Platform Compatibility & Install Logic for A+
Short answer
A methodical compatibility check prevents wasted installs and failed boots. The technician should: confirm motherboard will mount in the case and that the I/O shield aligns; verify the board supports the intended CPU socket and chipset; ensure required PCIe slots and lane availability exist for the add-on card; and check that the PSU provides the necessary power connectors and that storage/interface connectors (SATA, M.2) are available. Always consult the motherboard manual or vendor compatibility list.
Why it appears on the exam
- Given a compatibility checklist and a proposed component, select which compatibility item fails (form factor, socket, slot, or connector) and explain the check that would confirm it. - Decide whether a proposed upgrade is safe to attempt immediately or whether additional parts (e.g., PSU cables or adapter) are needed.
Key concepts
Concept 1
Required terms
Form factor fit: Ensuring the motherboard's physical size and mounting hole pattern match the case and that I/O shield and standoffs align. Socket support: Confirming the motherboard's supported CPU socket and chipset list matches the intended processor. Slot availability: Checking that the board has the necessary expansion slots free and that their lane configuration supports the planned card. Connector availability: Verifying needed power connectors, SATA ports, M.2 slots, and front-panel headers exist before attempting installation.
Example
Before buying a discrete GPU, check for a free PCIe x16 slot, available PCIe lanes (if multiple GPUs are present), and that the PSU has the proper PCIe power cables.
Concept 2
How Platform Compatibility & Install Logic works
A methodical compatibility check prevents wasted installs and failed boots. The technician should: confirm motherboard will mount in the case and that the I/O shield aligns; verify the board supports the intended CPU socket and chipset; ensure required PCIe slots and lane availability exist for the add-on card; and check that the PSU provides the necessary power connectors and that storage/interface connectors (SATA, M.2) are available. Always consult the motherboard manual or vendor compatibility list.
Example
When upgrading to an M.2 NVMe SSD, confirm the M.2 slot supports NVMe (PCIe) and that enabling it will not disable other SATA ports on the board.
Concept 3
Common confusion
- Assuming a free slot equals full capability: some slot wiring shares lanes and can reduce bandwidth. - Forgetting to check PSU connectors: GPU will not power up correctly without required PCIe power cables even if the slot is present.
Example
Before buying a discrete GPU, check for a free PCIe x16 slot, available PCIe lanes (if multiple GPUs are present), and that the PSU has the proper PCIe power cables.
Concept 4
Core 1 (220-1201) question cues
Given a compatibility checklist and a proposed component, select which compatibility item fails (form factor, socket, slot, or connector) and explain the check that would confirm it; Decide whether a proposed upgrade is safe to attempt immediately or whether additional parts (e.g., PSU cables or adapter) are needed.
Example
When upgrading to an M.2 NVMe SSD, confirm the M.2 slot supports NVMe (PCIe) and that enabling it will not disable other SATA ports on the board.
Sample questions
Select an answer to reveal the explanation. For tracked practice and weak-area review, use the Cultiv8 app.
Q1.In an A+ question, this detail appears: Before buying a discrete GPU, check for a free PCIe x16 slot, available PCIe lanes (if multiple GPUs are present), and that the PSU has the proper PCIe power cables. Which option matches it?
Q2.A technician sees this situation: When upgrading to an M.2 NVMe SSD, confirm the M.2 slot supports NVMe (PCIe) and that enabling it will not disable other SATA ports on the board. Which answer should they choose?
Q3.A user reports this support situation: Checking that the board has the necessary expansion slots free and that their lane configuration supports the planned card. Which option should the technician choose?
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