COMPTIA A+ 220-1201 CORE 1 COMPLETE 2026-2027 EXAM PAPER-
REVISION QUESTIONS & SOLUTIONS
PCIe bus lanes
16 lanes, 24 lanes, 32 lanes
PCIe form factors
PCIe x1 PCIe x4 PCIe x8 PCIe x16
PCIe 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
PCIe Versions
Up-Plugging
plugging smaller card in a larger slot.
Down-Plugging
Putting larger card in a smaller slot
Mini PCIe
Standard PCIe card with smaller form factor used inside of laptops, specifically for wireless
networking.
,Expansion Cards
Used to add functions or ports that are not supported by default as an integrated part of your
motherboards
Video Card (Graphic Adapter)
Gives quality signal for monitors
Video Capture Card
Takes video signals and processes them inside the computer, used for recording footage and for
security devices.
TV Capture Card
Plugs into a computer to access cable TV channels
Sound/Audio Card
Gives better output through audio
Network Interface Card (NIC)
An expansion card that enables a computer to connect other computers or to a cable modem to
facilitate a high-speed Internet connection. Contains the MAC address. Uses and RJ-45 port or a
ST/SC/MT-RJ connector. Installed into PCIe x1 slot.
,Riser Card
Special type of expansion card that goes into a dedicated slot on the motherboard. Adds
additional expansion cards.
Direct Current (DC) Voltages
3.3 volts DC (VDC) 5 VDC 12 VDC
Alternating Current (AC)
United States - 120 volts AC (VAC)
Europe/Asia - 230 (VAC)
Transformer
Reduces the voltage through filters and regulators to provide a Direct Current
Thermal Load
Heat from different components inside the computer
Passive Cooling
Type of cooling that doesn't rely on moving parts or power
, Heatsink
Form of passive cooling as a finned metal device that radiates heat away from the processor
Thermal Paste
Form of passive cooling as a compound that ensures heat transfer by eliminating air gaps
Every three to six months
How often should you blow out dust from your computer?
A pea-sized amount
How much thermal paste should you apply on your CPU?
Liquid Cooling
A method of cooling a PC that works by running some liquid—
usually water—through a metal block that sits on top of the CPU, absorbing heat. The
liquid gets heated by the block, runs out of the block and into something that cools the
liquid, and is then pumped through the block again.
Closed Loop System
REVISION QUESTIONS & SOLUTIONS
PCIe bus lanes
16 lanes, 24 lanes, 32 lanes
PCIe form factors
PCIe x1 PCIe x4 PCIe x8 PCIe x16
PCIe 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
PCIe Versions
Up-Plugging
plugging smaller card in a larger slot.
Down-Plugging
Putting larger card in a smaller slot
Mini PCIe
Standard PCIe card with smaller form factor used inside of laptops, specifically for wireless
networking.
,Expansion Cards
Used to add functions or ports that are not supported by default as an integrated part of your
motherboards
Video Card (Graphic Adapter)
Gives quality signal for monitors
Video Capture Card
Takes video signals and processes them inside the computer, used for recording footage and for
security devices.
TV Capture Card
Plugs into a computer to access cable TV channels
Sound/Audio Card
Gives better output through audio
Network Interface Card (NIC)
An expansion card that enables a computer to connect other computers or to a cable modem to
facilitate a high-speed Internet connection. Contains the MAC address. Uses and RJ-45 port or a
ST/SC/MT-RJ connector. Installed into PCIe x1 slot.
,Riser Card
Special type of expansion card that goes into a dedicated slot on the motherboard. Adds
additional expansion cards.
Direct Current (DC) Voltages
3.3 volts DC (VDC) 5 VDC 12 VDC
Alternating Current (AC)
United States - 120 volts AC (VAC)
Europe/Asia - 230 (VAC)
Transformer
Reduces the voltage through filters and regulators to provide a Direct Current
Thermal Load
Heat from different components inside the computer
Passive Cooling
Type of cooling that doesn't rely on moving parts or power
, Heatsink
Form of passive cooling as a finned metal device that radiates heat away from the processor
Thermal Paste
Form of passive cooling as a compound that ensures heat transfer by eliminating air gaps
Every three to six months
How often should you blow out dust from your computer?
A pea-sized amount
How much thermal paste should you apply on your CPU?
Liquid Cooling
A method of cooling a PC that works by running some liquid—
usually water—through a metal block that sits on top of the CPU, absorbing heat. The
liquid gets heated by the block, runs out of the block and into something that cools the
liquid, and is then pumped through the block again.
Closed Loop System
