220-1101 Question 265
Single answerPower connectorsA technician is upgrading a desktop workstation with a new high-end graphics card. The card has one 8-pin PCIe power socket, but the power supply only has available SATA power connectors and no dedicated PCIe leads. The system powers on, but the graphics card is not detected and the manufacturer warns against using improvised adapters for this model. Which action is the BEST solution?
- A
Use a SATA-to-8-pin PCIe adapter so the existing power supply can provide the needed connector
- B
Replace the power supply with a unit that includes a native 6+2-pin PCIe power connector and sufficient wattage
- C
Connect the graphics card to a 4-pin Molex peripheral connector because it provides more stable power than PCIe
- D
Use only the motherboard PCIe slot power because modern slots can fully power any single graphics card
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The best answer is to replace the power supply with a model that includes a native PCIe power connector, typically a 6+2-pin lead for compatibility with 8-pin GPU sockets, and sufficient wattage for the entire system. In practice, technicians should avoid using improvised or marginal adapters for high-power graphics cards, especially when the manufacturer specifies dedicated PCIe power. PCIe auxiliary power connectors are designed for GPU loads, while SATA power connectors are intended for drives and other lower-power devices. This aligns with common PC hardware best practices and power supply guidance from PSU and GPU manufacturers: use the correct native connector type, confirm total PSU capacity, and do not rely on unsupported adapters for high-current devices.
- A. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Although SATA-to-PCIe adapters exist, they are generally not the best choice for powering a high-end GPU. SATA power connectors were not designed to safely deliver the current that an 8-pin PCIe graphics connector may require. This can lead to overheating, instability, or connector damage. A candidate might choose this option because it seems like a quick and inexpensive fix, but it does not follow best practice for a graphics card that explicitly requires dedicated PCIe power.
- B. Correct.
Correct. Replacing the power supply with one that has a native 6+2-pin PCIe connector is the best solution. A native PCIe power lead is designed to deliver the current required by a graphics card, and ensuring the PSU has adequate wattage helps maintain system stability under load. This is the recommended real-world approach when a graphics card requires supplemental PCIe power and the existing PSU lacks the proper connector.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A standard 4-pin Molex peripheral connector is not a proper substitute for a native 8-pin PCIe GPU connector. While some older adapters used Molex inputs, that does not make Molex the preferred or safest choice for a high-draw modern graphics card. Someone might select this because Molex is associated with legacy power delivery, but it is not the best practice for modern GPU requirements.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. The motherboard PCIe x16 slot provides some power, but not enough for a graphics card that specifically includes an 8-pin PCIe power socket. The supplemental connector exists because the card needs additional power beyond what the slot can provide. Choosing this option reflects the misconception that the slot alone can support all add-in cards regardless of their power design.