The answer is higher clock speed, measured in GHz. This is the correct choice because single-threaded workloads, such as many operations in Adobe Photoshop, process tasks sequentially on one core, so a faster clock speed directly reduces the time each instruction takes to execute. In contrast, adding more cores does little to speed up a single thread, making core count a secondary concern here. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of CPU performance metrics for specific workloads, often appearing as a scenario where a graphic designer or gamer needs fast single-threaded performance. A common trap is choosing "more cores" because multitasking is often emphasized, but for Photoshop’s filters and effects, clock speed is king. Remember the mnemonic: "Single-threaded tasks sprint on speed, not on numbers."
220-1201 CPU Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cpu. 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 building a new workstation for a graphic designer. The user needs fast single-threaded performance for Adobe Photoshop. Which CPU characteristic should the technician prioritize?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Higher clock speed (GHz)
For applications like Photoshop that rely heavily on single-threaded performance, higher clock speed is more important than core count. This question tests the understanding of CPU performance metrics for specific workloads.
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.
✗
Maximum number of cores
Why it's wrong here
More cores benefit multi-threaded tasks like video rendering, not single-threaded applications like Photoshop.
✓
Higher clock speed (GHz)
Why this is correct
Higher clock speed directly improves single-threaded performance, which is critical for Photoshop's processing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Larger L3 cache size
Why it's wrong here
Cache helps but is secondary to clock speed for single-threaded tasks; it's not the primary factor.
✗
Lower TDP
Why it's wrong here
Lower TDP means less heat output, but it often correlates with lower performance, which is not desirable here.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Lower TDP means less heat output, but it often correlates with lower performance, which is not desirable here.
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.
CPU — This question tests CPU — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Higher clock speed (GHz) — For applications like Photoshop that rely heavily on single-threaded performance, higher clock speed is more important than core count. This question tests the understanding of CPU performance metrics for specific workloads.
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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