- A
Use the 20+4 pin connector as a 24-pin, and split the 8-pin CPU connector into a 4+4 pin to use only 4 pins.
This is the correct method; the 20+4 pin is designed to be combined, and the 8-pin CPU connector can be split to fit a 4-pin header.
- B
Connect the 20-pin portion only and leave the 4-pin unconnected; use the 8-pin CPU connector as is.
Why wrong: Leaving the 4-pin unconnected may cause instability or failure to boot, and the 8-pin CPU connector may not fit a 4-pin header.
- C
Use the 20+4 pin as a 24-pin, and connect the 8-pin CPU connector to the 4-pin header by forcing it.
Why wrong: Forcing an 8-pin connector into a 4-pin header can damage the motherboard or power supply.
- D
Replace the power supply with one that has a dedicated 24-pin and 4-pin connector.
Why wrong: While this would work, it is unnecessary because the existing power supply can be configured correctly.
Quick Answer
The correct way to connect the power supply is to use the 20+4 pin ATX connector as a single 24-pin unit and split the 8-pin CPU connector into a 4+4 pin configuration, using only one 4-pin half. This is correct because the 20+4 pin design allows the 4-pin section to latch onto the 20-pin section, forming a full 24-pin connector for the motherboard’s main power header, while the 8-pin CPU connector is intentionally split into two 4-pin halves to accommodate either a 4-pin or 8-pin CPU power header. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of modular power supply connectors and their flexibility, often appearing as a troubleshooting scenario where a PC won’t boot due to an incorrect connection. A common trap is assuming you must use all eight CPU pins or that the 20+4 pin connector must be separated; instead, remember that modern power supplies are designed to adapt to older or lower-power motherboards. A helpful memory tip is “split the CPU, combine the ATX”—the CPU connector breaks apart to fit fewer pins, while the main ATX connector snaps together to fill all 24 pins.
220-1201 Connectors Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 troubleshooting a desktop PC that will not boot. The motherboard has a 24-pin ATX power connector and a 4-pin CPU power connector. The power supply has a 20+4 pin main connector and an 8-pin CPU connector. What is the correct way to connect the power supply?
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
Use the 20+4 pin connector as a 24-pin, and split the 8-pin CPU connector into a 4+4 pin to use only 4 pins.
The correct answer is A because the 20+4 pin connector can be used as a 24-pin by combining the 20-pin and 4-pin sections, and the 8-pin CPU connector can be split into a 4+4 pin to fit the 4-pin CPU power header. This tests understanding of modular power supply connectors and their flexibility.
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.
- ✓
Use the 20+4 pin connector as a 24-pin, and split the 8-pin CPU connector into a 4+4 pin to use only 4 pins.
Why this is correct
This is the correct method; the 20+4 pin is designed to be combined, and the 8-pin CPU connector can be split to fit a 4-pin header.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Connect the 20-pin portion only and leave the 4-pin unconnected; use the 8-pin CPU connector as is.
Why it's wrong here
Leaving the 4-pin unconnected may cause instability or failure to boot, and the 8-pin CPU connector may not fit a 4-pin header.
- ✗
Use the 20+4 pin as a 24-pin, and connect the 8-pin CPU connector to the 4-pin header by forcing it.
Why it's wrong here
Forcing an 8-pin connector into a 4-pin header can damage the motherboard or power supply.
- ✗
Replace the power supply with one that has a dedicated 24-pin and 4-pin connector.
Why it's wrong here
While this would work, it is unnecessary because the existing power supply can be configured correctly.
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.
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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Connectors — study guide chapter
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Connectors practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the 20+4 pin connector as a 24-pin, and split the 8-pin CPU connector into a 4+4 pin to use only 4 pins. — The correct answer is A because the 20+4 pin connector can be used as a 24-pin by combining the 20-pin and 4-pin sections, and the 8-pin CPU connector can be split into a 4+4 pin to fit the 4-pin CPU power header. This tests understanding of modular power supply connectors and their flexibility.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is troubleshooting a workstation that fails to boot. The motherboard has a 24-pin ATX power connector and an 8-pin CPU power connector. The power supply has a 20+4 pin main connector and a 4+4 pin CPU connector. The technician connects the 20+4 pin to the motherboard correctly, but the system still does not power on. What should the technician check next?
hard- A.The 20+4 pin connector is not fully seated
- B.The power supply switch is turned off
- ✓ C.The 4+4 pin CPU connector is only using one 4-pin half
- D.The RAM is not properly seated
Why C: The 4+4 pin CPU connector can be used as either a 4-pin or 8-pin connector. The technician must ensure that both 4-pin halves are connected together to form the 8-pin CPU power connector required by the motherboard. If only one 4-pin half is connected, the CPU may not receive power.
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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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