Discuss CompTIA 220-1201 Exam Topic 3 Question 22

The power supply for a user's gaming computer fails. The user buys a replacement online. The user connects the power supply to the motherboard, the graphics card, and the SSDs, but the computer fails to start and displays a critical error. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

AThe computer requires an additional RAM upgrade.

BThe wattage is insufficient for all the peripherals.

CThe user did not connect the 4-pin connector for the CPU.

DThe power supply only operates in a redundant configuration

Suggested Answer: C

Modern motherboards require two separate power connections from the power supply: the 24-pin ATX connector for general motherboard power and a 4-pin or 8-pin CPU (EPS) connector dedicated to powering the processor. According to CompTIA Core 1 (220-1201) power supply installation and troubleshooting guidelines, failing to connect the CPU power connector commonly results in a system that does not boot and may display a critical or CPU-related error.

In this scenario, the user connected power to the motherboard, graphics card, and storage devices, but the system fails to start. This strongly indicates that the CPU power connector was overlooked, which is a frequent mistake during PSU replacement. Without this connection, the processor cannot initialize, preventing POST.

Insufficient wattage typically causes instability, shutdowns, or reboots under load rather than immediate failure with a critical error. RAM upgrades are unrelated to PSU replacement, and redundant power supplies are used in enterprise systems, not standard gaming PCs.

CompTIA emphasizes verifying all required PSU connectors, especially the CPU power connector, as a critical troubleshooting step when a system will not power on after a PSU replacement.

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21 comments · newest first

Lonny 2 days ago

I agree, C makes sense. Without it, the system won't boot.

Lynette 7 days ago

I think it's C. The 4-pin connector is crucial for the CPU.

Tegan 12 days ago

Definitely! But I still think wattage is key.

Huey 18 days ago

I just hope it's not D. That would be a hassle.

Effie 23 days ago

Yeah, C is the most direct issue here.

Rodney 28 days ago

Still, if the CPU isn't connected, it won't boot at all.

Tegan 1 month ago

I lean towards B. A gaming rig needs a lot of power.

Effie 1 month ago

Right, C seems more likely.

Rodney 1 month ago

True, but if the CPU isn't powered, nothing works.

Huey 2 months ago

But what about B? If the wattage is low, it could also fail.

Effie 2 months ago

Agreed, without that, it won't start.

Rodney 2 months ago

I think it's C. The 4-pin connector is crucial for the CPU.

Pilar 2 months ago

Redundant configuration? Never heard of that affecting startup.

France 2 months ago

I doubt it’s the RAM upgrade; that seems unrelated.

Reta 2 months ago

Wait, does a power supply really need a 4-pin connector?

Stefania 3 months ago

I think it’s definitely the wattage issue. Too many peripherals!

Barbra 3 months ago

Sounds like a classic case of not connecting the CPU power.

Desiree 3 months ago

I feel like the RAM upgrade isn't related to the power supply issue, so A seems unlikely. But I’m not completely sure about the others.

Katie 3 months ago

I practiced a question like this before, and I think if the power supply is in a redundant mode, it wouldn't work properly. So D could be a possibility.

Joni 3 months ago

I’m not sure, but I think the CPU connector is really important? Maybe C is the answer?

Marsha 4 months ago

I remember something about power supplies needing enough wattage for all components, so B seems plausible.

CompTIA 220-1201 Exam - Topic 3 Question 22 Discussion