CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 8
Question 70
During Stonebridge Research's computer equipment refresh, the technician encounters this condition: A desk patch cord shows different pinouts on opposite ends and the intended installation is not a crossover cable. The desired outcome is to apply consistent Ethernet copper pair termination standards. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. Which verification result supports the intended technical outcome?
- Verify drive detection and intended interface performance without forcing a mismatched module
- Verify all conductors and pairs map correctly end-to-end
- Confirm the optical receive power and link speed meet both transceiver specifications
- Verify both resolution and refresh rate match the intended values in display settings
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Verify all conductors and pairs map correctly end-to-end. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a desk patch cord shows different pinouts on opposite ends and the intended installation is not a crossover cable. The support goal is to apply consistent Ethernet copper pair termination standards; this validate action specifically addresses t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify drive detection and intended interface performance without forcing a mismatched module. This action is appropriate for nvme pcie versus sata storage interface, normally when a technician orders an M.2 SSD for a motherboard slot that supports only SATA signaling. Here the observed facts require t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations instead.
C:
Confirm the optical receive power and link speed meet both transceiver specifications. This action is appropriate for single-mode versus multimode fiber, normally when a campus backbone spans several kilometers between buildings and requires high throughput. Here the observed facts require t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations instead.
D:
Verify both resolution and refresh rate match the intended values in display settings. This action is appropriate for refresh rate versus screen resolution, normally when a support buyer mistakes 144 Hz for a count of display pixels when comparing two monitors. Here the observed facts require t568a versus t568b rj45 terminations instead.
Question 71
A support request at Northland Labs presents this problem: An older desktop cannot boot after a 16 GB DDR5 module is ordered for its DDR4 board. The desired outcome is to check memory generation and supported speeds before replacement. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. Which verification result supports the intended technical outcome?
- Verify memory training succeeds at an approved speed with no diagnostic errors
- Verify firmware exposes ECC mode and error reporting rather than merely booting
- Verify visible color variation meets the user's acceptance range with both displays calibrated
- Verify secure latching, firmware recognition and memory diagnostics
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Verify memory training succeeds at an approved speed with no diagnostic errors. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that an older desktop cannot boot after a 16 GB DDR5 module is ordered for its DDR4 board. The support goal is to check memory generation and supported speeds before replacement; this validate action specifically addresses ddr generation electrical compatibility without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Verify firmware exposes ECC mode and error reporting rather than merely booting. This action is appropriate for ecc memory error correction compatibility, normally when a workstation used for scientific computation requires supported correction of single-bit RAM errors. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
C:
Verify visible color variation meets the user's acceptance range with both displays calibrated. This action is appropriate for ips versus tn versus oled displays, normally when a graphic designer prioritizes consistent viewing angles and color accuracy over lowest display price. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
D:
Verify secure latching, firmware recognition and memory diagnostics. This action is appropriate for sodimm versus dimm form factor, normally when a desktop repair requires replacement memory but the spare part comes from a notebook. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
Question 72
At Amberline Finance, a technician working in end-user troubleshooting identifies this issue: A desktop's wired NIC repeatedly disconnects when a frayed Ethernet lead moves. The desired outcome is to isolate physical cable or connector failure before changing network services. A safe non-destructive test must be used before replacing additional parts. Which acceptance result best demonstrates the issue is resolved?
- Verify named service access succeeds without changing the existing working gateway
- Verify retry rate and throughput improve under comparable load
- Verify internal brightness returns while external video remains unaffected
- Verify stable negotiated link speed and disappearance of interface errors
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Verify stable negotiated link speed and disappearance of interface errors. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a desktop's wired NIC repeatedly disconnects when a frayed Ethernet lead moves. The support goal is to isolate physical cable or connector failure before changing network services; this validate action specifically addresses copper ethernet link flapping without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify named service access succeeds without changing the existing working gateway. This action is appropriate for dns failure with working ip connectivity, normally when a workstation opens a service directly by numeric IP but says its hostname cannot be resolved. Here the observed facts require copper ethernet link flapping instead.
B:
Verify retry rate and throughput improve under comparable load. This action is appropriate for intermittent wi-fi due to channel interference, normally when users near a lunchroom suffer slow 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi at peak periods while wired links stay normal. Here the observed facts require copper ethernet link flapping instead.
C:
Verify internal brightness returns while external video remains unaffected. This action is appropriate for backlight failure on laptop lcd, normally when a laptop screen looks black but a flashlight reveals a faint intact desktop image. Here the observed facts require copper ethernet link flapping instead.
Question 73
A support request at Bluefin Logistics presents this problem: A mirrored NAS reports one disk failed while files remain available. The supporting record states that the array state is degraded and the replacement disk must match controller support and capacity. The desired outcome is to restore RAID redundancy without wiping the surviving volume. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. What should the technician recommend as the corrective approach?
- Clean or replace the approved pickup roller or separation pad assembly
- Move the NVMe drive to a supported PCIe-capable slot or use the correct SATA M.2 model
- Replace the confirmed failed member and rebuild using the controller's documented procedure
- Move the verified OS boot entry ahead of the empty disk in firmware
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Replace the confirmed failed member and rebuild using the controller's documented procedure. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that the array state is degraded and the replacement disk must match controller support and capacity. The support goal is to restore RAID redundancy without wiping the surviving volume; this design action specifically addresses degraded raid after a failed member without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Clean or replace the approved pickup roller or separation pad assembly. This action is appropriate for laser printer repeated paper jams at pickup, normally when a laser printer jams on the first page when it tries to feed paper from tray 1. Here the observed facts require degraded raid after a failed member instead.
B:
Move the NVMe drive to a supported PCIe-capable slot or use the correct SATA M.2 model. This action is appropriate for nvme ssd not detected after installation, normally when a new NVMe SSD is absent from firmware and the storage installer. Here the observed facts require degraded raid after a failed member instead.
D:
Move the verified OS boot entry ahead of the empty disk in firmware. This action is appropriate for uefi boot order after a second drive, normally when a computer reports no bootable operating system after a new secondary drive was added. Here the observed facts require degraded raid after a failed member instead.
Question 74
At Riverlight Retail, a technician working in desktop hardware service bench identifies this issue: A desktop upgrade adds a high-power GPU and the PC abruptly powers off during intensive graphics workloads. The supporting record states that the PSU wattage may be insufficient and the board uses a standard 24-pin ATX main connector. The desired outcome is to select an adequately rated power supply with correct board and GPU connectors. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. What should the technician verify first to establish the problem?
- Inspect GPU power connectors, PSU rating, PCIe slot availability and enclosure clearance
- Check manufacturer-approved cable compatibility for both exact PSU models
- Inspect redundancy support, PSU state, power feeds and total load per remaining unit
- Calculate component power demand with headroom and inspect ATX plus GPU auxiliary connectors
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Calculate component power demand with headroom and inspect ATX plus GPU auxiliary connectors. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that the PSU wattage may be insufficient and the board uses a standard 24-pin ATX main connector. The support goal is to select an adequately rated power supply with correct board and GPU connectors; this diagnose action specifically addresses psu wattage and 20+4 atx connector without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Inspect GPU power connectors, PSU rating, PCIe slot availability and enclosure clearance. This action is appropriate for pcie slot and gpu power constraints, normally when a designer's PC has an available physical PCIe x16 slot but an upgraded graphics card fails under load. Here the observed facts require psu wattage and 20+4 atx connector instead.
B:
Check manufacturer-approved cable compatibility for both exact PSU models. This action is appropriate for modular psu cable safety, normally when a builder replaces a modular PSU but wants to reuse its old detachable power leads. Here the observed facts require psu wattage and 20+4 atx connector instead.
C:
Inspect redundancy support, PSU state, power feeds and total load per remaining unit. This action is appropriate for redundant psu failover, normally when an office server needs to stay online when one power supply module fails. Here the observed facts require psu wattage and 20+4 atx connector instead.
Question 75
During Vertex Media's branch networking support, the technician encounters this condition: A school has long corridors needing range and crowded labs requiring high-capacity wireless access. The desired outcome is to choose bands according to range and interference rather than assuming one is always superior. The technician must document observations separately from assumptions. Which planned change most directly resolves the documented issue?
- Label short-range personal devices PAN, building networking LAN and multi-site WAN appropriately
- Provide compatible 2.4 or 5 GHz access for older clients and use 6 GHz only for capable devices
- Use NFC for intentional close-range taps and Bluetooth for separately paired personal peripherals
- Use the band and channel plan that balances coverage with capacity, favoring clear 5 GHz channels for dense nearby clients
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Use the band and channel plan that balances coverage with capacity, favoring clear 5 GHz channels for dense nearby clients. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that a school has long corridors needing range and crowded labs requiring high-capacity wireless access. The support goal is to choose bands according to range and interference rather than assuming one is always superior; this design action specifically addresses 2.4 ghz versus 5 ghz wi-fi trade-offs without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Label short-range personal devices PAN, building networking LAN and multi-site WAN appropriately. This action is appropriate for pan versus lan versus wan scope, normally when a technician must classify a Bluetooth watch connection, office Ethernet and multi-site leased link. Here the observed facts require 2.4 ghz versus 5 ghz wi-fi trade-offs instead.
B:
Provide compatible 2.4 or 5 GHz access for older clients and use 6 GHz only for capable devices. That action is appropriate for 6 ghz wi-fi client compatibility, normally when a new 6 GHz SSID is invisible to several laptops even though 5 GHz works. Here the observed facts require 2.4 ghz versus 5 ghz wi-fi trade-offs instead.
C:
Use NFC for intentional close-range taps and Bluetooth for separately paired personal peripherals. That action is appropriate for nfc short-range tap versus bluetooth pairing, normally when a checkout kiosk must read a contactless badge at a few centimeters, not stream audio across a room. Here the observed facts require 2.4 ghz versus 5 ghz wi-fi trade-offs instead.
Question 76
A support request at Acorn Foods presents this problem: A virtualization server must survive failure of one power supply without rebooting all guests. The desired outcome is to choose a supported redundant power configuration and test failover safely. User data and business service continuity must be preserved. What should be tracked after the fix to maintain service reliability?
- Monitor individual PSU health and power source independence
- Monitor repairs involving mixed PSU cables and connector heat
- Monitor abandoned queued jobs and failed badge-release events
- Monitor PSU voltage alarms and future expansion power requirements
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Monitor individual PSU health and power source independence. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that a virtualization server must survive failure of one power supply without rebooting all guests. The support goal is to choose a supported redundant power configuration and test failover safely; this monitor action specifically addresses redundant psu failover without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Monitor repairs involving mixed PSU cables and connector heat. This action is appropriate for modular psu cable safety, normally when a builder replaces a modular PSU but wants to reuse its old detachable power leads. Here the observed facts require redundant psu failover instead.
C:
Monitor abandoned queued jobs and failed badge-release events. This action is appropriate for secure pull-print and release authentication, normally when confidential reports regularly sit unclaimed in a shared hallway printer's output tray. Here the observed facts require redundant psu failover instead.
D:
Monitor PSU voltage alarms and future expansion power requirements. This action is appropriate for psu wattage and 20+4 atx connector, normally when a desktop upgrade adds a high-power GPU and the PC abruptly powers off during intensive graphics workloads. Here the observed facts require redundant psu failover instead.
Question 77
During Harborworks's small-office network service desk, the technician encounters this condition: An administrator needs secure terminal access to a managed switch over an untrusted support network. The supporting record states that the current remote management procedure uses unencrypted Telnet on TCP 23. The desired outcome is to choose encrypted terminal management over a cleartext terminal protocol. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. Which verification result supports the intended technical outcome?
- Verify credentials are not transmitted in cleartext and authorized commands work
- Confirm the response succeeds over TCP 53 while ordinary UDP resolution continues
- Verify the client receives an address, gateway and DNS options from the correct scope
- Verify guest traffic cannot reach payroll while VPN users reach their approved internal resources
Explanation
Correct Answer
A:
Verify credentials are not transmitted in cleartext and authorized commands work. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that the current remote management procedure uses unencrypted Telnet on TCP 23. The support goal is to choose encrypted terminal management over a cleartext terminal protocol; this validate action specifically addresses ssh encrypted administration instead of telnet without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
B:
Confirm the response succeeds over TCP 53 while ordinary UDP resolution continues. This action is appropriate for dns service transport and port 53, normally when a branch resolver answers ordinary UDP name queries but large signed responses fail. Here the observed facts require ssh encrypted administration instead of telnet instead.
C:
Verify the client receives an address, gateway and DNS options from the correct scope. This action is appropriate for dhcp client and server port roles, normally when a new PC never receives an IPv4 lease on its office VLAN. Here the observed facts require ssh encrypted administration instead of telnet instead.
D:
Verify guest traffic cannot reach payroll while VPN users reach their approved internal resources. This action is appropriate for vlan segmentation versus vpn encrypted tunneling, normally when a small office needs guest Wi-Fi isolated from payroll devices but also needs secure remote employee access. Here the observed facts require ssh encrypted administration instead of telnet instead.
Question 78
On a service ticket for Fountain Transport, the team observes: A long graphics board physically fits but the system resets because its auxiliary power is missing. The desired outcome is to check slot, PSU and physical-clearance dependencies for an expansion card. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Calculate component power demand with headroom and inspect ATX plus GPU auxiliary connectors
- Check heatsink contact, fan operation, thermal compound and measured CPU temperature
- Inspect GPU power connectors, PSU rating, PCIe slot availability and enclosure clearance
- Inspect UEFI Secure Boot state, key database and boot entries separately
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Inspect GPU power connectors, PSU rating, PCIe slot availability and enclosure clearance. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a long graphics board physically fits but the system resets because its auxiliary power is missing. The support goal is to check slot, PSU and physical-clearance dependencies for an expansion card; this diagnose action specifically addresses pcie slot and gpu power constraints without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Calculate component power demand with headroom and inspect ATX plus GPU auxiliary connectors. This action is appropriate for psu wattage and 20+4 atx connector, normally when a desktop upgrade adds a high-power GPU and the PC abruptly powers off during intensive graphics workloads. Here the observed facts require pcie slot and gpu power constraints instead.
B:
Check heatsink contact, fan operation, thermal compound and measured CPU temperature. This action is appropriate for cpu heatsink thermal interface, normally when a workstation reaches a thermal limit seconds after a cooler was replaced. Here the observed facts require pcie slot and gpu power constraints instead.
D:
Inspect UEFI Secure Boot state, key database and boot entries separately. This action is appropriate for uefi secure boot versus boot order, normally when a laptop can start a trusted OS but prompts when an unsigned bootloader is inserted. Here the observed facts require pcie slot and gpu power constraints instead.
Question 79
At Clearwater Telecom, a technician working in workplace mobile support identifies this issue: A field worker's Bluetooth earbuds keep reconnecting to a phone instead of a nearby notebook. The desired outcome is to pair the intended audio accessory without erasing unrelated device settings. Only approved service procedures and compatible replacement components may be used. Which safe pilot action gives the most relevant evidence?
- Test one vendor-approved SODIMM in the serviceable laptop with the battery and power removed
- Test pressure sensitivity and palm rejection using a compatible pen in a drawing app
- Connect a known video-capable test host and compare it with the data-only port
- Pair the headset to a test laptop using supported Bluetooth discovery with the old host out of range
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Pair the headset to a test laptop using supported Bluetooth discovery with the old host out of range. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that a field worker's Bluetooth earbuds keep reconnecting to a phone instead of a nearby notebook. The support goal is to pair the intended audio accessory without erasing unrelated device settings; this pilot action specifically addresses bluetooth headset pairing without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Test one vendor-approved SODIMM in the serviceable laptop with the battery and power removed. This action is appropriate for laptop sodimm compatibility, normally when a field technician wants to add RAM to a serviceable laptop that currently uses DDR4 SODIMMs. Here the observed facts require bluetooth headset pairing instead.
B:
Test pressure sensitivity and palm rejection using a compatible pen in a drawing app. This action is appropriate for active stylus digitizer compatibility, normally when a designer needs pen pressure and palm rejection on a convertible laptop. Here the observed facts require bluetooth headset pairing instead.
C:
Connect a known video-capable test host and compare it with the data-only port. This action is appropriate for usb-c connector versus supported protocol, normally when a user assumes every laptop USB-C port can send video to a USB-C monitor. Here the observed facts require bluetooth headset pairing instead.
Question 80
At Acorn Foods, a technician working in desktop hardware service bench identifies this issue: A replacement RAM order has the correct capacity but the wrong DDR generation. The supporting record states that the motherboard's socket and memory controller only support DDR4, not DDR5. The desired outcome is to check memory generation and supported speeds before replacement. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. Which planned change most directly resolves the documented issue?
- Specify a platform that explicitly supports and enables ECC where required
- Use RAID 6 when the stated requirement is two-drive fault tolerance
- Use the correct desktop DIMM rather than forcing a laptop SODIMM into the socket
- Select a qualified DDR4 module of a supported configuration rather than DDR5
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Select a qualified DDR4 module of a supported configuration rather than DDR5. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that the motherboard's socket and memory controller only support DDR4, not DDR5. The support goal is to check memory generation and supported speeds before replacement; this design action specifically addresses ddr generation electrical compatibility without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Specify a platform that explicitly supports and enables ECC where required. This action is appropriate for ecc memory error correction compatibility, normally when a workstation used for scientific computation requires supported correction of single-bit RAM errors. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
B:
Use RAID 6 when the stated requirement is two-drive fault tolerance. This action is appropriate for raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity, normally when a four-disk production array must remain available during any two simultaneous drive failures. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
C:
Use the correct desktop DIMM rather than forcing a laptop SODIMM into the socket. This action is appropriate for sodimm versus dimm form factor, normally when a desktop repair requires replacement memory but the spare part comes from a notebook. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
