hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A user wants to use a portable SSD with their…
A user wants to use a portable SSD with their tablet for video editing. The tablet has a USB-C port that supports USB 3.1 Gen 2. They need to transfer large files quickly and also charge the tablet simultaneously. Which accessory should they use?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA A+ often tests the misconception that a simple cable or adapter can handle simultaneous charging and high-speed data transfer, when in reality a hub with PD pass-through is required to separate the power and data paths on a single USB-C port.
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 USB-C hub with power delivery pass-through
A USB-C hub with power delivery (PD) pass-through is the correct accessory because it allows the tablet to simultaneously charge via the hub's PD input while providing a dedicated USB-C data port for the portable SSD. USB 3.1 Gen 2 supports up to 10 Gbps, which is sufficient for fast video file transfers, and PD pass-through ensures the tablet's battery is replenished during use. Without PD pass-through, a standard hub would split power and data, potentially starving the tablet of charge.
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 USB-C to USB-C cable
Why it's wrong here
While a direct USB-C to USB-C cable would connect the portable SSD, enabling high-speed data transfer (e.g., USB 3.1 Gen 2 at 10 Gbps), it typically occupies the tablet's only USB-C port. This prevents the tablet from simultaneously receiving power, which is crucial for sustained use, especially when transferring large files that consume significant power. The tablet would drain its battery without a charging path.
- ✓
A USB-C hub with power delivery pass-through
Why this is correct
A USB-C hub with Power Delivery (PD) pass-through is the ideal solution. It connects to the tablet's single USB-C port, then provides multiple downstream ports. One port can be used to connect the portable SSD, supporting its full USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) speed, while another dedicated USB-C PD port allows an external power adapter to charge the tablet simultaneously, ensuring continuous operation and data integrity.
- ✗
A USB-C to USB-A adapter
Why it's wrong here
Using a USB-C to USB-A adapter would connect the SSD, but it introduces several limitations. Firstly, the USB-A port on the adapter would typically be limited to USB 3.0 speeds (5 Gbps), which is half the potential speed of a USB 3.1 Gen 2 portable SSD. Secondly, the adapter itself occupies the tablet's sole USB-C port, offering no mechanism for the tablet to receive power, leading to battery depletion during use.
- ✗
A wireless SSD with Bluetooth 5.0
Why it's wrong here
A wireless SSD utilizing Bluetooth 5.0 would provide a cable-free connection, but it is fundamentally unsuitable for high-speed data transfer. Bluetooth 5.0's maximum theoretical throughput is significantly lower than even USB 2.0, let alone the 10 Gbps offered by a USB 3.1 Gen 2 portable SSD. Furthermore, a wireless SSD would still require its own separate power source and would not address the tablet's need for simultaneous charging.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Power Supply Units and Connectors
Key term
Universal Serial Bus
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a standard interface that allows you to connect devices like keyboards, mice, storage drives, and printers to a computer for data transfer and power delivery.
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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