220-1101 Question 290
Single answerAdvanced RISC [Reduced Instruction Set Computer] Machine (ARM)A technician is replacing several aging mobile devices used by a field sales team. The team primarily uses web-based apps, email, video meetings, and cloud CRM tools, and management wants longer battery life without sacrificing normal mobile productivity. Which processor architecture best fits this requirement?
- A
ARM, because it is designed for low power consumption and is commonly used in smartphones and tablets
- B
x86 desktop-class processors, because they are required for all mobile operating systems
- C
SCSI-based processors, because they improve battery runtime in portable devices
- D
PCIe-based processors, because they integrate directly with mobile device expansion buses
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best answer is ARM because the scenario prioritizes mobile productivity and battery efficiency, which aligns with ARM's common use in smartphones and tablets. CompTIA A+ Core 1 objectives expect candidates to recognize ARM as a processor architecture frequently found in mobile devices due to its low-power design. In real-world purchasing and support scenarios, technicians should match the device platform to the workload: ARM-based systems are typically ideal for standard mobile business tasks, while x86 is more common in traditional PCs and some higher-performance laptops. Documentation from major device and chip manufacturers consistently identifies ARM-based designs as a standard choice for battery-conscious mobile computing.
- A. Correct.
Correct. ARM processors are based on a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) design that emphasizes power efficiency and is widely used in smartphones, tablets, and many other mobile devices. In an A+ Core 1 context, ARM is commonly associated with longer battery life and efficient performance for typical mobile workloads such as email, web access, conferencing, and cloud applications.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. x86 processors are common in desktops and laptops, and some mobile devices can use x86-compatible chips, but they are not required for all mobile operating systems. This option reflects the misconception that traditional PC processor architectures are necessary for mobile platforms. For the stated goal of maximizing battery life in mobile devices, ARM is the more appropriate choice.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. SCSI is a storage/interface standard, not a processor architecture. Someone might pick this option if they confuse hardware buses and interfaces with CPU design. SCSI has no role in determining the processor architecture for smartphones or tablets.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. PCIe is a high-speed expansion bus standard, not a processor architecture. This distractor targets the common misunderstanding that internal bus technologies are interchangeable with CPU types. PCIe may be used as an interface in many systems, but it does not describe the main processor architecture used to optimize battery life in mobile devices.