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CCNA Connectors Questions

30 questions · Connectors · All types, answers revealed

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1
MCQeasy

A technician is setting up a conference room and needs to connect a laptop to a projector that only has a VGA input. The laptop has an HDMI output. Which adapter should the technician use?

A.HDMI to DVI adapter
B.USB-C to VGA adapter
C.HDMI to VGA adapter
D.DisplayPort to VGA adapter
AnswerC

This adapter converts the digital HDMI signal to analog VGA, allowing connection to the projector.

Why this answer

HDMI to VGA adapters are common for connecting modern laptops to older projectors. VGA is an analog signal, so the adapter must be active to convert digital HDMI to analog VGA. This question tests knowledge of legacy connector compatibility.

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2
MCQeasy

A customer reports that their external hard drive, which uses a USB-C connection, is not being recognized by their laptop. The drive works fine on another computer. The laptop has only USB-A ports. Which adapter should be used to connect the drive?

A.USB-A male to USB-C male cable
B.USB-C male to USB-A female adapter
C.USB-C female to USB-A female adapter
D.USB-A female to USB-C female adapter
AnswerB

This adapter converts the drive's USB-C plug to fit into a USB-A port, enabling connection to the laptop.

Why this answer

USB-C to USB-A adapters are common for connecting newer devices to older ports. The correct answer is a USB-C male to USB-A female adapter, which allows the drive's USB-C cable to plug into a USB-A port.

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3
MCQmedium

A technician is setting up a dual-monitor workstation for a financial analyst. The PC has one HDMI port and one DisplayPort. The monitors have HDMI and DVI inputs, respectively. Which cable combination will allow both monitors to display?

A.HDMI to DVI and DisplayPort to HDMI
B.Two HDMI cables, using a splitter
C.DisplayPort to HDMI and VGA to DVI
D.HDMI to HDMI and DisplayPort to DVI (with adapter)
AnswerD

This uses direct connections: HDMI to HDMI for one monitor, and DisplayPort to DVI (via a passive adapter) for the other, supporting dual displays.

Why this answer

The correct answer is D because HDMI to HDMI connects the first monitor, and DisplayPort to DVI (or HDMI) connects the second, using an adapter if needed. This tests understanding of common video connector conversions and that DisplayPort can drive DVI or HDMI with a passive adapter.

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4
MCQhard

A technician is deploying a new thin client in a hospital room. The thin client has a DisplayPort output, but the existing monitor only has a DVI-D input. The technician needs a single cable to connect them without adapters. Which cable type should be used?

A.DisplayPort to VGA cable
B.HDMI to DVI-D cable
C.DisplayPort to DVI-D cable
D.DVI-D to DVI-D cable
AnswerC

This cable connects the thin client's DisplayPort to the monitor's DVI-D input directly, using a compatible digital signal.

Why this answer

DisplayPort and DVI-D are both digital standards. A DisplayPort to DVI-D cable can directly connect the two, as DisplayPort is compatible with DVI-D signals. No active conversion is needed because both are digital.

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5
MCQeasy

A customer reports that their new external SSD, which uses a USB-C connector, is not being detected by their Windows laptop. The laptop has USB-C ports that support USB 3.2 Gen 2. The SSD works fine on another computer. Which connector-related issue is most likely the cause?

A.The SSD uses a USB-A to USB-C cable, which is incompatible.
B.The laptop's USB-C port is damaged and needs replacement.
C.The SSD requires a Thunderbolt 3 connection, which the laptop lacks.
D.The laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol.
AnswerD

USB-C ports may only support USB 2.0 or 3.0; a USB 3.2 Gen 2 device may not work if the port lacks that protocol support.

Why this answer

The correct answer is D because USB-C ports can support different protocols (USB 3.x, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort), and if the laptop's USB-C port does not support the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard required by the SSD, the device may not be detected. This tests understanding that USB-C is a physical connector shape, not a guarantee of a specific protocol or speed.

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6
MCQhard

A user reports that their USB 3.0 external SSD is only achieving USB 2.0 speeds when connected to a front panel port. The technician checks the motherboard and finds the front panel header is connected to a USB 3.0 header. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the slow speed?

A.The SSD is formatted with FAT32
B.The front panel USB cable is damaged or not fully seated
C.The motherboard BIOS needs updating
D.The SSD is connected via a USB 2.0 hub
AnswerB

A damaged cable can cause the port to operate at USB 2.0 speeds due to signal integrity issues.

Why this answer

A damaged or poorly connected front panel USB cable can cause the port to fall back to USB 2.0 speeds. The motherboard header is correct, so the issue is likely with the cable or connection. This tests advanced troubleshooting of USB 3.0 connectivity.

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7
MCQeasy

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?

A.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.
B.Connect the 20-pin portion only and leave the 4-pin unconnected; use the 8-pin CPU connector as is.
C.Use the 20+4 pin as a 24-pin, and connect the 8-pin CPU connector to the 4-pin header by forcing it.
D.Replace the power supply with one that has a dedicated 24-pin and 4-pin connector.
AnswerA

This is the correct method; the 20+4 pin is designed to be combined, and the 8-pin CPU connector can be split to fit a 4-pin header.

Why this answer

The correct answer is A because 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.

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8
MCQmedium

A technician is setting up a new network printer in a conference room. The printer has an RJ45 port for wired networking, but the only available wall jack is labeled with a different room number. The technician needs to connect the printer to the network. What is the best approach?

A.Connect the printer directly to the router using a long Ethernet cable
B.Use a tone generator and probe to trace the wall jack to the patch panel
C.Assume the jack is functional and connect the printer
D.Use a WiFi adapter for the printer instead
AnswerB

This tool allows the technician to identify which cable in the patch panel corresponds to the wall jack, enabling proper connection.

Why this answer

The wall jack may be connected to a different network drop. The technician should use a tone generator and probe to identify which port on the patch panel corresponds to that wall jack, ensuring correct connectivity.

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9
MCQhard

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?

A.Use a Y-splitter cable on one SATA port to connect two drives.
B.Install a PCIe SATA controller card with extra ports.
C.Use eSATA to SATA adapters on the external ports.
D.Replace the motherboard with one that has six SATA ports.
AnswerB

A SATA controller card adds additional SATA ports via a PCIe slot, enabling connection of more drives.

Why this answer

The correct answer is B because 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.

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10
MCQmedium

A small office uses a network switch with 24 RJ45 ports to connect all workstations. The switch is connected to the router via a single uplink port. Users report intermittent network drops. The technician suspects a faulty cable between the switch and router. Which tool should be used to test the cable?

A.Tone generator and probe
B.Loopback plug
C.Cable tester
D.Multimeter
AnswerC

A cable tester checks for shorts, opens, and wiring errors in an Ethernet cable, confirming if the cable is faulty.

Why this answer

A cable tester verifies continuity, wiring, and signal integrity in Ethernet cables. This is the correct tool to diagnose a faulty physical connection between the switch and router.

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11
MCQmedium

A user reports that their USB 3.0 external hard drive is transferring data at very slow speeds, around 30 MB/s, when connected to a front-panel USB port. The same drive works at expected speeds (over 100 MB/s) on a rear USB port. Which connector-related issue is most likely?

A.The front-panel USB port is only USB 2.0, limiting speed.
B.The USB cable is damaged and needs replacement.
C.The external hard drive is not compatible with USB 3.0.
D.The front-panel USB port is not receiving enough power.
AnswerA

USB 2.0 has a maximum speed of 480 Mbps (~60 MB/s), but real-world speeds are lower; USB 3.0 requires a different connector and cable.

Why this answer

The correct answer is A because front-panel USB ports are often connected via internal headers that may only support USB 2.0 speeds, especially in older cases. This tests understanding that USB 3.0 requires a blue port and proper internal cabling for full speed.

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12
MCQhard

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?

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
AnswerC

The motherboard requires an 8-pin CPU connector. If the technician only connected one 4-pin half, the CPU will not receive enough power.

Why this answer

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.

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13
MCQmedium

A technician is tasked with connecting a legacy projector that only has a VGA input to a modern laptop that has only HDMI and USB-C outputs. Which adapter should the technician use?

A.USB-C to VGA passive adapter
B.HDMI to VGA active adapter
C.VGA to HDMI cable
D.USB-C to HDMI adapter
AnswerB

This active adapter converts the digital HDMI signal to analog VGA, allowing the laptop to connect to the projector.

Why this answer

Since VGA is analog and HDMI is digital, an active converter is needed. A USB-C to VGA adapter can work if the laptop supports video over USB-C, but an HDMI to VGA adapter is also an option if the laptop has HDMI. The best answer is an HDMI to VGA active adapter, as it directly converts the digital signal to analog.

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14
MCQmedium

A user complains that their external monitor flickers intermittently when connected via a VGA cable to their laptop. The laptop has a VGA port, and the monitor works fine with another computer. Which connector-related issue is most likely?

A.The monitor's resolution is set too high for the VGA cable.
B.The laptop's VGA port is not providing enough power.
C.A bent pin inside the VGA connector is causing poor contact.
D.The VGA cable is not compatible with the laptop's graphics card.
AnswerC

Bent pins are a common cause of intermittent flickering in VGA connections.

Why this answer

The correct answer is C because VGA connectors have pins that can bend or become loose over time, causing intermittent signal loss. This tests knowledge that VGA is an analog connector susceptible to physical damage and signal degradation.

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15
MCQmedium

A technician is installing a new graphics card in a workstation. The card requires two 8-pin PCIe power connectors, but the power supply only has one 8-pin and one 6-pin PCIe cable. What is the best solution?

A.Use the 6-pin cable alone, leaving one power slot empty
B.Use a Molex to 8-pin adapter
C.Replace the power supply with one that has two 8-pin connectors
D.Use the 8-pin cable and the 6+2 pin cable with the 2-pin section attached
AnswerD

The 6+2 pin cable can be configured as an 8-pin by attaching the 2-pin part, providing the required two 8-pin connections.

Why this answer

A 6+2 pin PCIe power cable can be used as either a 6-pin or 8-pin connector. The technician can use the 8-pin cable and the 6+2 pin cable (with the 2-pin attached) to provide two 8-pin connections.

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16
MCQeasy

A user reports that their new monitor, which uses a DisplayPort connection, shows no signal. The technician finds the monitor is connected to the PC's HDMI port via a passive adapter. What is the most likely issue?

A.The HDMI cable is faulty
B.The monitor is set to the wrong input source
C.The passive adapter cannot convert HDMI to DisplayPort
D.The graphics driver is outdated
AnswerC

Passive adapters only work for DisplayPort to HDMI, not the reverse, so an active adapter is needed.

Why this answer

Passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters often require an active adapter to convert the signal properly, especially if the source only outputs HDMI. This tests understanding of signal conversion and adapter types. The monitor's DisplayPort input needs a compatible signal from the PC's HDMI output.

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17
MCQhard

A data center technician is installing a new server that requires a redundant power supply with two C13 power cords. The rack has two separate PDUs (Power Distribution Units) with C19 outlets. What type of power cable is needed to connect the server to the PDUs?

A.C14 to C19 power cord
B.C13 to C14 power cord
C.C13 to C19 power cord
D.C19 to C20 power cord
AnswerC

This cable connects the server's C13 connector to the PDU's C19 outlet, providing the required power connection.

Why this answer

C13 and C19 are different connector types. C13 is a standard connector for many devices, while C19 is used for higher-current devices. A C14 to C19 cable connects a C13 device to a C19 PDU outlet, but the server has C13 cords, so a C13 to C19 cable is needed.

However, the server's power cords are C13, so the technician needs a cable that goes from C13 (server end) to C19 (PDU end). The correct answer is a C13 to C19 power cord.

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18
MCQhard

A technician is tasked with connecting a legacy printer that uses a parallel port to a modern laptop that only has USB ports. Which adapter is required to make this connection work?

A.USB to serial adapter
B.USB to parallel adapter
C.USB to PS/2 adapter
D.USB to VGA adapter
AnswerB

This adapter converts USB signals to parallel, allowing the laptop to communicate with the printer.

Why this answer

A USB to parallel adapter allows a modern laptop to communicate with a legacy parallel printer. This requires an active adapter that converts USB signals to parallel. This tests knowledge of legacy connector adaptation and the need for active conversion.

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19
MCQhard

A user reports that their new Thunderbolt 4 external GPU (eGPU) is not recognized by their laptop, which has a Thunderbolt 4 port. The eGPU works on another laptop. Which connector-related issue is most likely?

A.The laptop's Thunderbolt 4 port is disabled in BIOS.
B.The cable used is a passive USB-C cable, not an active Thunderbolt 4 cable.
C.The eGPU requires a Thunderbolt 3 port, not Thunderbolt 4.
D.The laptop's Thunderbolt 4 port is not providing enough power.
AnswerB

Thunderbolt 4 requires active cables for full bandwidth and PCIe tunneling; a passive USB-C cable may not support eGPU connectivity.

Why this answer

The correct answer is B because Thunderbolt 4 requires an active cable for full functionality, and a passive USB-C cable may not carry the PCIe signal needed for eGPU operation. This tests understanding of Thunderbolt cable requirements and the difference between passive and active cables.

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20
MCQmedium

A technician is installing a new graphics card that requires additional power. The PSU has a 6+2 pin PCIe power connector. The graphics card has an 8-pin power input. How should the technician connect the power?

A.Connect only the 6-pin portion
B.Use a Molex to 8-pin adapter
C.Attach the 2-pin portion to the 6-pin to make an 8-pin connector
D.Connect a SATA power cable to the card
AnswerC

The 6+2 pin connector is designed to be combined for 8-pin use, providing the correct power.

Why this answer

The 6+2 pin PCIe connector is designed to be used as either a 6-pin or 8-pin by attaching the extra 2-pin section. This tests understanding of modular PSU connectors. Incorrect use of other connectors could damage the card.

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21
MCQeasy

A user is setting up a new monitor that uses a DisplayPort connection, but their desktop PC only has an HDMI port. They have an adapter. Which adapter type will allow the monitor to display correctly?

A.HDMI to VGA adapter
B.HDMI to DisplayPort adapter
C.DisplayPort to USB-C adapter
D.DVI to HDMI adapter
AnswerB

HDMI and DisplayPort use similar digital signaling, so a passive adapter can convert the signal for the monitor.

Why this answer

The correct answer is B because DisplayPort and HDMI are both digital video standards, and a passive adapter can convert between them without signal loss. This tests knowledge that DisplayPort and HDMI are electrically compatible for video, unlike VGA (analog) or USB-C (which may require active conversion).

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22
MCQhard

A technician is replacing a failed hard drive in a server. The new drive has a SATA III connector, but the server's backplane only supports SATA II. What will be the result of using this drive?

A.The drive will not be recognized
B.The drive will operate at SATA III speeds
C.The drive will operate at SATA II speeds
D.The drive will be damaged
AnswerC

The drive will negotiate down to SATA II speed due to the backplane's limitation.

Why this answer

SATA III is backward compatible with SATA II, so the drive will work but at SATA II speeds (3 Gbps). This tests knowledge of SATA generation compatibility and performance limitations. The drive will not be damaged but will not achieve its maximum speed.

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23
MCQmedium

A technician needs to connect a new router to a cable modem using an Ethernet cable. The modem has an RJ45 port, and the router has an RJ45 WAN port. Which cable type should be used for this connection?

A.Rollover cable
B.Crossover cable
C.Straight-through cable
D.Fiber optic cable
AnswerC

Straight-through cables are standard for connecting devices of different types, such as a modem to a router.

Why this answer

A straight-through Ethernet cable is used to connect different device types, such as a modem to a router. Crossover cables are for connecting similar devices like two computers. This tests knowledge of Ethernet cable standards and their applications.

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24
MCQmedium

A technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that will not power on. The power supply unit (PSU) has a 24-pin main connector and a 4+4 pin CPU connector. The motherboard has a 24-pin ATX connector and an 8-pin EPS connector. How should the technician connect the CPU power?

A.Connect the 4+4 pin as a 4-pin connector only
B.Use a 6+2 pin PCIe power connector
C.Combine the 4+4 pin into an 8-pin EPS connector
D.Leave the CPU power unconnected
AnswerC

The 4+4 pin connector is designed to be combined for 8-pin EPS use, providing proper power to the CPU.

Why this answer

The 4+4 pin CPU connector can be used as an 8-pin EPS connector by combining the two halves, which is standard for modern motherboards. This tests knowledge of PSU connector configurations and motherboard compatibility. Incorrectly using a 6+2 pin PCIe connector could damage components.

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25
MCQhard

A user wants to connect a laptop to a 4K projector for a presentation. The laptop has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, and the projector has an HDMI input. Which cable or adapter is required?

A.USB-C to USB-C cable
B.HDMI to HDMI cable
C.USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable
D.DisplayPort to HDMI cable
AnswerC

This cable converts the USB-C signal to HDMI, leveraging DisplayPort Alt Mode for video output.

Why this answer

The correct answer is C because USB-C to HDMI cables or adapters are designed for this exact scenario when the USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. This tests understanding of USB-C Alt Mode and the need for compatible cables.

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26
MCQmedium

A user complains that their external monitor flickers intermittently. The monitor is connected via a DVI cable to a graphics card that has both DVI-I and DVI-D ports. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the flickering?

A.The DVI cable is loose or damaged
B.The graphics card driver is outdated
C.The monitor's refresh rate is set too high
D.The DVI port is incompatible with the cable
AnswerA

A loose connection or damaged cable can cause intermittent signal loss, leading to flickering.

Why this answer

A loose or damaged DVI cable is a common cause of intermittent flickering, as poor contact can disrupt the signal. DVI-I and DVI-D are compatible, so port type is less likely the issue. This tests troubleshooting skills for display connection problems.

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27
MCQeasy

A user wants to connect a new monitor to their desktop PC. The monitor has a DisplayPort input, and the PC has an HDMI output. Which cable type will work without additional adapters?

A.HDMI to HDMI cable
B.DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable
C.HDMI to DisplayPort cable
D.VGA to HDMI cable
AnswerC

This cable has an HDMI plug for the PC and a DisplayPort plug for the monitor, making a direct connection.

Why this answer

HDMI and DisplayPort are different standards, but many cables are available with HDMI on one end and DisplayPort on the other. A bidirectional cable can connect an HDMI source to a DisplayPort monitor.

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28
MCQmedium

A technician is installing a new graphics card in a desktop PC. The card requires two 8-pin PCIe power connectors, but the power supply only has one 8-pin and one 6-pin connector. What is the best solution to power the card?

A.Use a 6+2 pin PCIe power cable on the 6-pin connector.
B.Use a Molex to 8-pin adapter on one of the connectors.
C.Plug the 6-pin connector into the 8-pin slot; it will work with reduced power.
D.Replace the power supply with one that has two 8-pin connectors.
AnswerA

A 6+2 pin cable is designed to be used as either a 6-pin or 8-pin, making it the correct solution.

Why this answer

The correct answer is A because a 6+2 pin PCIe power cable can be used to convert the 6-pin connector into an 8-pin by attaching the additional 2 pins. This tests understanding of modular power supply cables and PCIe power connector compatibility.

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29
MCQmedium

A user reports that their monitor displays a distorted image with wavy lines. The monitor uses a VGA connection. The technician checks the cable and finds it is not fully tightened. After securing the thumbscrews, the image is still distorted. What is the most likely cause?

A.The monitor's refresh rate is set too high
B.The VGA cable has a broken pin
C.The graphics driver needs to be updated
D.The monitor's power cable is loose
AnswerB

A broken or bent pin in the VGA connector can cause signal loss or interference, leading to distorted images.

Why this answer

VGA is an analog signal and can suffer from interference. Damaged or loose pins in the VGA connector can cause distortion even if the cable appears secure. The pins may be bent or broken.

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30
MCQeasy

A customer says their external hard drive is not recognized by their laptop. The drive uses a USB-C connector and the laptop has both USB-A and USB-C ports. Which connector type should be used to ensure the fastest possible data transfer?

A.USB-A to USB-B cable
B.USB-C to USB-C cable
C.USB-A to USB-C adapter
D.Micro-USB to USB-C cable
AnswerB

Using a USB-C to USB-C cable connects the drive directly to the laptop's USB-C port, supporting the fastest data transfer speeds.

Why this answer

USB-C supports faster data transfer rates (up to 10 Gbps or more) compared to USB-A's typical 5 Gbps, and it is the correct connector for the drive. Using a USB-A port would require an adapter and may limit speed. This question tests knowledge of USB connector generations and their performance capabilities.

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