The correct advice is to use only the cables that came with that specific modular power supply. This is because modular PSU cable compatibility is not standardized across different brands or even different models from the same manufacturer; while the PSU-side connectors are physically keyed to prevent incorrect insertion, the pinout assignments—which wire carries voltage, ground, or sense signals—vary arbitrarily between units. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of power supply safety and component protection, often appearing as a trap where a technician might assume all modular cables are interchangeable. A common mistake is mixing cables from an old PSU with a new one, which can send 12V down a 5V rail and instantly fry a drive or motherboard. To remember: think of modular cables like house keys—each lock (PSU) requires its own specific key, and using the wrong one can damage the lock or the door.
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 customer wants to install a modular power supply in their PC but notes that the included cables have different pin shapes on the PSU end. What should the technician advise?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The technician should use only the cables that came with that specific power supply.
Modular PSU cables are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion, but they are not standardized across brands. Using cables from a different PSU can cause shorts and damage components. Always use the cables that came with the specific PSU.
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 cables are interchangeable as long as they fit the connector.
Why it's wrong here
Pinouts vary between PSU brands; using mismatched cables can deliver wrong voltages and destroy hardware.
✗
The technician should verify the pinout diagram and use cables from the same manufacturer.
Why it's wrong here
Even same-brand cables may differ between models; it is safest to use only the cables included with the PSU.
✓
The technician should use only the cables that came with that specific power supply.
Why this is correct
Modular cables are designed for that PSU model; mixing cables can cause electrical damage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The customer should return the PSU and buy a non-modular one.
Why it's wrong here
This is unnecessary; modular PSUs are fine as long as the correct cables are used.
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.
Power Supply — This question tests Power Supply — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The technician should use only the cables that came with that specific power supply. — Modular PSU cables are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion, but they are not standardized across brands. Using cables from a different PSU can cause shorts and damage components. Always use the cables that came with the specific PSU.
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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Question Discussion
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