- A
Yes, because 58A is less than 62A, so it is within specifications.
The PSU can deliver up to 62A on the +12V rail, and the load is 58A, so it meets the requirement. However, running near the limit is not ideal for longevity.
- B
No, because the PSU should not be loaded above 80% of its rating.
Why wrong: While 80% is a recommended guideline for efficiency and longevity, it is not a hard limit; the PSU can operate at 93% load (58/62) without immediate failure, but it is not optimal.
- C
No, because the total wattage of 750W is insufficient for the new drives.
Why wrong: The additional drives add 5A at 12V, which is 60W; total wattage is still well under 750W, so wattage is not the issue.
- D
Yes, but only if the PSU is 80 Plus Gold certified or higher.
Why wrong: Efficiency certification does not affect the PSU's ability to deliver rated current; it only indicates how much power is wasted as heat.
Quick Answer
The answer is yes, the current PSU is adequate because the total calculated +12V load of 58A is less than the rail’s rated capacity of 62A. This PSU +12V rail load calculation determines adequacy by simply comparing the sum of all amperage draws on the rail against its maximum continuous rating; as long as the load does not exceed the rated amperage, the power supply can deliver stable power without tripping overcurrent protection. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your ability to verify whether a PSU can support additional components, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a technician upgrades storage or GPUs. A common trap is forgetting that the +12V rail’s amperage rating is separate from the total wattage—a 750W unit might still have a weak rail. Remember the memory tip: “Load must be less than the rail’s address.”
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 upgrading a server's power supply to support additional drives. The current PSU is a 750W unit with a single +12V rail rated at 62A. The new drives will add 5A to the +12V load. The total calculated +12V load is 58A. Is the current PSU adequate?
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
Yes, because 58A is less than 62A, so it is within specifications.
The PSU's +12V rail is rated for 62A, and the total load after adding drives is 58A, which is within the rating. However, it is good practice to leave headroom (typically 10-20%) to avoid running the PSU at maximum capacity, which can reduce efficiency and lifespan. In this case, the PSU is technically adequate but marginal.
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.
- ✓
Yes, because 58A is less than 62A, so it is within specifications.
Why this is correct
The PSU can deliver up to 62A on the +12V rail, and the load is 58A, so it meets the requirement. However, running near the limit is not ideal for longevity.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
No, because the PSU should not be loaded above 80% of its rating.
Why it's wrong here
While 80% is a recommended guideline for efficiency and longevity, it is not a hard limit; the PSU can operate at 93% load (58/62) without immediate failure, but it is not optimal.
- ✗
No, because the total wattage of 750W is insufficient for the new drives.
Why it's wrong here
The additional drives add 5A at 12V, which is 60W; total wattage is still well under 750W, so wattage is not the issue.
- ✗
Yes, but only if the PSU is 80 Plus Gold certified or higher.
Why it's wrong here
Efficiency certification does not affect the PSU's ability to deliver rated current; it only indicates how much power is wasted as heat.
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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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: Yes, because 58A is less than 62A, so it is within specifications. — The PSU's +12V rail is rated for 62A, and the total load after adding drives is 58A, which is within the rating. However, it is good practice to leave headroom (typically 10-20%) to avoid running the PSU at maximum capacity, which can reduce efficiency and lifespan. In this case, the PSU is technically adequate but marginal.
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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