- A
Use a 24-pin to 20-pin adapter.
Why wrong: An adapter is unnecessary because the 24-pin connector is designed to separate into a 20-pin and a 4-pin section; using an adapter adds an extra point of failure.
- B
Force the 24-pin connector into the 20-pin socket.
Why wrong: Forcing the connector can bend pins or damage the motherboard socket; the connector should never be forced.
- C
Separate the detachable 4-pin section from the 24-pin connector and use the remaining 20-pin part.
Most 24-pin connectors have a detachable 4-pin section, allowing them to fit 20-pin motherboards. This is the standard procedure.
- D
Return the PSU and buy one with a 20-pin connector.
Why wrong: This is unnecessary and time-consuming; the 24-pin PSU is fully compatible with the 20-pin motherboard as designed.
24-Pin to 20-Pin Motherboard Power Connector Compatibility
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of power supply. 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 technician is replacing a power supply in an office desktop. The new PSU has a 24-pin main connector, but the motherboard has a 20-pin socket. What should the technician do?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to separate the detachable 4-pin section from the 24-pin connector and use the remaining 20-pin part. This works because modern ATX power supplies are designed with a 24-pin main connector that is backward compatible with older 20-pin motherboards; the extra four pins are typically on a hinged or sliding latch that allows them to be unclipped and set aside, leaving a standard 20-pin block that fits the socket perfectly. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of PSU form factor compatibility and the importance of checking connectors before installation—a common trap is assuming you need an adapter or a different PSU, when the solution is already built in. Remember the memory tip: “Snap the four, not the whole board”—the extra pins are meant to detach, not to be forced in.
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
Separate the detachable 4-pin section from the 24-pin connector and use the remaining 20-pin part.
Modern ATX power supplies often have a 24-pin connector that is backward compatible with 20-pin motherboards; the extra 4 pins can be slid or snapped off. This allows the PSU to work without modification. Forcing the 24-pin into a 20-pin socket could damage the board.
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 24-pin to 20-pin adapter.
Why it's wrong here
An adapter is unnecessary because the 24-pin connector is designed to separate into a 20-pin and a 4-pin section; using an adapter adds an extra point of failure.
- ✗
Force the 24-pin connector into the 20-pin socket.
Why it's wrong here
Forcing the connector can bend pins or damage the motherboard socket; the connector should never be forced.
- ✓
Separate the detachable 4-pin section from the 24-pin connector and use the remaining 20-pin part.
Why this is correct
Most 24-pin connectors have a detachable 4-pin section, allowing them to fit 20-pin motherboards. This is the standard procedure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Return the PSU and buy one with a 20-pin connector.
Why it's wrong here
This is unnecessary and time-consuming; the 24-pin PSU is fully compatible with the 20-pin motherboard as designed.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Power Supply — This question tests Power Supply — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Separate the detachable 4-pin section from the 24-pin connector and use the remaining 20-pin part. — Modern ATX power supplies often have a 24-pin connector that is backward compatible with 20-pin motherboards; the extra 4 pins can be slid or snapped off. This allows the PSU to work without modification. Forcing the 24-pin into a 20-pin socket could damage the board.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. 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?
medium- A.Use the 20+4 pin connector from the old PSU on the new motherboard
- ✓ B.Connect the new PSU's 24-pin connector directly to the motherboard
- C.Remove the 4-pin section from the new PSU's 24-pin connector to make it 20-pin
- D.Use a 24-pin to 20-pin adapter
Why B: 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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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