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220-1101 · Question #186

A technician is tasked with upgrading a laptop's RAM. Which of the following steps should the technician take FIRST?

The correct answer is C. Verify the memory requirements of the motherboard.. Before purchasing or installing anything, the technician must verify the motherboard's memory specifications-including supported RAM type (DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR), maximum capacity, speed, and number of slots. Installing incompatible RAM will result in a non-functional system or even

Mobile devices

Question

A technician is tasked with upgrading a laptop's RAM. Which of the following steps should the technician take FIRST?

Options

  • AConfirm that both the current and new memory are from the same brand.
  • BRun a diagnostic test on the current memory.
  • CVerify the memory requirements of the motherboard.
  • DConnect an electrostatic discharge strap.

How the community answered

(65 responses)
  • A
    3% (2)
  • B
    5% (3)
  • C
    85% (55)
  • D
    8% (5)

Explanation

Before purchasing or installing anything, the technician must verify the motherboard's memory specifications-including supported RAM type (DDR4, DDR5, LPDDR), maximum capacity, speed, and number of slots. Installing incompatible RAM will result in a non-functional system or even hardware damage. This step must come first because it determines what RAM to buy. Confirming brand matching (A) is a myth-RAM brands do not need to match, only specifications do. Running a diagnostic (B) tests current RAM health but doesn't inform the upgrade. Connecting an ESD strap (D) is critical before physical handling, but it is a physical safety step taken right before touching the hardware-after the planning and procurement phase.

Topics

#RAM upgrade#Laptop hardware#Memory compatibility#Upgrade procedure

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