220-1101 Question 230
Single answerForm factorsA technician is upgrading an older office desktop that uses a microATX motherboard and a standard ATX power supply. The company wants to move the system into a smaller replacement case to save desk space, while keeping the existing motherboard and power supply if possible. Which case form factor should the technician choose?
- A
microATX case
- B
Mini-ITX case
- C
Thin client chassis
- D
Full-tower E-ATX-only case
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This question tests practical understanding of motherboard and case form-factor compatibility. In PC hardware, the case must support the motherboard's form factor and the power supply form factor. A microATX motherboard is smaller than a standard ATX motherboard and is commonly supported by microATX and many ATX cases, but it will not fit into a Mini-ITX case because Mini-ITX is a smaller standard. For A+ Core 1, candidates should know common form factors such as ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX, and apply that knowledge to real upgrade scenarios. Best practice is to confirm the case manufacturer's specifications for motherboard support, PSU support, drive bay availability, and cooler clearance before installation.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A microATX case is designed to support microATX motherboards and commonly supports standard ATX power supplies in many desktop designs. This makes it the best choice when the goal is to move to a smaller case without replacing the existing microATX board. A technician should still verify exact case specifications, but from a form factor standpoint this is the appropriate match.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Mini-ITX is a smaller motherboard form factor than microATX. A Mini-ITX case is generally built for Mini-ITX motherboards and often has tighter internal space constraints. A microATX motherboard typically will not fit in a Mini-ITX case, even if some other components are compatible. This is a common mistake when someone focuses only on making the system smaller without confirming motherboard dimensions.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A thin client chassis is not an appropriate general-purpose replacement case for a standard desktop system using a microATX motherboard and ATX power supply. Thin clients are typically purpose-built systems with low-power hardware and proprietary layouts, not standard desktop upgrade targets. Choosing this would ignore standard motherboard and PSU form-factor compatibility.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. An E-ATX-only full-tower case is much larger than needed and does not meet the goal of reducing desk space. While a larger case may physically accommodate a smaller microATX board with the proper mounting points, the scenario specifically requires a smaller replacement case. Also, 'E-ATX-only' suggests support focused on larger boards rather than being the best practical fit for the existing hardware.