- A
The CPU is physically too large for the socket
Why wrong: LGA 1200 is a standard size; physical fit is not the issue if the socket matches.
- B
The motherboard's chipset does not support that CPU generation
The chipset must be compatible with the CPU's generation; otherwise, the system may not boot or may be unstable.
- C
The CPU requires more power than the motherboard can provide
Why wrong: While possible, the chipset compatibility is the primary reason for not being on the supported list.
- D
The CPU is a server-grade processor not meant for workstations
Why wrong: Server CPUs often use different sockets; an LGA 1200 CPU is typically consumer/workstation grade.
Question 690 of 1,020
CPU Not Supported
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cpu. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 upgrading a workstation and notices that the new CPU is not listed in the motherboard's supported CPU list. The motherboard uses an LGA 1200 socket. What is the most likely issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the motherboard's chipset does not support that CPU generation. Even when the physical socket, such as LGA 1200, matches, the chipset controls power delivery, voltage regulation, and the microcode needed to recognize and run the processor. A motherboard with an older chipset like the H410 may physically accept a newer 11th-gen CPU, but it lacks the necessary firmware and electrical support to operate it. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that CPU compatibility is a two-part requirement: socket shape and chipset generation. A common trap is assuming any CPU with the same socket will work, but the exam expects you to know that the chipset must explicitly list the CPU in its supported CPU list. For a memory tip, remember “Socket fits, chipset permits”—just because it drops in doesn’t mean it boots 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
✓
The motherboard's chipset does not support that CPU generation
CPU compatibility depends on both socket and chipset. Even with the correct socket, the chipset may not support the CPU's power delivery or microcode. This question tests deeper knowledge of motherboard-CPU compatibility beyond just the socket.
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.
- ✗
The CPU is physically too large for the socket
Why it's wrong here
LGA 1200 is a standard size; physical fit is not the issue if the socket matches.
- ✓
The motherboard's chipset does not support that CPU generation
Why this is correct
The chipset must be compatible with the CPU's generation; otherwise, the system may not boot or may be unstable.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The CPU requires more power than the motherboard can provide
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the chipset compatibility is the primary reason for not being on the supported list.
- ✗
The CPU is a server-grade processor not meant for workstations
Why it's wrong here
Server CPUs often use different sockets; an LGA 1200 CPU is typically consumer/workstation grade.
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.
- →
CPU — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
CPU practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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All 220-1201 questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
CPU — This question tests CPU — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The motherboard's chipset does not support that CPU generation — CPU compatibility depends on both socket and chipset. Even with the correct socket, the chipset may not support the CPU's power delivery or microcode. This question tests deeper knowledge of motherboard-CPU compatibility beyond just the socket.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 →
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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