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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is building a new workstation for…
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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The total wattage rating of the power supply.
Why it's wrong here
The total wattage rating of a power supply, while a general indicator, does not guarantee adequate power delivery for high-performance components. A PSU's total wattage is the sum of all its rails (+3.3V, +5V, +12V), and some units may have a high overall rating but a disproportionately low capacity on the critical +12V rail. For a video editing workstation, the CPU and GPUs demand the vast majority of power from the +12V rail, making its specific capacity more important than the aggregated total.
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The number of SATA power connectors.
Why it's wrong here
The number of SATA power connectors is important for connecting storage devices such as SSDs and HDDs, which a video editing workstation will likely utilize multiple of. However, these components draw relatively minimal power compared to the CPU and especially the multiple high-end GPUs typically found in such a build. Insufficient SATA connectors can often be mitigated with adapters or by adding a secondary PSU for drives, whereas a power supply with an inadequate +12V rail cannot be easily compensated for.
- ✓
The combined amperage on the +12V rail(s).
Why this is correct
The combined amperage on the +12V rail(s) is the most critical specification for a high-performance video editing workstation. This rail supplies power directly to the CPU via the EPS connector and to the graphics cards via PCIe power connectors, which are the most power-hungry components. Multiplying this amperage by 12V yields the maximum wattage available for these critical parts, ensuring stability and preventing system crashes or component damage during intensive rendering and processing tasks.
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The physical form factor (ATX, SFX, etc.).
Why it's wrong here
The physical form factor of a power supply (e.g., ATX, SFX, TFX) dictates its dimensions and compatibility with a specific computer case. While selecting the correct form factor is essential for the PSU to physically fit into the chassis, it provides no information whatsoever about the power supply's electrical output capabilities. The form factor does not indicate the total wattage, the efficiency rating, or, most importantly, the amperage available on the crucial +12V rail, which determines actual power delivery.
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