, halving throughput. The exam often presents a scenario with a labeled motherboard diagram, so look for the slots marked A2 and B2, or the second and fourth positions from the CPU socket. For a quick memory tip, remember "2 and 4, not 1 and 3" — or think of it as leaving a gap for the dual-channel magic to flow.
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
Slots 2 and 4 (alternating slots).
For dual-channel operation, memory modules must be installed in the correct slots, typically alternating colors or labeled as A2 and B2 (or slots 2 and 4) on most modern motherboards. This ensures the memory controller can access both sticks simultaneously, increasing bandwidth. The user manual or motherboard labeling is the definitive guide, but the common practice is to use the second and fourth slots from the CPU.
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.
- ✗
Slots 1 and 2 (adjacent to each other).
Why it's wrong here
Adjacent slots often belong to the same channel, so using slots 1 and 2 would likely run in single-channel mode, halving memory bandwidth.
- ✓
Slots 2 and 4 (alternating slots).
Why this is correct
Most motherboards designate slots 2 and 4 (or A2 and B2) as the primary dual-channel configuration, ensuring the memory controller can access both sticks in parallel.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Slots 1 and 3 (alternating slots).
Why it's wrong here
While slots 1 and 3 are also alternating, they are often the secondary dual-channel pair and may not be optimal for stability; many boards recommend slots 2 and 4 first.
- ✗
Any two slots will work; dual-channel is automatic.
Why it's wrong here
Dual-channel is not automatic; the modules must be installed in the correct paired slots. Using any two slots may result in single-channel mode.
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: Slots 2 and 4 (alternating slots). — For dual-channel operation, memory modules must be installed in the correct slots, typically alternating colors or labeled as A2 and B2 (or slots 2 and 4) on most modern motherboards. This ensures the memory controller can access both sticks simultaneously, increasing bandwidth. The user manual or motherboard labeling is the definitive guide, but the common practice is to use the second and fourth slots from the CPU.
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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