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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is upgrading a server's storage and…
A technician is upgrading a server's storage and needs to connect multiple SATA SSDs. The motherboard has only four SATA ports, but the technician needs to connect six drives. Which connector solution should be used?
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
✓
Install a PCIe SATA controller card with extra ports.
A SATA expansion card adds additional SATA ports via a PCIe slot, allowing more drives to be connected. This tests knowledge of expansion cards and SATA controller limitations.
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 a Y-splitter cable on one SATA port to connect two drives.
Why it's wrong here
Using a Y-splitter cable on a SATA data port is not feasible for connecting two drives. SATA data connections are point-to-point, meaning each drive requires its own dedicated data channel to the host controller. A Y-splitter designed for SATA data does not exist, as it would attempt to multiplex two devices onto a single data line, which the SATA protocol does not support. Y-splitters are primarily used for power distribution, not data.
- ✓
Install a PCIe SATA controller card with extra ports.
Why this is correct
Installing a PCIe SATA controller card is the most practical and efficient solution for adding more internal storage. This card utilizes an available PCIe expansion slot to integrate an additional SATA host bus adapter (HBA), providing new, independent SATA ports. This allows the technician to connect additional internal drives to the server without replacing the motherboard or relying on external solutions, directly addressing the need for increased internal storage capacity.
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Use eSATA to SATA adapters on the external ports.
Why it's wrong here
Using eSATA to SATA adapters on external ports is inappropriate for adding internal storage. eSATA (external SATA) ports are specifically designed for connecting external storage devices and are typically located on the server's rear I/O panel. While an adapter might physically connect, it would not provide internal SATA ports for drives mounted within the server chassis. This approach fails to meet the requirement for internal drive connectivity.
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Replace the motherboard with one that has six SATA ports.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the motherboard with one that has more SATA ports is an overly complex and expensive solution. This process involves extensive server disassembly, reinstallation of all components (CPU, RAM, etc.), and potential operating system reinstallation or reconfiguration. It is a significantly more time-consuming and costly endeavor compared to simply installing an expansion card, which offers a targeted and less disruptive upgrade path for additional SATA connectivity.
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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.