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220-1201 Practice Question: A user wants to add a second hard drive to their…
A user wants to add a second hard drive to their desktop for extra storage, but the computer only has one SATA data cable available. The technician has an extra SATA power cable from the power supply. What is the most practical solution?
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
✓
Purchase an additional SATA data cable and use the existing power cable.
This question tests understanding of SATA connectivity requirements. Each SATA drive needs its own data cable, but power can be shared via splitters or by using available power connectors.
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 on the existing SATA data cable to connect both drives.
Why it's wrong here
SATA data cables are designed for a dedicated, point-to-point connection between a single SATA device and a single SATA port on the motherboard. Attempting to use a Y-splitter on a SATA data cable would disrupt the serial communication protocol, preventing either drive from being properly recognized or functioning, as each device requires its own distinct data channel.
- ✓
Purchase an additional SATA data cable and use the existing power cable.
Why this is correct
Adding a second internal hard drive requires both a dedicated data connection to an available SATA port on the motherboard and a power connection from the power supply. Since the technician has confirmed an extra power cable is available, the only missing component is a dedicated SATA data cable to connect the new drive to the motherboard, fulfilling both essential requirements for operation.
- ✗
Connect the second drive using an external USB-to-SATA adapter.
Why it's wrong here
While an external USB-to-SATA adapter can connect a drive, it typically results in significantly slower data transfer speeds compared to a direct internal SATA connection to the motherboard. This method also leaves the drive external to the computer case, consuming a USB port and making it a less integrated and practical solution for adding permanent internal storage capacity.
- ✗
Replace the existing hard drive with a larger one.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the existing hard drive with a larger one only upgrades the storage capacity of the *single* drive currently installed, rather than introducing a *second* distinct storage device. The user's objective is to *add* a second hard drive, implying they want two separate drives operating concurrently, not just more space on the original drive.
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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.