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220-1101 exam dumps: questions 301 to 400 of 471

Page 4 of the free 220-1101 question bank for the A+ Core 1 exam. Questions 301 to 400 are listed below, the first 5 in full with answers and explanations. Back to page 1 for the exam overview and FAQ.

Question bank last updated June 2026

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Questions 301 to 305 of 471

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220-1101 Question 301

Single answerLiquid

A user accidentally spills coffee onto a laptop keyboard while working at a desk. The laptop is still powered on and responsive. As the technician on site, what should you do FIRST to reduce the chance of permanent damage?

A
Shut down the laptop, disconnect AC power, and remove the battery if it is removable
B
Press the keys repeatedly to force the liquid out from under the keyboard
C
Use a hair dryer on high heat to dry the keyboard immediately
D
Restart the laptop and run hardware diagnostics before powering it off

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The best first response to a liquid spill on a laptop is to immediately power the device down and disconnect all power sources, including AC and, if possible, the battery. This aligns with standard hardware safety and damage-mitigation practices commonly taught for CompTIA A+ Core 1. Once power is removed, the technician can blot excess liquid, position the device to drain if appropriate, and allow proper drying before inspection or testing. Running diagnostics, pressing keys, or using high heat before removing power can worsen damage. This reflects general manufacturer and IT support best practices for accidental liquid exposure on portable computers.

A. Correct.
Correct. With a liquid spill on an energized device, the first priority is to remove power to reduce the risk of short circuits and component damage. After shutdown and disconnection from power, additional cleanup and drying steps can be performed safely. On A+ Core 1, proper response to liquid damage emphasizes immediate power removal before further troubleshooting.
B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Pressing keys can spread the liquid deeper into the keyboard assembly and other internal components. This action may increase contamination and damage rather than helping remove the spill.
C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Applying high heat with a hair dryer is not recommended. It can push moisture farther inside the device, warp plastic components, or create static-related risks. Drying should occur only after the device has been powered down and disconnected.
D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Continuing to operate or restart a liquid-damaged laptop increases the chance of electrical shorts. Diagnostics are not the first step in a spill scenario; power removal is.

220-1101 Question 302

Single answer3.6 Given a scenario, install the appropriate power supply.

A technician is replacing the failed power supply in a small form factor workstation used for CAD work. The original PSU label shows 300W, an 80 PLUS Bronze rating, a 24-pin motherboard connector, a 4-pin CPU power connector, and one SATA power lead. The replacement PSU physically fits the case and has the same 24-pin and SATA connectors, but it only includes an 8-pin PCIe connector and no 4-pin CPU power connector. What should the technician do NEXT to complete the repair correctly?

A
Install the replacement PSU because the 24-pin motherboard connector is the main requirement and the system should boot without the CPU power connector
B
Use a Molex-to-CPU adapter so the replacement PSU can power the processor without checking the motherboard documentation
C
Obtain a PSU that includes the required CPU power connector and matches the system's form factor and power requirements
D
Install the replacement PSU and connect the 8-pin PCIe cable to the 4-pin CPU power header because the connectors provide similar voltage

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

When installing a replacement power supply, the technician must verify more than just wattage and whether the unit physically fits. A proper PSU replacement must match the case form factor, provide sufficient wattage for installed components, and include the correct native connectors for the motherboard, CPU, storage devices, and any add-in cards. In this case, the critical issue is the missing CPU power connector. A standard 24-pin ATX connector powers the motherboard generally, but the CPU usually also requires a dedicated 4-pin or 8-pin power connection. Best practice is to confirm connector requirements in the motherboard or system documentation and use a PSU designed for that system's needs rather than substituting unrelated cables. This aligns with common manufacturer guidance from motherboard and PSU vendors, which warns against mixing connector types such as PCIe and CPU power leads and emphasizes matching PSU connectors to the board's specifications.

A. Incorrect.
Incorrect. The 24-pin ATX motherboard connector is necessary, but it is not sufficient by itself. Most motherboards also require a dedicated CPU power connector, commonly 4-pin ATX12V or 8-pin EPS12V, to power the processor voltage regulation circuitry. Without the proper CPU power connection, the system will typically fail to POST or power on correctly.
B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. While adapters exist, using a Molex-to-CPU adapter as a first choice is not best practice for a workstation repair. It can introduce compatibility and power-delivery concerns, especially if the PSU was not designed with the required CPU power lead. The technician should first verify proper native connectors and supported power output rather than relying on an improvised solution.
C. Correct.
Correct. The technician should select a PSU that matches the physical form factor, wattage needs, and required power connectors, including the motherboard's CPU power connector. In this scenario, the replacement unit is missing a required connector, so it is not the appropriate PSU for the system even if it fits physically and has the 24-pin main power connector.
D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. PCIe power connectors are intended for graphics cards, not motherboard CPU power headers. Even if some connectors may appear similar in shape or pin count in other scenarios, PCIe and CPU power cables are not interchangeable and are keyed differently on compliant hardware. Forcing or misusing them can damage the motherboard or PSU.

220-1101 Question 303

Single answerInput 110–120 VAC vs. 220–240 VAC

A technician in the United States is deploying a desktop PC that was shipped from a country using 220–240 VAC mains power. After plugging the system into a standard U.S. wall outlet, the PC does not power on. During inspection, the technician notices the power supply has a manual voltage selector switch set to 230V. What should the technician do FIRST to safely power the system in the new location?

A
Move the power supply selector to 115V while the system is unplugged, then connect it to the U.S. outlet and test it
B
Use a passive plug adapter so the 230V setting can remain unchanged on the U.S. outlet
C
Replace the motherboard because it is incompatible with 110–120 VAC input
D
Connect the PC to a UPS to automatically convert 110–120 VAC into 230V for the power supply

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

This question tests practical troubleshooting of regional AC input voltage differences, a common A+ Core 1 topic. In North America, standard mains voltage is typically 110–120 VAC, while many other countries use 220–240 VAC. On older or manually switchable power supplies, the input selector must match the local supply. If a PSU is set to 230V and connected to a 115V source, the system often will not power on properly. Best practice is to disconnect power before changing the selector. Modern power supplies are often autosensing and support a wide input range such as 100–240 VAC, but when a manual selector is present, the technician must verify and set it correctly. This aligns with standard PC hardware support procedures and manufacturer documentation for legacy ATX power supplies.

A. Correct.
Correct. In the United States, standard wall power is typically 110–120 VAC. If a power supply has a manual input voltage selector, it must be set to match the local mains voltage before use. The technician should unplug the system first, change the selector to 115V, and then test it. This follows safe handling practices and matches how legacy/manual-switch ATX power supplies are designed to operate.
B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A passive plug adapter only changes the plug shape; it does not change the voltage supplied. Leaving the power supply set to 230V and plugging it into a 110–120 VAC outlet may prevent the system from powering on because the PSU is configured for a higher input range than the outlet provides.
C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. The motherboard does not directly accept wall AC power. The power supply converts AC input to regulated DC rails used by the motherboard and other internal components. The issue in this scenario is the PSU input setting, not motherboard compatibility with AC mains voltage.
D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A UPS primarily provides battery backup, surge protection, and in some models voltage regulation, but it does not generally function as a step-up transformer to convert a standard 110–120 VAC wall outlet into 230V output for equipment configured only for 230V input. Assuming a UPS performs this conversion is a common misconception.

220-1101 Question 304

Single answerOutput 3.3V vs. 5V vs. 12V

A technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that powers on, but a newly installed SATA hard drive does not spin up and is not detected in BIOS. The power supply is known good, and the SATA data cable has already been replaced. Using a multimeter on the SATA power connector, the technician measures 0V on the 12V pin, while the 5V and 3.3V rails are present. Which of the following is the MOST likely result of this missing voltage?

A
The drive will fail to power its motor, so it will not spin up or initialize properly
B
The motherboard BIOS settings will be erased because the CMOS requires 12V from the SATA connector
C
The system fans connected to motherboard headers will stop because they use 12V from the SATA power connector
D
The USB ports will stop functioning because USB depends on the 12V rail for device power

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

PC power supplies provide multiple DC output rails, commonly including 3.3V, 5V, and 12V. In practical A+ troubleshooting, understanding which components use which rail helps isolate failures quickly. For SATA power, 3.5-inch hard drives typically rely on 12V for the motor and 5V for logic circuitry. If 12V is absent, the drive often will not spin up, making it unavailable to BIOS and the operating system. By contrast, USB power is 5V, and CMOS retention is handled by the motherboard battery rather than a SATA connector. This aligns with standard PC power distribution practices and ATX/SATA power conventions used in desktop systems.

A. Correct.
Correct. Traditional 3.5-inch SATA hard drives commonly use the 12V rail to power the spindle motor and actuator, while the 5V rail powers onboard logic. If 12V is missing at the SATA power connector, the drive may not spin up at all, which matches the symptom of a drive that is neither heard nor detected. This is a practical troubleshooting point when verifying PSU output rails.
B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. CMOS settings are maintained by the motherboard's CMOS/RTC battery, typically a 3V coin-cell battery such as a CR2032, not by 12V from a SATA power connector. A missing 12V rail on a drive power lead would not erase BIOS settings.
C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Fans connected to motherboard headers receive power through the motherboard, not from the SATA power connector attached to a specific drive. Although many fans do operate on 12V, that 12V is delivered through fan headers or other dedicated power leads, not through the hard drive's SATA power cable.
D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Standard USB ports provide 5V power, not 12V. A missing 12V rail on a SATA power connector would not directly affect USB power delivery. This option reflects a common misconception that all PC peripherals rely on the 12V rail.

220-1101 Question 305

Single answer20+4 pin motherboard connector

A technician is assembling a desktop PC with a modern ATX motherboard. The power supply has a 20+4-pin main power connector, but the technician only plugs in the 20-pin section because it seems to fit the board's socket. When the power button is pressed, case fans spin briefly, but the system does not complete POST. Which action is the BEST next step?

A
Connect the additional 4-pin section to complete the 24-pin motherboard power connection
B
Replace the 20+4-pin connector with a 6-pin PCIe power connector from the power supply
C
Move the 20-pin connector to the CPU power header near the processor socket
D
Leave the 20-pin connector as installed and disable unused motherboard devices in BIOS

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The 20+4-pin connector exists to support both older 20-pin ATX motherboards and newer 24-pin ATX motherboards. In this scenario, the motherboard is modern and expects the full 24-pin ATX power connection. A partial connection may allow fans or LEDs to activate because some rails are present, but the board may not initialize properly. Best practice is to verify that the full 24-pin ATX main power connector and the separate CPU power connector are both connected securely. This aligns with standard ATX power supply and motherboard installation guidance used by system builders and hardware manufacturers.

A. Correct.
Correct. A 20+4-pin connector is designed so the detachable 4-pin section can be added to form a full 24-pin ATX main power connector for motherboards that require it. Many modern ATX motherboards expect the full 24-pin connection to provide sufficient power and proper voltage distribution. If only the 20-pin portion is connected, the system may power on partially but fail to POST or behave unpredictably.
B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A 6-pin PCIe connector is intended for graphics card power, not for motherboard main power. Although it may appear similar to an inexperienced technician, the pinout, keying, and purpose are different. Using the wrong connector can prevent operation and may risk hardware damage.
C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. The CPU power header near the processor is typically a 4-pin or 8-pin ATX12V/EPS12V connector, separate from the motherboard's main 24-pin ATX power socket. The 20-pin main connector does not belong there and will not correctly provide CPU power.
D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. BIOS settings cannot compensate for an incomplete physical motherboard power connection. The issue occurs before normal POST and BIOS configuration can be used. This option reflects the misconception that software or firmware settings can resolve a missing required power lead.

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220-1101 practice questions 301 to 400 of 471

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