- A
Use a Molex-to-PCIe adapter to create a second 8-pin connector
Why wrong: Molex-to-PCIe adapters may not provide sufficient current for a high-end GPU and can overheat if the PSU's 12V rail is undersized.
- B
Install a new power supply that has two 8-pin PCIe cables
A new PSU with dedicated PCIe cables ensures adequate power delivery and safety, meeting the GPU's requirements without adapters.
- C
Connect the GPU using only the 6+2 pin cable and leave the second connector empty
Why wrong: High-end GPUs require both connectors; leaving one empty may cause instability or failure to boot.
- D
Use a Y-splitter on the existing 6+2 pin cable to create two 8-pin connectors
Why wrong: Y-splitters can overload the single cable and PSU rail, risking fire or component damage.
Quick Answer
The best solution is to install a new power supply that has two 8-pin PCIe cables. This is correct because a single 6+2 pin cable is typically rated for only 150 watts, while a high-end GPU drawing power through two 8-pin connectors can demand up to 300 watts or more; using a splitter or adapter risks overloading the cable’s gauge or the PSU’s rail, potentially causing system instability or fire. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of power supply specifications and safe power delivery—a common trap is assuming adapters are always safe, but the exam emphasizes that replacing the PSU is the most reliable method for high-power GPUs. Remember the memory tip: “Two pins, two cables—don’t daisy-chain the mains.”
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 client wants to upgrade their workstation with a high-end GPU that requires two 8-pin PCIe power connectors. Their current power supply has only one 6+2 pin PCIe cable. What is the best solution to safely power the new GPU?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 new power supply that has two 8-pin PCIe cables
Using a modular power supply with the correct cables is safest because it ensures proper gauge and pinout. Adapters can be risky if they exceed the power supply's capacity or cable rating. Replacing the PSU is the most reliable solution for high-power GPUs.
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.
- ✗
Use a Molex-to-PCIe adapter to create a second 8-pin connector
Why it's wrong here
Molex-to-PCIe adapters may not provide sufficient current for a high-end GPU and can overheat if the PSU's 12V rail is undersized.
- ✓
Install a new power supply that has two 8-pin PCIe cables
Why this is correct
A new PSU with dedicated PCIe cables ensures adequate power delivery and safety, meeting the GPU's requirements without adapters.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Connect the GPU using only the 6+2 pin cable and leave the second connector empty
Why it's wrong here
High-end GPUs require both connectors; leaving one empty may cause instability or failure to boot.
- ✗
Use a Y-splitter on the existing 6+2 pin cable to create two 8-pin connectors
Why it's wrong here
Y-splitters can overload the single cable and PSU rail, risking fire or component damage.
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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Power Supply — study guide chapter
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Power Supply practice questions
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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: Install a new power supply that has two 8-pin PCIe cables — Using a modular power supply with the correct cables is safest because it ensures proper gauge and pinout. Adapters can be risky if they exceed the power supply's capacity or cable rating. Replacing the PSU is the most reliable solution for high-power GPUs.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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