The answer is a 20-pin (or 19-pin) USB 3.0 cable, as this is the only connector that physically matches the motherboard’s 20-pin USB 3.0 header. This header, sometimes called the USB 3.0 internal connector, carries data for up to two front panel USB 3.0 ports, and the case’s cable will have a corresponding keyed plug that fits in only one orientation. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between internal connectors during a hardware installation—a common trap is confusing the 20-pin USB 3.0 header with the 9-pin USB 2.0 header or the audio header, which are all different shapes and pin counts. Remember that USB 3.0 uses a wider, blue or black block with one missing pin (pin 20) to prevent misalignment, while USB 2.0 headers are smaller and square. A useful memory tip: “20 pins for 3.0, 9 pins for 2.0—count the holes to stay in control.”
220-1101 Motherboard Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of motherboard. 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.
During a hardware installation, a technician needs to connect the front panel USB 3.0 ports of a new case to the motherboard. The motherboard has a 20-pin USB 3.0 header. Which cable from the case should be connected to this header?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A 20-pin (19-pin) USB 3.0 cable
The USB 3.0 internal header is a 20-pin (or 19-pin) connector that carries data for up to two USB 3.0 ports. The case's USB 3.0 cable will have a matching connector. USB 2.0 headers are 9-pin, and the audio header is different. The power LED is a separate 2-pin connector.
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.
✗
A 9-pin USB 2.0 cable
Why it's wrong here
A 9-pin USB 2.0 cable is for USB 2.0 headers and will not fit the 20-pin USB 3.0 header.
✗
A 4-pin power LED cable
Why it's wrong here
The power LED cable is for front panel indicators, not USB data connections.
✗
A 10-pin audio cable
Why it's wrong here
The audio cable connects to the motherboard's audio header (usually HD Audio or AC'97), not the USB header.
✓
A 20-pin (19-pin) USB 3.0 cable
Why this is correct
This cable matches the motherboard's USB 3.0 header, providing data connectivity for the front USB 3.0 ports.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Motherboard — This question tests Motherboard — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A 20-pin (19-pin) USB 3.0 cable — The USB 3.0 internal header is a 20-pin (or 19-pin) connector that carries data for up to two USB 3.0 ports. The case's USB 3.0 cable will have a matching connector. USB 2.0 headers are 9-pin, and the audio header is different. The power LED is a separate 2-pin connector.
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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