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220-1201 Practice Question: A customer wants to install a modular power…
A customer wants to install a modular power supply in their PC but notes that the included cables have different pin shapes on the PSU end. What should the technician advise?
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 technician should use only the cables that came with that specific power supply.
Modular PSU cables are keyed to prevent incorrect insertion, but they are not standardized across brands. Using cables from a different PSU can cause shorts and damage components. Always use the cables that came with the specific PSU.
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 cables are interchangeable as long as they fit the connector.
Why it's wrong here
Modular power supply cables are not universally interchangeable, even if they physically fit the connector. Different power supply manufacturers, and sometimes even different models from the same manufacturer, utilize proprietary pinout configurations on the PSU-side of the modular connectors. Connecting a cable with an incorrect pinout can deliver incorrect voltages (e.g., 12V to a 5V line or ground) to sensitive components, resulting in immediate and severe electrical damage to the motherboard, GPU, or storage devices.
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The technician should verify the pinout diagram and use cables from the same manufacturer.
Why it's wrong here
While verifying pinout diagrams is a diligent practice, relying solely on cables from the 'same manufacturer' is an insufficient safeguard. Pinout variations frequently exist between different models, series, or generations of power supplies, even within the same brand, due to internal design changes or different OEM partners. Attempting to manually match pinouts or assuming brand-wide consistency introduces a significant risk of error, which can lead to catastrophic hardware failure.
- ✓
The technician should use only the cables that came with that specific power supply.
Why this is correct
The technician must exclusively use the cables that were originally included with that specific modular power supply unit. Each modular PSU is meticulously engineered with a unique internal wiring scheme and corresponding cable pinouts designed to ensure proper voltage delivery to standard ATX, PCIe, and SATA connectors. Utilizing only the original, matched cables guarantees electrical compatibility, preventing mis-wired connections that could cause severe electrical damage to connected components or lead to system instability.
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The customer should return the PSU and buy a non-modular one.
Why it's wrong here
Returning a modular power supply to purchase a non-modular one is an unnecessary and incorrect recommendation. Modular PSUs offer significant advantages, such as improved cable management, better airflow within the case, and reduced clutter, by allowing users to connect only the required cables. There are no inherent safety or functionality issues with modular power supplies themselves, provided the correct, original cables are utilized for their intended purpose.
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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.