- A
A 2.5-inch SATA HDD
Why wrong: While a 2.5-inch SATA HDD would work, it is less common for desktops and typically offers lower capacity per dollar than a 3.5-inch drive. The question asks for the best choice, and a 3.5-inch drive is more standard for desktop backup.
- B
A 3.5-inch SATA HDD
A 3.5-inch SATA HDD uses the same SATA data and power connectors as the existing SSD, is designed for desktop cases, and offers high capacity at low cost, making it ideal for nightly backups.
- C
An M.2 SATA SSD
Why wrong: An M.2 SATA SSD requires an M.2 slot on the motherboard, not a SATA port. The motherboard only has a free SATA port, so this drive is incompatible.
- D
A 2.5-inch PATA (IDE) HDD
Why wrong: PATA (IDE) drives use a wide ribbon cable and a 4-pin Molex power connector, not SATA. The motherboard has SATA ports, so this drive is incompatible.
Quick Answer
The correct choice is a 3.5-inch SATA HDD, as it maximizes compatibility and reliability for adding a second internal hard drive in a desktop. Both the existing 2.5-inch SATA SSD and a 3.5-inch SATA HDD use identical SATA data and power connectors, so the free SATA port and PSU power connector on the motherboard will work without any adapters. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of SATA interface standards and form factor differences—specifically that 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives are interchangeable in terms of connectors, but 3.5-inch HDDs offer higher capacity at lower cost for bulk storage like nightly backups. A common trap is assuming a 2.5-inch drive is always the best fit, but desktops typically have mounting bays for 3.5-inch drives, and the question emphasizes reliability for backups, where a traditional HDD excels. Memory tip: “Big bay, big drive—3.5 for desktop backup survival.”
220-1101 Storage Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of storage devices. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 small business owner wants to add a second internal hard drive to a desktop computer for nightly backups. The existing drive is a 2.5-inch SATA SSD. The motherboard has one free SATA port and one free power connector from the PSU. Which type of drive should the technician install to maximize compatibility and reliability?
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
A 3.5-inch SATA HDD
This question tests basic knowledge of SATA interfaces and form factor compatibility. A 3.5-inch SATA HDD is the standard choice for bulk storage in a desktop, and it uses the same SATA data and power connectors as the existing SSD. The other options either have incompatible connectors or are not standard internal drives.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A 2.5-inch SATA HDD
Why it's wrong here
While a 2.5-inch SATA HDD would work, it is less common for desktops and typically offers lower capacity per dollar than a 3.5-inch drive. The question asks for the best choice, and a 3.5-inch drive is more standard for desktop backup.
- ✓
A 3.5-inch SATA HDD
Why this is correct
A 3.5-inch SATA HDD uses the same SATA data and power connectors as the existing SSD, is designed for desktop cases, and offers high capacity at low cost, making it ideal for nightly backups.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
An M.2 SATA SSD
Why it's wrong here
An M.2 SATA SSD requires an M.2 slot on the motherboard, not a SATA port. The motherboard only has a free SATA port, so this drive is incompatible.
- ✗
A 2.5-inch PATA (IDE) HDD
Why it's wrong here
PATA (IDE) drives use a wide ribbon cable and a 4-pin Molex power connector, not SATA. The motherboard has SATA ports, so this drive is incompatible.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
- →
Storage Devices — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Storage Devices 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?
Storage Devices — This question tests Storage Devices — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A 3.5-inch SATA HDD — This question tests basic knowledge of SATA interfaces and form factor compatibility. A 3.5-inch SATA HDD is the standard choice for bulk storage in a desktop, and it uses the same SATA data and power connectors as the existing SSD. The other options either have incompatible connectors or are not standard internal drives.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user wants to add a second hard drive to their desktop for extra storage, but the computer only has one SATA data cable available. The technician has an extra SATA power cable from the power supply. What is the most practical solution?
medium- A.Use a Y-splitter on the existing SATA data cable to connect both drives.
- ✓ B.Purchase an additional SATA data cable and use the existing power cable.
- C.Connect the second drive using an external USB-to-SATA adapter.
- D.Replace the existing hard drive with a larger one.
Why B: This question tests understanding of SATA connectivity requirements. Each SATA drive needs its own data cable, but power can be shared via splitters or by using available power connectors.
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.