FC0-U71 Tech Concepts and Terminology Practice Question
A technician needs to install a new graphics card in a desktop computer. Through which type of slot is the graphics card typically connected to the motherboard?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests basic hardware component matching; candidates may confuse M.2 or DIMM slots with expansion slots, especially if they associate 'card' with any slot, but only PCIe is designed for graphics cards.
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
✓
PCIe slot
Graphics cards are typically connected to the motherboard via a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slot, which provides high-bandwidth communication between the GPU and the CPU. Modern graphics cards use PCIe x16 slots for maximum performance. Other slot types serve different purposes and cannot accommodate a graphics card.
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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DIMM slot
Why it's wrong here
DIMM slots accept memory modules, not expansion cards; a graphics card needs a PCIe x16 slot for its higher bandwidth and power delivery. DIMM is tempting because it is a long motherboard slot that a card physically resembles, and it would be correct when installing or upgrading RAM.
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SATA port
Why it's wrong here
SATA ports connect storage drives such as SSDs and hard disks to the motherboard, carrying no PCIe lanes for a graphics card. SATA is tempting because it is a common internal connector used during desktop builds, and it would be the right choice when attaching a 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drive.
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M.2 slot
Why it's wrong here
M.2 slots accept compact NVMe or SATA storage modules, not full-size graphics cards, and expose only a few PCIe lanes. M.2 is tempting because it is a modern PCIe-based motherboard slot, and it would be correct when installing an NVMe SSD.
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PCIe slot
Why this is correct
A PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slot provides the high-bandwidth serial lanes modern graphics cards require, satisfying the stem's constraint that the card connects through its typical motherboard interface. PCIe x16 slots are the standard for discrete GPUs, unlike older PCI or AGP slots, making this the correct connection type.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 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 FC0-U71 exam.