CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201) · PC bench · Section 2

Build a PC from Parts

A free 220-1201 performance-based question on Motherboards, CPUs, and System Architecture. Read the scenario, complete the task, and submit — it grades instantly with an explanation, no account needed.

Performance-Based Question

PC Bench

Build a PC from Parts

(OBJ.2)

Scenario

A bare case just arrived on the bench with nothing installed. The parts shelf holds what you need: a motherboard, a CPU, thermal paste, a cooler, two 8GB DIMMs, a 512GB NVMe SSD, a graphics card, and a PSU. Install those parts (paste on the CPU before the cooler goes on), then make every connection below. Inside the case: the 24-pin ATX and CPU 8-pin power cables to the motherboard, the PCIe power cable to the graphics card, the cooler's fan lead to the CPU_FAN header, and the case's power switch lead to the PWRSW pins. Outside the case: the PC and monitor power cords to wall outlets, a video cable from the graphics card to the monitor (a seated card turns off the board's own video ports), the keyboard and mouse to rear USB ports, and an Ethernet cable from the PC's network port to a wall jack. Power it on, verify it POSTs and the monitor shows a signal, and set the NVMe SSD as the 1st Boot Priority device in UEFI. Sign in with the local Repair account, password Repair!23.

How the workbench works

Tap a part or cable in the tray, then tap where it glows on the bench to place it. Dragging works too.
Bench, Inside, Back and Monitor along the top turn the camera to that side of the PC.
The power button is on the front of the case. Monitor opens the screen full size; turn your phone sideways to read it.
Pinch to zoom the bench. On the full-size screen, pinch or double-tap to zoom.

Parts and cables live on the shelf (Parts, on a phone). Drag one onto the desk, a slot, or a port. On a touchscreen, hold it for a moment or slide it sideways to pick it up.
Turn the PC with the PC view button beside the case: Front, Open Side, Back.
The power button is on the front of the case. Click the screen to open the monitor full size.
Alt + scroll or pinch to zoom, drag the bench to pan.

These instructions stay visible beside the interface while you work.

Study this section

Lessons and practice for Section 2 — Motherboards, CPUs, and System Architecture.

More free 220-1201 PBQs

Previous PBQ

← Match the Connector to Its Purpose

Next PBQ

Troubleshoot the Missing NVMe Drive →

← All 8 free 220-1201 PBQs Free practice tests →Unlock the full library →