The correct approach is to attach the 2-pin portion to the 6-pin connector to form a single 8-pin assembly before plugging it into the graphics card. This works because the 6+2 pin PCIe power connector is a modular design specifically engineered to function as either a 6-pin or an 8-pin connector, with the detachable 2-pin section snapping alongside the 6-pin to deliver the full 150 watts required by an 8-pin GPU input. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of standard PCIe power configurations and the dangers of forcing incompatible connectors—a common trap is trying to use a 4+4 pin EPS connector, which is shaped differently and could damage the card. Remember that the 6+2 pin is always keyed to fit the GPU’s 8-pin socket only when the two sections are combined. A helpful memory tip: “Six plus two makes eight, don’t hesitate to mate.”
220-1201 Connectors Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. 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 installing a new graphics card that requires additional power. The PSU has a 6+2 pin PCIe power connector. The graphics card has an 8-pin power input. How should the technician connect the power?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Attach the 2-pin portion to the 6-pin to make an 8-pin connector
The 6+2 pin PCIe connector is designed to be used as either a 6-pin or 8-pin by attaching the extra 2-pin section. This tests understanding of modular PSU connectors. Incorrect use of other connectors could damage the card.
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.
✗
Connect only the 6-pin portion
Why it's wrong here
The card requires 8 pins; using only 6 may not provide enough power and could cause instability.
✗
Use a Molex to 8-pin adapter
Why it's wrong here
While possible, this is less efficient and may not be necessary if the PSU has a 6+2 pin connector.
✓
Attach the 2-pin portion to the 6-pin to make an 8-pin connector
Why this is correct
The 6+2 pin connector is designed to be combined for 8-pin use, providing the correct power.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Connect a SATA power cable to the card
Why it's wrong here
SATA power cables are not compatible with graphics card power inputs and could cause damage.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
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.
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Attach the 2-pin portion to the 6-pin to make an 8-pin connector — The 6+2 pin PCIe connector is designed to be used as either a 6-pin or 8-pin by attaching the extra 2-pin section. This tests understanding of modular PSU connectors. Incorrect use of other connectors could damage the card.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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 technician is installing a new graphics card in a desktop PC. The card requires two 8-pin PCIe power connectors, but the power supply only has one 8-pin and one 6-pin connector. What is the best solution to power the card?
medium
✓ A.Use a 6+2 pin PCIe power cable on the 6-pin connector.
B.Use a Molex to 8-pin adapter on one of the connectors.
C.Plug the 6-pin connector into the 8-pin slot; it will work with reduced power.
D.Replace the power supply with one that has two 8-pin connectors.
Why A: The correct answer is A because a 6+2 pin PCIe power cable can be used to convert the 6-pin connector into an 8-pin by attaching the additional 2 pins. This tests understanding of modular power supply cables and PCIe power connector compatibility.
Variation 2. A technician is installing a new graphics card in a workstation. The card requires two 8-pin PCIe power connectors, but the power supply only has one 8-pin and one 6-pin PCIe cable. What is the best solution?
medium
A.Use the 6-pin cable alone, leaving one power slot empty
B.Use a Molex to 8-pin adapter
C.Replace the power supply with one that has two 8-pin connectors
✓ D.Use the 8-pin cable and the 6+2 pin cable with the 2-pin section attached
Why D: A 6+2 pin PCIe power cable can be used as either a 6-pin or 8-pin connector. The technician can use the 8-pin cable and the 6+2 pin cable (with the 2-pin attached) to provide two 8-pin connections.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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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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