The correct way to connect a 4+4 pin CPU power connector to an 8-pin EPS motherboard port is to combine the two halves of the 4+4 pin cable into a single 8-pin assembly before plugging it in. This works because the 4+4 pin connector is specifically designed to be modular—each half clips together to form a standard 8-pin EPS12V connector, delivering the necessary power to the CPU. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of PSU connector configurations and motherboard compatibility, often appearing as a troubleshooting question where the PC won’t power on. A common trap is confusing the 4+4 pin CPU connector with a 6+2 pin PCIe power cable, which has a different keying and voltage specification; forcing a PCIe connector into the EPS slot can damage components. To remember this, think “CPU splits, GPU clips”—the CPU power connector splits into 4+4, while the GPU uses a 6+2 configuration.
220-1101 Connectors Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that will not power on. The power supply unit (PSU) has a 24-pin main connector and a 4+4 pin CPU connector. The motherboard has a 24-pin ATX connector and an 8-pin EPS connector. How should the technician connect the CPU power?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Combine the 4+4 pin into an 8-pin EPS connector
The 4+4 pin CPU connector can be used as an 8-pin EPS connector by combining the two halves, which is standard for modern motherboards. This tests knowledge of PSU connector configurations and motherboard compatibility. Incorrectly using a 6+2 pin PCIe connector could damage components.
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.
✗
Connect the 4+4 pin as a 4-pin connector only
Why it's wrong here
The motherboard requires an 8-pin EPS connector; using only 4 pins may not provide enough power and could cause instability.
✗
Use a 6+2 pin PCIe power connector
Why it's wrong here
PCIe connectors are for graphics cards, not CPU power, and are keyed differently, so they won't fit.
✓
Combine the 4+4 pin into an 8-pin EPS connector
Why this is correct
The 4+4 pin connector is designed to be combined for 8-pin EPS use, providing proper power to the CPU.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Leave the CPU power unconnected
Why it's wrong here
Without CPU power, the motherboard will not boot or may fail to initialize.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
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.
Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Combine the 4+4 pin into an 8-pin EPS connector — The 4+4 pin CPU connector can be used as an 8-pin EPS connector by combining the two halves, which is standard for modern motherboards. This tests knowledge of PSU connector configurations and motherboard compatibility. Incorrectly using a 6+2 pin PCIe connector could damage components.
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.
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Question Discussion
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