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220-1201 Practice Question: A client wants to add a second internal hard…
A client wants to add a second internal hard drive to their desktop for additional storage, but all SATA ports on the motherboard are already used. What is the best 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
✓
Install a SATA expansion card into an available PCIe slot.
An eSATA or SATA expansion card adds more SATA ports via a PCIe slot. USB adapters are slower, and replacing the motherboard is unnecessary. External enclosures are not internal.
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 USB-to-SATA adapter and connect the drive externally.
Why it's wrong here
Using a USB-to-SATA adapter would connect the hard drive externally via a USB port, directly contradicting the client's requirement for a second internal hard drive. While functional for external storage, this method typically results in lower data transfer speeds compared to a direct internal SATA connection, especially for sustained operations. It fails to integrate the drive physically inside the computer case.
- ✓
Install a SATA expansion card into an available PCIe slot.
Why this is correct
Installing a SATA expansion card into an available PCIe slot is the most appropriate solution. This card provides additional internal SATA ports directly connected to the motherboard's high-speed PCIe bus, allowing the new hard drive to be installed inside the computer case. This method efficiently expands the system's internal storage capacity while ensuring optimal performance for the added drive.
- ✗
Replace the motherboard with one that has more SATA ports.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the motherboard solely to gain more SATA ports is an excessively expensive, complex, and time-consuming undertaking. This process would involve disassembling most of the computer, purchasing a new motherboard, and potentially reinstalling the operating system, which is a disproportionate effort for a simple storage expansion requirement. A much simpler and more cost-effective solution is available.
- ✗
Use an external hard drive enclosure connected via USB.
Why it's wrong here
An external hard drive enclosure, connected via USB, would house the drive outside the computer case, making it an external storage device. This directly violates the client's explicit request for an internal hard drive. Additionally, while USB 3.0 or newer offers decent speeds, it can still introduce performance bottlenecks compared to a native internal SATA connection, particularly for high-demand applications.
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Key term
SATA
SATA (Serial ATA) is an interface standard used to connect storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives to a computer's motherboard.
Key term
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) is a computer bus interface used to connect storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives to a computer's motherboard.
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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.