easyMultiple Choice
220-1201 Practice Question: A client wants to upgrade their workstation with…
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests power supply connector safety; candidates may choose adapters or splitters as a quick fix, but the exam expects knowledge that high-end GPUs require dedicated PSU cables.
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
The best solution is to install a new power supply that has two 8-pin PCIe cables. This ensures the GPU receives adequate and stable power directly from the PSU, avoiding the risks associated with adapters or splitters. A high-end GPU requires two separate 8-pin connectors to meet its power draw, and using adapters can lead to insufficient power delivery, overheating, or damage.
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 connectors are designed for lower power peripherals and their pins are not rated for the high current draw of a modern GPU's 12V rail. Using such an adapter forces a high current through a connector not designed for it, leading to excessive heat, potential melting, and fire hazards, especially when the GPU demands peak power, risking system instability or component failure.
- ✓
Install a new power supply that has two 8-pin PCIe cables
Why this is correct
Installing a new power supply specifically rated for the GPU's total power requirements, and equipped with the necessary dedicated 8-pin PCIe power cables, is the safest and most reliable solution. This ensures the GPU receives stable and sufficient current directly from the PSU's 12V rails, preventing overloading of individual cables or rails and maintaining optimal system stability and longevity under heavy load.
- ✗
Connect the GPU using only the 6+2 pin cable and leave the second connector empty
Why it's wrong here
High-end GPUs are engineered to distribute significant power draw across all specified PCIe power connectors to ensure stable and reliable operation. Leaving one required connector empty means the GPU will not receive its full power requirement, leading to insufficient power delivery, system instability, crashes during demanding tasks, or even preventing the system from booting entirely, potentially damaging the GPU over time due to power starvation.
- ✗
Use a Y-splitter on the existing 6+2 pin cable to create two 8-pin connectors
Why it's wrong here
Using a Y-splitter on an existing PCIe power cable attempts to draw double the current through a single cable and its corresponding PSU rail, which is only designed for the power draw of one connector. This significantly overloads the cable and the PSU's internal circuitry, causing excessive heat, potential melting of insulation, fire hazards, and can lead to the PSU failing or damaging other components due to unstable power delivery.
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Key term
GPU
A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a specialized processor that handles the rendering of images, video, and animations for display output and can also be used for general-purpose parallel computing tasks.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.