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 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?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Purchase an additional SATA data cable and use the existing power cable.
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.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 Y-splitter on the existing SATA data cable to connect both drives.
Why it's wrong here
SATA data cables cannot be split; each drive requires a dedicated data connection to the motherboard.
✓
Purchase an additional SATA data cable and use the existing power cable.
Why this is correct
The technician has an extra power cable, so they only need a SATA data cable to connect the second drive.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Connect the second drive using an external USB-to-SATA adapter.
Why it's wrong here
An external adapter is a workaround, but it is less practical and may be slower than an internal SATA connection.
✗
Replace the existing hard drive with a larger one.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the existing drive does not add a second drive; it only increases capacity of one drive.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Storage Devices — This question tests Storage Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Purchase an additional SATA data cable and use the existing power cable. — 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.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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