easyMultiple Choice
220-1201 Practice Question: A customer says their external hard drive is not…
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests the misconception that any USB-C cable or adapter delivers the same speed, when in fact the connector is speed-agnostic and the port, cable rating, and controller determine actual throughput.
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
✓
USB-C to USB-C cable
A USB-C to USB-C cable connects the drive directly to the laptop's USB-C port, which supports the highest USB data rates (USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10 Gbps, or USB4/Thunderbolt at 40 Gbps depending on the port). Using native USB-C on both ends avoids the bandwidth and protocol limitations of adapters and legacy connectors. This is the correct choice for fastest possible transfer.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
USB-A to USB-B cable
Why it's wrong here
A USB-A to USB-B cable is physically incompatible with modern external hard drives, which typically feature a USB-C port for connectivity. The USB-B connector, characterized by its square shape, is primarily designed for peripherals like printers or older scanning devices. Attempting to connect this cable would fail due to the distinct physical form factor and pin configuration, rendering it unusable for an external drive equipped with a USB-C interface.
- ✓
USB-C to USB-C cable
Why this is correct
A USB-C to USB-C cable provides the optimal and most direct connection for an external hard drive to a laptop equipped with a USB-C port. This configuration leverages the full capabilities of the USB-C standard, supporting the fastest available data transfer speeds (e.g., USB 3.2 Gen 2 or higher) and often power delivery, ensuring efficient and high-performance operation. Its reversible design also simplifies connection, making it the most suitable choice for modern external storage devices.
- ✗
USB-A to USB-C adapter
Why it's wrong here
While a USB-A to USB-C adapter could physically connect a USB-C external drive to a laptop's older USB-A port, it introduces a bottleneck and does not represent the fastest or most efficient solution. The adapter would force the USB-C drive to operate at the maximum speed supported by the USB-A port (e.g., USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1 at 5 Gbps), which is significantly slower than the potential speeds offered by a native USB-C connection (e.g., USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10 Gbps or Thunderbolt). This compromises performance and adds an unnecessary component to the connection path.
- ✗
Micro-USB to USB-C cable
Why it's wrong here
A Micro-USB to USB-C cable is entirely incompatible due to fundamental differences in connector design and underlying USB standards. Micro-USB is an older, smaller, trapezoidal connector commonly found on previous generations of smartphones and small peripherals, distinct from the oval, reversible USB-C connector. There is no physical or electrical compatibility between these two connector types, meaning this cable would not fit the external hard drive's USB-C port at all.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Display Resolutions and Refresh Rates
Key term
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can travel over a network connection in a given amount of time, usually measured in bits per second.
Key term
Universal Serial Bus Type C
A small, reversible 24-pin USB connector that supports high-speed data transfer, power delivery, and video output, used in modern devices.
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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.