- A
Use a 24-pin to 20-pin adapter.
Why wrong: An adapter is unnecessary because the 24-pin connector is designed to separate into a 20-pin and a 4-pin section; using an adapter adds an extra point of failure.
- B
Force the 24-pin connector into the 20-pin socket.
Why wrong: Forcing the connector can bend pins or damage the motherboard socket; the connector should never be forced.
- C
Separate the detachable 4-pin section from the 24-pin connector and use the remaining 20-pin part.
Most 24-pin connectors have a detachable 4-pin section, allowing them to fit 20-pin motherboards. This is the standard procedure.
- D
Return the PSU and buy one with a 20-pin connector.
Why wrong: This is unnecessary and time-consuming; the 24-pin PSU is fully compatible with the 20-pin motherboard as designed.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to separate the detachable 4-pin section from the 24-pin connector and use the remaining 20-pin part. This works because modern ATX power supplies are designed with a 24-pin main connector that is backward compatible with older 20-pin motherboards; the extra four pins are typically on a hinged or sliding latch that allows them to be unclipped and set aside, leaving a standard 20-pin block that fits the socket perfectly. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of PSU form factor compatibility and the importance of checking connectors before installation—a common trap is assuming you need an adapter or a different PSU, when the solution is already built in. Remember the memory tip: “Snap the four, not the whole board”—the extra pins are meant to detach, not to be forced in.
220-1201 Power Supply Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of power supply. 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 replacing a power supply in an office desktop. The new PSU has a 24-pin main connector, but the motherboard has a 20-pin socket. What should the technician do?
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
Separate the detachable 4-pin section from the 24-pin connector and use the remaining 20-pin part.
Modern ATX power supplies often have a 24-pin connector that is backward compatible with 20-pin motherboards; the extra 4 pins can be slid or snapped off. This allows the PSU to work without modification. Forcing the 24-pin into a 20-pin socket could damage the board.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use a 24-pin to 20-pin adapter.
Why it's wrong here
An adapter is unnecessary because the 24-pin connector is designed to separate into a 20-pin and a 4-pin section; using an adapter adds an extra point of failure.
- ✗
Force the 24-pin connector into the 20-pin socket.
Why it's wrong here
Forcing the connector can bend pins or damage the motherboard socket; the connector should never be forced.
- ✓
Separate the detachable 4-pin section from the 24-pin connector and use the remaining 20-pin part.
Why this is correct
Most 24-pin connectors have a detachable 4-pin section, allowing them to fit 20-pin motherboards. This is the standard procedure.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Return the PSU and buy one with a 20-pin connector.
Why it's wrong here
This is unnecessary and time-consuming; the 24-pin PSU is fully compatible with the 20-pin motherboard as designed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Power Supply — This question tests Power Supply — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Separate the detachable 4-pin section from the 24-pin connector and use the remaining 20-pin part. — Modern ATX power supplies often have a 24-pin connector that is backward compatible with 20-pin motherboards; the extra 4 pins can be slid or snapped off. This allows the PSU to work without modification. Forcing the 24-pin into a 20-pin socket could damage the board.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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. During a routine hardware upgrade, you need to replace a power supply in a desktop that has a non-modular PSU. After disconnecting all cables, you notice the old PSU has a 20+4 pin main connector, but the new PSU has a 24-pin main connector. The motherboard has a 24-pin socket. What should you do?
medium- A.Use the 20+4 pin connector from the old PSU on the new motherboard
- ✓ B.Connect the new PSU's 24-pin connector directly to the motherboard
- C.Remove the 4-pin section from the new PSU's 24-pin connector to make it 20-pin
- D.Use a 24-pin to 20-pin adapter
Why B: A 24-pin connector is compatible with a 24-pin motherboard socket; the extra 4 pins are integrated. The 20+4 pin design was for backward compatibility with older 20-pin boards. No adapter is needed.
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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