- A
The PSU will automatically combine the rails to provide 40A to the GPU.
Why wrong: Multi-rail PSUs do not automatically combine rails; each rail is independent and limited to its rated amperage. Combining requires specific PSU design or configuration.
- B
The GPU may cause overcurrent protection to trip on one rail, causing shutdowns.
If the GPU's power draw exceeds 20A on the rail it is connected to, the rail's OCP will activate, cutting power. This is a common issue with multi-rail PSUs and high-power GPUs.
- C
The PSU will deliver stable power as long as the total wattage is sufficient.
Why wrong: Total wattage is not the only factor; rail current limits matter. Even if total wattage is adequate, exceeding a single rail's limit can cause problems.
- D
The GPU will automatically draw power from both rails equally.
Why wrong: The GPU does not manage rail distribution; it draws power from the connectors it is plugged into. If both connectors are on the same rail, the load is not balanced.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the GPU may cause overcurrent protection to trip on one rail, leading to unexpected shutdowns. This happens because a multi-rail PSU splits its total +12V output into separate, independent rails—each with its own overcurrent protection circuit rated at 20A. If the GPU demands more than 20A from a single rail, that rail’s protection triggers, cutting power to prevent damage. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of power supply rail configurations and how multi-rail PSU overcurrent protection interacts with high-draw components like modern GPUs. A common trap is assuming that the total amperage across both rails (40A) is available to the GPU, when in reality each rail is limited individually. To avoid this issue, you would either use a single-rail PSU or, if the PSU supports it, distribute the GPU’s load across both rails. Memory tip: think “One rail, one limit—don’t let your GPU trip the trip.”
220-1201 Power Supply Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of power supply. 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 installing a new power supply in a high-end gaming PC. The PSU has two +12V rails rated at 20A each. The GPU requires a single +12V rail with at least 30A. What potential issue could arise?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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
The GPU may cause overcurrent protection to trip on one rail, causing shutdowns.
Multi-rail PSUs split the +12V output across separate rails, each with its own overcurrent protection. If the GPU draws more than 20A from one rail, it can trip the protection, causing shutdowns. Using a single-rail PSU or ensuring the GPU is connected across both rails (if the PSU allows) would avoid this.
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.
- ✗
The PSU will automatically combine the rails to provide 40A to the GPU.
Why it's wrong here
Multi-rail PSUs do not automatically combine rails; each rail is independent and limited to its rated amperage. Combining requires specific PSU design or configuration.
- ✓
The GPU may cause overcurrent protection to trip on one rail, causing shutdowns.
Why this is correct
If the GPU's power draw exceeds 20A on the rail it is connected to, the rail's OCP will activate, cutting power. This is a common issue with multi-rail PSUs and high-power GPUs.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The PSU will deliver stable power as long as the total wattage is sufficient.
Why it's wrong here
Total wattage is not the only factor; rail current limits matter. Even if total wattage is adequate, exceeding a single rail's limit can cause problems.
- ✗
The GPU will automatically draw power from both rails equally.
Why it's wrong here
The GPU does not manage rail distribution; it draws power from the connectors it is plugged into. If both connectors are on the same rail, the load is not balanced.
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.
- →
Power Supply — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Power Supply practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1201 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Mobile Device Connection Methods practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Mobile Device Accessories practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Mobile Device Application Support practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Network Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Wireless Networking Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Network Services practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Network Configuration Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
IP Addressing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1201 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: The GPU may cause overcurrent protection to trip on one rail, causing shutdowns. — Multi-rail PSUs split the +12V output across separate rails, each with its own overcurrent protection. If the GPU draws more than 20A from one rail, it can trip the protection, causing shutdowns. Using a single-rail PSU or ensuring the GPU is connected across both rails (if the PSU allows) would avoid this.
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: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.