- A
The total wattage rating of the power supply.
Why wrong: Total wattage is important but does not guarantee adequate +12V rail capacity; some PSUs have low +12V output relative to their total rating, which can still cause issues.
- B
The number of SATA power connectors.
Why wrong: While multiple drives require SATA connectors, the most critical factor is ensuring the PSU can deliver enough power to the GPUs and CPU, which use the +12V rail.
- C
The combined amperage on the +12V rail(s).
The +12V rail powers the most demanding components; its amperage multiplied by 12 gives the available wattage for those parts. This is the key spec for high-performance builds.
- D
The physical form factor (ATX, SFX, etc.).
Why wrong: Form factor determines fit in the case, not power delivery capability; it is important but secondary to the electrical specifications.
Quick Answer
The most critical PSU spec for a dual GPU workstation is the combined amperage on the +12V rail(s). This is because the +12V rail delivers power to the most demanding components—the CPU, GPUs, and hard drives—so its total amperage directly determines whether the system can handle peak loads without instability or shutdowns. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of power distribution in high-performance builds; a common trap is focusing on total wattage alone, which can be misleading if the +12V rail lacks sufficient amperage. For example, a 1000W PSU with a weak +12V rail might still fail under dual GPU load. To remember this, think: “Watts get you in the door, but amps on the +12V rail keep the lights on.”
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 building a new workstation for video editing and needs to ensure the power supply can handle dual GPUs and multiple hard drives. Which specification is most critical to check when selecting a PSU?
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
The combined amperage on the +12V rail(s).
The +12V rail provides power to the CPU, GPUs, and drives; its combined amperage determines how much power can be delivered to these components. For high-power builds, a single +12V rail with high amperage or multiple rails with sufficient combined capacity is essential. Neglecting this can lead to instability or shutdowns under load.
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 total wattage rating of the power supply.
Why it's wrong here
Total wattage is important but does not guarantee adequate +12V rail capacity; some PSUs have low +12V output relative to their total rating, which can still cause issues.
- ✗
The number of SATA power connectors.
Why it's wrong here
While multiple drives require SATA connectors, the most critical factor is ensuring the PSU can deliver enough power to the GPUs and CPU, which use the +12V rail.
- ✓
The combined amperage on the +12V rail(s).
Why this is correct
The +12V rail powers the most demanding components; its amperage multiplied by 12 gives the available wattage for those parts. This is the key spec for high-performance builds.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The physical form factor (ATX, SFX, etc.).
Why it's wrong here
Form factor determines fit in the case, not power delivery capability; it is important but secondary to the electrical specifications.
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
Total wattage is important but does not guarantee adequate +12V rail capacity; some PSUs have low +12V output relative to their total rating, which can still cause issues.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Power Supply — study guide chapter
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Power Supply practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
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 combined amperage on the +12V rail(s). — The +12V rail provides power to the CPU, GPUs, and drives; its combined amperage determines how much power can be delivered to these components. For high-power builds, a single +12V rail with high amperage or multiple rails with sufficient combined capacity is essential. Neglecting this can lead to instability or shutdowns under load.
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
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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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