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220-1201 Practice Question: During a routine hardware upgrade, you need to…
During a routine hardware upgrade, you need to replace a power supply in a desktop that has a non-modular PSU. After disconnecting all cables, you notice the old PSU has a 20+4 pin main connector, but the new PSU has a 24-pin main connector. The motherboard has a 24-pin socket. What should you do?
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
✓
Connect the new PSU's 24-pin connector directly to the motherboard
A 24-pin connector is compatible with a 24-pin motherboard socket; the extra 4 pins are integrated. The 20+4 pin design was for backward compatibility with older 20-pin boards. No adapter is needed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Use the 20+4 pin connector from the old PSU on the new motherboard
Why it's wrong here
Reusing the 20+4 pin connector from the old PSU is incorrect because the old PSU itself is being replaced, rendering its connectors unusable as a power source. Power connectors are integral parts of a power supply unit's cable harness, designed to deliver power from that specific unit. Attempting to use a connector detached from its power source would provide no power to the new motherboard, making the system inoperable and defeating the purpose of installing a new PSU.
- ✓
Connect the new PSU's 24-pin connector directly to the motherboard
Why this is correct
Connecting the new PSU's native 24-pin ATX connector directly to the motherboard is the correct and standard procedure for modern systems. This ensures a secure physical connection and provides the necessary primary power rails (including +3.3V, +5V, +12V, and standby power) directly from the power supply unit to the motherboard's components. Modern motherboards are designed with a 24-pin main power socket to accommodate this standard, ensuring optimal and stable power delivery.
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Remove the 4-pin section from the new PSU's 24-pin connector to make it 20-pin
Why it's wrong here
Attempting to remove the 4-pin section from a new PSU's 24-pin connector is misguided and potentially damaging, as most modern 24-pin ATX connectors are manufactured as a single, integrated unit. Even if designed as a 20+4 pin separable connector, removing the +4 section would be incorrect for a motherboard requiring full 24-pin power. This action could physically damage the connector pins or the PSU's wiring, compromising power delivery and system stability.
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Use a 24-pin to 20-pin adapter
Why it's wrong here
Utilizing a 24-pin to 20-pin adapter is entirely unnecessary and introduces an additional point of failure when both the new PSU and the motherboard feature a matching 24-pin ATX power connection. Adapters are typically employed for backward compatibility, such as connecting a newer 24-pin PSU to an older 20-pin motherboard. In this scenario, a direct connection is superior, ensuring maximum power efficiency and reliability without introducing impedance issues or potential connection failures.
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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.