The answer is that the CPU has a different number of pins, which is the most likely reason an LGA1151 CPU will not fit an LGA1200 motherboard. While both sockets use a land grid array, LGA1151 has 1151 pins and is designed for 6th through 9th generation Intel processors, whereas LGA1200 has 1200 pins and supports 10th and 11th generation CPUs. The physical pin count and keying are different, so the CPU cannot be inserted even if the chipset or power connector seems compatible. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of CPU socket compatibility and physical form factors, often appearing as a trap where students confuse chipset compatibility with physical fit. A common memory tip is to think of the socket number as the literal pin count: if the numbers don’t match, the pins don’t align, so the CPU simply won’t go in.
220-1201 Motherboard Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of motherboard. 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 replacing a failed motherboard in a desktop PC. The original motherboard had an LGA1151 socket. The replacement motherboard has an LGA1200 socket. The technician attempts to install the original CPU but finds it does not fit. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The CPU has a different number of pins
LGA sockets are keyed for specific generations of CPUs. LGA1151 is used for 6th/7th/8th/9th gen Intel, while LGA1200 is for 10th/11th gen. The physical pin count and keying are different, so a CPU designed for LGA1151 cannot be inserted into an LGA1200 socket. The chipset is irrelevant to physical fit, and the power connector is unrelated.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The CPU is incompatible with the new motherboard's chipset
Why it's wrong here
While chipset compatibility matters, the immediate physical issue is the socket type; the CPU won't even fit mechanically.
✓
The CPU has a different number of pins
Why this is correct
LGA1151 CPUs have 1151 pins, while LGA1200 has 1200; the different pin count and layout prevent physical installation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The power supply connector is different
Why it's wrong here
Power supply connectors (e.g., 24-pin, 8-pin CPU) are standardized and not related to CPU socket compatibility.
✗
The CPU is an AMD processor
Why it's wrong here
AMD processors use different sockets (e.g., AM4), but the scenario specifies an LGA1151 CPU, which is Intel.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
AMD processors use different sockets (e.g., AM4), but the scenario specifies an LGA1151 CPU, which is Intel.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Motherboard — This question tests Motherboard — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The CPU has a different number of pins — LGA sockets are keyed for specific generations of CPUs. LGA1151 is used for 6th/7th/8th/9th gen Intel, while LGA1200 is for 10th/11th gen. The physical pin count and keying are different, so a CPU designed for LGA1151 cannot be inserted into an LGA1200 socket. The chipset is irrelevant to physical fit, and the power connector is unrelated.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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