CompTIA 220-1201 Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

CompTIA 220-1201 Online Questions & Answers

• Question 461:

  Which of the following cable types must be used when running copper network cable through a suspended ceiling that is used for air ventilation?

  A. Plenum
  B. Multimode
  C. Coaxial
  D. Twisted pair
  A. Plenum

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  Explanation

  When installing copper network cable in spaces that serve as air-handling plenums , safety regulations require the use of plenum-rated cable. Suspended ceilings used for ventilation fall into this category. CompTIA A+ emphasizes that plenum spaces require cable with low-smoke, fire-resistant insulation made from specialized materials that limit toxic emissions during combustion.

  Plenum-rated cabling (CMP) is designed to meet strict fire codes such as NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code). It prevents smoke-filled ventilation pathways, which could rapidly spread fire or toxic fumes throughout a building. Standard PVC-jacketed twisted pair cables are not permitted in plenum spaces because they produce thick, toxic smoke when burned.

  Multimode cable refers to fiber optics , not copper cabling. Coaxial cable is used for broadband and certain RF applications but does not inherently meet plenum safety requirements unless specifically plenum-rated. Twisted pair describes the cable's internal structure (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.), but it does not indicate the type of jacket. Only plenum-rated twisted pair is acceptable.

  Therefore, the correct answer is Plenum , as it ensures compliance with safety standards and building codes, prevents hazardous conditions, and aligns with CompTIA best practices for structured cabling installations.

• Question 462:

  A client requests a new computer for high-performance video editing and virtual reality applications. The technician must select a compatible motherboard for an Intel Core i9 processor and multiple graphics cards.

  Which of the following should the technician do to meet the client ' s needs?

  A. Choose a cooling system capable of handling high thermal output.
  B. Use DDR3 RAM for increased compatibility.
  C. Verify there are two PCIe x1 slots for additional devices.
  D. Select a motherboard with integrated graphics to support video output.
  A. Choose a cooling system capable of handling high thermal output.

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  Explanation

  The best answer provided is, although it is important to note that the question is somewhat misleading A because it asks about motherboard selection but provides mostly incorrect or irrelevant motherboard-related options. For high-performance workloads such as video editing and virtual reality (VR) using an Intel Core i9 processor and multiple graphics cards (multi-GPU setup), system design considerations include high power consumption and significant heat output.

  In the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 objectives under hardware planning and troubleshooting, high-performance CPUs and multiple GPUs require adequate thermal management solutions, including advanced cooling systems (air or liquid cooling) to ensure system stability and prevent thermal throttling.

  Why A is the best answer:

  High-end CPUs like Intel Core i9 and multiple GPUs generate substantial heat.

  Proper cooling is essential for maintaining performance under sustained load (video rendering, VR workloads).

  While not strictly a motherboard feature, cooling is a critical system requirement for such a build.

  Why the other options are incorrect:

  B. Use DDR3 RAM for increased compatibility Incorrect because modern Intel Core i9 platforms use DDR4 or DDR5, not DDR3, which is obsolete and incompatible with current high-performance motherboards.

  C. Verify there are two PCIe x1 slots for additional devices Incorrect because PCIe x1 slots are used for low-bandwidth devices (sound cards, network cards), not graphics cards. Multiple GPUs require PCIe x16 slots, not x1.

  D. Select a motherboard with integrated graphics to support video output Incorrect because high-performance systems with discrete GPUs rely on those GPUs for rendering. Integrated graphics are unnecessary and sometimes disabled when a dedicated GPU is installed. Exam Insight (CompTIA A+ perspective): In real-world A+ Core 1 scenarios, the correct motherboard selection for this requirement would focus on: Multiple PCIe x16 slots (for multi-GPU support) Compatible socket for Intel Core i9 Support for modern RAM (DDR4/DDR5) Adequate chipset and power delivery (VRM design) Proper cooling solution for thermal management However, since those correct motherboard specifications are not provided in the options, A is the only viable system-level requirement relevant to stability under high-performance load.

• Question 463:

  Which of the following is related to the creation of a secured communication channel between workstations in different locations and is supported by credentials for authentication?

  A. DHCP
  B. CNAME
  C. VLAN
  D. VPN
  D. VPN

• Question 464:

  After a technician installs a new motherboard, the computer will not start and fails POST. The technician verifies the power supply is functioning as expected, and the CPU is installed correctly.

  Which of the following steps should the technician complete next?

  A. Flash the BIOS.
  B. Check the CMOS battery.
  C. Reseat the RAM.
  D. Reinstall the old motherboard.
  C. Reseat the RAM.

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  Explanation

  A common reason for a POST failure after a motherboard installation is improperly seated RAM. The system requires working memory to successfully complete POST. Reseating (removing and reinserting) the RAM ensures it's making proper contact with the motherboard.

  Option A: Flashing the BIOS is not possible if the system won't POST.

  Option B: A dead CMOS battery can cause BIOS settings to reset, but it usually won't prevent POST entirely.

  Option D: Reinstalling the old motherboard is premature -- basic troubleshooting steps should be completed first.

  References:

  Objective 3.5: Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, and power.

• Question 465:

  A laptop is displaying vertical lines in different colors on the screen.

  Which of the following components should a technician replace to most likely correct this issue?

  A. Inverter
  B. Motherboard
  C. Low-voltage differential signaling cable
  D. Liquid crystal display
  D. Liquid crystal display

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  Explanation

  Vertical lines in different colors on a laptop screen are often indicative of an issue with the liquid crystal display (LCD) itself. This could be due to a damaged display panel or issues with the connections between the display and the rest of the system. Replacing the LCD is the most likely solution to resolve this issue, as it addresses potential faults in the display hardware that are causing the visual artifacts.

• Question 466:

  Which of the following network options would work BEST to ensure a client-side virtual machine cannot access the rest of the network?

  A. NAT mode
  B. Bridge mode
  C. Direct mode
  D. Host-only mode
  D. Host-only mode

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  Explanation

  Host-only mode is a network option that isolates a client-side virtual machine from the rest of the network. It allows the virtual machine to communicate only with the host machine and other virtual machines on the same host. NAT mode allows the virtual machine to share the host's IP address and access the network through it. Bridge mode allows the virtual machine to have its own IP address and connect directly to the network. Direct mode is not a valid network option for virtual machines.

• Question 467:

  A technician is replacing a failed power supply in a ten-year-old computer. When installing the customer-provided power supply, the technician discovers the ATX connector would not plug into the motherboard. The customer wants a cost-effective solution.

  Which of the following should the technician do next?

  A. Adjust the input voltage.
  B. Install a modular power supply.
  C. Rebuild the failed power supply.
  D. Use a 20-pin to 24-pin adapter.
  D. Use a 20-pin to 24-pin adapter.

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  Explanation

  Older motherboards use 20-pin connectors, while newer power supplies use 24-pin connectors. An adapter resolves the compatibility issue cost-effectively.

  Why Not A (Adjust the input voltage): Input voltage adjustment is unrelated to connector compatibility.

  Why Not B (Install a modular power supply): While modular supplies are versatile, this doesn't address the connector issue directly.

  Why Not C (Rebuild the failed power supply): Rebuilding is costly and complex compared to using an adapter.

  References:

  Core 1 (220-1101), Section 3.4, power supply compatibility.

• Question 468:

  A user asks a technician to recommend a CPU upgrade for a desktop computer.

  Which of the following should the technician consider first?

  A. Core count
  B. Socket type
  C. Bus frequency
  D. Integrated GPU
  B. Socket type

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  Explanation

  The first consideration for a desktop CPU upgrade is the socket type, because the processor must be physically and electrically compatible with the motherboard. In CompTIA A+ Core 1 hardware terms, CPUs are designed for specific sockets (for example, Intel LGA or AMD AM-series), and a mismatch means the CPU simply cannot be installed. Even within the same brand, different generations may use different sockets, and the motherboard's chipset and BIOS/UEFI must also support the selected CPU model. If the socket is wrong, factors like core count, frequency, and integrated graphics become irrelevant because the system will not POST or function.

  After confirming socket compatibility, the technician would typically evaluate other constraints such as BIOS / UEFI update requirements, power and cooling (TDP and heatsink/fan capability), and RAM compatibility supported by the platform.

  Only then do performance-related preferences like core count (multitasking), bus / clock characteristics, or whether an integrated GPU is needed (if no discrete video card is present) become meaningful selection criteria. Therefore, the correct first consideration is the motherboard socket type.

• Question 469:

  A user's Windows PC is unable to connect to the network at a new branch office that the user is visiting. A technician discovers the PC is unable to ping the local gateway.

  Which of the following commands should the technician use next?

  A. ipconfig
  B. cd config
  C. ifconfig
  D. show config
  A. ipconfig

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  Explanation

  ipconfig is a command-line tool that displays the current configuration of the network interfaces on a Windows PC. It can also be used to release and renew the IP address, flush the DNS cache, and display the routing table. If the PC is unable to ping the local gateway, the technician should use ipconfig to check the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers of the PC. The technician can also use ipconfig /renew to request a new IP address from the DHCP server, or ipconfig /flushdns to clear the DNS cache.

• Question 470:

  Which internet connection type will most likely experience interference from rain?

  A. Fiber
  B. Cable
  C. Satellite
  D. DSL
  C. Satellite

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  Explanation

  CompTIA A+ identifies satellite internet as the connection type most susceptible to weather-related interference, particularly rain, snow, and heavy cloud cover. This phenomenon is known as rain fade. Satellite connections rely on high-frequency microwave signals transmitted between a dish antenna at the customer site and an orbiting satellite. Moisture in the atmosphere absorbs and scatters these signals, causing latency spikes, reduced bandwidth, or complete signal loss during storms.

  Fiber (A) uses light signals through glass fiber and is immune to electromagnetic and weather interference. Cable internet (B) uses shielded coaxial lines buried or run overhead, but rain does not affect signal quality in normal conditions. DSL (D) uses telephone lines, which may degrade with physical line issues, but not directly due to rain in the same way satellite is affected.

  Thus, satellite internet is most likely to experience signal degradation during rain conditions.