- A
A high total wattage rating to ensure headroom.
Why wrong: Wattage headroom is useful but does not address the environmental challenges of dust and limited airflow; a high-wattage PSU may still fail if its fan clogs or overheats.
- B
A modular cable design for easier cable management.
Why wrong: Modular cables improve airflow inside the case but do not protect the PSU itself from dust ingress or fan failure.
- C
A fan with a fluid dynamic bearing and a dust filter.
A fluid dynamic bearing is more durable in dusty conditions, and a dust filter prevents particulate buildup inside the PSU, which can cause overheating and fan failure.
- D
An 80 Plus Bronze efficiency rating.
Why wrong: While Bronze is decent, a higher efficiency rating (Gold or Platinum) would reduce heat output, which is beneficial in limited airflow, but the fan and dust protection are more critical for long-term reliability in dusty environments.
Quick Answer
The most important feature to prioritize for long-term reliability in a dusty, low-airflow environment is a fan with a fluid dynamic bearing and a dust filter. This combination directly addresses the two main threats: bearing failure from dust ingress and airflow obstruction. A fluid dynamic bearing is sealed and uses a film of oil to reduce friction and wear, making it far more durable than sleeve or ball bearings when exposed to particulate matter, while a dust filter prevents debris from clogging the PSU’s internals. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how environmental factors dictate component selection—a common trap is choosing a higher wattage or modular cabling instead of focusing on the fan’s bearing type and filtration. Remember the memory tip: “Dusty and tight? Fluid bearing and filter are right.”
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 selecting a power supply for a workstation that will run 24/7 in a dusty environment. The PSU will be installed in a case with limited airflow. Which PSU feature is most important to prioritize for long-term reliability in this scenario?
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
A fan with a fluid dynamic bearing and a dust filter.
In dusty environments with limited airflow, a PSU with a high-quality, sealed bearing fan (e.g., fluid dynamic bearing) and a dust-resistant design (e.g., honeycomb grill, dust filters) is critical. Additionally, a higher efficiency rating (e.g., 80 Plus Gold or better) reduces heat output, easing thermal stress. The most important single feature is the fan's reliability and the PSU's ability to handle particulate ingress.
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.
- ✗
A high total wattage rating to ensure headroom.
Why it's wrong here
Wattage headroom is useful but does not address the environmental challenges of dust and limited airflow; a high-wattage PSU may still fail if its fan clogs or overheats.
- ✗
A modular cable design for easier cable management.
Why it's wrong here
Modular cables improve airflow inside the case but do not protect the PSU itself from dust ingress or fan failure.
- ✓
A fan with a fluid dynamic bearing and a dust filter.
Why this is correct
A fluid dynamic bearing is more durable in dusty conditions, and a dust filter prevents particulate buildup inside the PSU, which can cause overheating and fan failure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
An 80 Plus Bronze efficiency rating.
Why it's wrong here
While Bronze is decent, a higher efficiency rating (Gold or Platinum) would reduce heat output, which is beneficial in limited airflow, but the fan and dust protection are more critical for long-term reliability in dusty environments.
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
While Bronze is decent, a higher efficiency rating (Gold or Platinum) would reduce heat output, which is beneficial in limited airflow, but the fan and dust protection are more critical for long-term reliability in dusty environments.
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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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: A fan with a fluid dynamic bearing and a dust filter. — In dusty environments with limited airflow, a PSU with a high-quality, sealed bearing fan (e.g., fluid dynamic bearing) and a dust-resistant design (e.g., honeycomb grill, dust filters) is critical. Additionally, a higher efficiency rating (e.g., 80 Plus Gold or better) reduces heat output, easing thermal stress. The most important single feature is the fan's reliability and the PSU's ability to handle particulate ingress.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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