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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that…

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 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.

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 and intended method for connecting a modern power supply to a motherboard requiring a 24-pin main power and a 4-pin CPU power. The 20+4 pin ATX connector is specifically designed to combine into a single 24-pin connector, providing all necessary power rails to the motherboard. Similarly, the 8-pin EPS12V CPU connector is often modular (4+4 pin) to accommodate older motherboards that only feature a 4-pin ATX12V header, ensuring proper CPU power delivery without requiring a new PSU.

  • ✗

    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

    Connecting only the 20-pin portion of the main ATX power connector and leaving the additional 4 pins unconnected will result in insufficient power delivery to the motherboard. This often leads to system instability, failure to boot, or component malfunction due to missing voltage rails or inadequate current for critical components. Furthermore, attempting to use an 8-pin EPS12V CPU connector directly on a 4-pin ATX12V header is physically impossible without modification, as the pin configurations and keying differ.

  • ✗

    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

    While combining the 20+4 pin connector to form a 24-pin is correct, forcing an 8-pin EPS12V CPU connector into a 4-pin ATX12V header is highly detrimental and can cause severe damage. The pinouts and keying are different, meaning forcing it can bend or break pins on both the connector and the motherboard header. This action risks short circuits, permanent damage to the motherboard's power regulation circuitry, or even rendering the power supply unusable.

  • ✗

    Replace the power supply with one that has a dedicated 24-pin and 4-pin connector.

    Why it's wrong here

    Replacing the power supply with one that has dedicated 24-pin and 4-pin connectors, while technically functional, is an unnecessary and inefficient solution. Modern power supplies are designed with modular 20+4 pin and 4+4 pin CPU connectors specifically to ensure compatibility with a wide range of motherboards, including those requiring 24-pin and 4-pin configurations. Therefore, the existing power supply already possesses the necessary adaptability, making a replacement an avoidable expense and effort.

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Same concept, more angles

1 more way 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.

JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

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.