Question 626 of 1,020

RAM →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

BSOD MEMORY_MANAGEMENT: Mismatched RAM CAS Latency Fix

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. 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 reports that their computer randomly freezes and displays a blue screen error with the message 'MEMORY_MANAGEMENT'. They recently installed a new 8 GB DDR4 module alongside the existing 8 GB module. Both modules are from different manufacturers and have different CAS latencies. What is the most likely cause of the issue?

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.

A
The new RAM module is defective.
Why wrong: While a defective module is possible, the more common issue with mixed RAM is incompatibility due to differing timings, not necessarily a hardware defect.
B
The RAM is not seated properly in the slot.
Why wrong: Improper seating typically causes a no-boot or beep code, not random blue screens after the system has been running, though it should still be checked.
C
The RAM modules have mismatched CAS latencies, causing timing conflicts.
Different CAS latencies force the memory controller to use the slower timing for both sticks, which can lead to instability if the modules are not designed to work together.
D
The motherboard does not support 16 GB of RAM.
Why wrong: Most modern motherboards support 16 GB easily; the issue is specifically related to mixing modules with different specifications, not total capacity.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Quick Answer

The answer is mismatched RAM CAS latencies causing timing conflicts. When you install two DDR4 modules with different CAS latencies—like one at CL16 and another at CL18—the system attempts to run both sticks at the same timing settings, typically defaulting to the slower latency or failing to synchronize. This timing mismatch leads to memory management errors, manifesting as the BSOD MEMORY_MANAGEMENT error during random freezes. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of RAM compatibility and the importance of matching specifications like CAS latency, speed, and voltage; a common trap is assuming any two DDR4 sticks will work together regardless of timings. Remember the memory tip: “CAS must match to avoid a crash”—always pair modules from the same kit or with identical latency ratings to ensure stable operation.

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 RAM modules have mismatched CAS latencies, causing timing conflicts.

Mixing RAM modules with different specifications, especially CAS latency, can cause timing mismatches that lead to system instability and blue screen errors like MEMORY_MANAGEMENT. The system tries to run both sticks at the same timings, which can fail if the modules are not compatible.

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 new RAM module is defective.
Why it's wrong here
While a defective module is possible, the more common issue with mixed RAM is incompatibility due to differing timings, not necessarily a hardware defect.
✗
The RAM is not seated properly in the slot.
Why it's wrong here
Improper seating typically causes a no-boot or beep code, not random blue screens after the system has been running, though it should still be checked.
✓
The RAM modules have mismatched CAS latencies, causing timing conflicts.
Why this is correct
Different CAS latencies force the memory controller to use the slower timing for both sticks, which can lead to instability if the modules are not designed to work together.
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 motherboard does not support 16 GB of RAM.
Why it's wrong here
Most modern motherboards support 16 GB easily; the issue is specifically related to mixing modules with different specifications, not total capacity.

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 RAM modules have mismatched CAS latencies, causing timing conflicts. — Mixing RAM modules with different specifications, especially CAS latency, can cause timing mismatches that lead to system instability and blue screen errors like MEMORY_MANAGEMENT. The system tries to run both sticks at the same timings, which can fail if the modules are not compatible.

What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?

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.

About these practice questions

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Same concept, more angles

1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201

These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.

Variation 1. 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?

easy

A.The new RAM stick is faulty and needs to be replaced.
B.The RAM is not fully seated in the slot.
C.The new RAM stick is incompatible with the existing module, causing the system to run in single-channel mode and limiting usable memory.
✓ D.The motherboard only supports up to 8 GB of RAM.

Why D: 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.

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