220-1201 - CompTIA A+ Core 1 Cheat Sheet

The CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201, V15) exam is the industry-standard entry credential for IT support roles, validating hands-on skill across mobile devices, networking, hardware, virtualization and cloud, and hardware and network troubleshooting. It launched March 25, 2025 with up to 90 questions in 90 minutes (multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, and performance-based), and a passing score of 675 on a 900-point scale. Because A+ is vendor-neutral, the exam rewards a technician's reasoning: knowing which component, protocol, or troubleshooting step fits a given scenario, not just memorizing specs. Master the six-step troubleshooting methodology and the common port-and-protocol list early, because both thread through every domain on test day.

What This Cheat Sheet Covers

This topic spans 38 focused tables and 370 indexed concepts. Below is a complete table-by-table outline of this topic, spanning foundational concepts through advanced details.

Table 1: Laptop Hardware Components and ReplacementTable 2: Laptop Display Components and FeaturesTable 3: Mobile Device Accessories and Connection MethodsTable 4: Mobile Device Network and Cellular ConnectivityTable 5: Mobile Device Email and SynchronizationTable 6: Mobile Device TroubleshootingTable 7: Common Networking Ports and ServicesTable 8: TCP vs UDP and Protocol PurposesTable 9: Wireless Networking Standards and TechnologiesTable 10: Networking Hardware and DevicesTable 11: Internet Connection TypesTable 12: IP Addressing and SubnettingTable 13: Network Services, Server Roles, and VPNsTable 14: SOHO Network Configuration and Wireless SecurityTable 15: Networking ToolsTable 16: RAM and MemoryTable 17: CPUs and ProcessorsTable 18: Storage Devices and RAIDTable 19: Peripheral Cables and ConnectorsTable 20: Video and Display CablesTable 21: Network and Storage Cables and ConnectorsTable 22: Display DevicesTable 23: Printer Types and TechnologiesTable 24: Printer Installation, Sharing, and MaintenanceTable 25: Input, Output, and Other Peripheral DevicesTable 26: Motherboards, Form Factors, and FirmwareTable 27: Expansion CardsTable 28: Power SuppliesTable 29: Cooling SolutionsTable 30: Virtualization ConceptsTable 31: Cloud Computing Concepts and ModelsTable 32: CompTIA Troubleshooting MethodologyTable 33: Motherboard, CPU, RAM, and Power TroubleshootingTable 34: Storage and RAID TroubleshootingTable 35: Display and Video TroubleshootingTable 36: Printer TroubleshootingTable 37: Network Connectivity TroubleshootingTable 38: Hardware Diagnostic Tools

Table 1: Laptop Hardware Components and Replacement

A+ Core 1 (220-1201) Mobile Devices (13%) - Hardware setup: install and replace the internal field-replaceable components of a laptop (battery, memory, storage, wireless cards, keyboard, biometrics, physical security). Always power off, unplug AC, remove or disconnect the battery, and wear an ESD strap before opening the chassis.

Component	Example	Description
Laptop Battery (Lithium-Ion)	`Swollen pack -> do not charge, do not puncture, recycle at e-waste site`	Rechargeable Li-ion/Li-poly pack; replace when it no longer holds charge. A swollen battery is a safety hazard: never use, charge, or puncture it; isolate and dispose through proper e-waste recycling, never the trash.
SODIMM (Small Outline DIMM)	`Laptop slot -> insert SODIMM at ~30 deg angle, press down until clips latch`	The smaller memory module laptops use, about half the length of a desktop DIMM with fewer pins. Not to be confused with a full-size DIMM, which physically will not fit a laptop slot.
M.2 Drive (Keying: NVMe vs SATA)	`M-key notch -> PCIe x4 / NVMe (fastest); B+M-key -> often SATA`	Gumstick storage card; the key notch sets the interface: M-key carries PCIe x4 (NVMe), B+M-key fits both slots and is commonly SATA. • A SATA M.2 runs at SATA speed regardless of size • Not every M.2 slot is NVMe.
2.5in SATA Drive	`2.5in bay -> SATA data + power edge connector, 7mm or 9.5mm height`	The traditional laptop drive form factor (SSD or HDD) using the SATA interface in a removable bay or caddy. Mind drive height (7mm vs 9.5mm) so the cover seats.
Laptop Keyboard	`Replacement -> power off, unplug AC, remove battery, release ribbon (ZIF) cable`	Integrated keyboard, often retained by clips/screws with a delicate ribbon (ZIF) connector to the board. Individual keys snap onto a scissor/retainer clip; service the whole assembly only after isolating power.

Table 1: Laptop Hardware Components and Replacement

Component	Example	Description
Laptop Battery (Lithium-Ion)	`Swollen pack -> do not charge, do not puncture, recycle at e-waste site`	Rechargeable Li-ion/Li-poly pack; replace when it no longer holds charge. A swollen battery is a safety hazard: never use, charge, or puncture it; isolate and dispose through proper e-waste recycling, never the trash.
SODIMM (Small Outline DIMM)	`Laptop slot -> insert SODIMM at ~30 deg angle, press down until clips latch`	The smaller memory module laptops use, about half the length of a desktop DIMM with fewer pins. Not to be confused with a full-size DIMM, which physically will not fit a laptop slot.
M.2 Drive (Keying: NVMe vs SATA)	`M-key notch -> PCIe x4 / NVMe (fastest); B+M-key -> often SATA`	Gumstick storage card; the key notch sets the interface: M-key carries PCIe x4 (NVMe), B+M-key fits both slots and is commonly SATA. • A SATA M.2 runs at SATA speed regardless of size • Not every M.2 slot is NVMe.
2.5in SATA Drive	`2.5in bay -> SATA data + power edge connector, 7mm or 9.5mm height`	The traditional laptop drive form factor (SSD or HDD) using the SATA interface in a removable bay or caddy. Mind drive height (7mm vs 9.5mm) so the cover seats.
Laptop Keyboard	`Replacement -> power off, unplug AC, remove battery, release ribbon (ZIF) cable`	Integrated keyboard, often retained by clips/screws with a delicate ribbon (ZIF) connector to the board. Individual keys snap onto a scissor/retainer clip; service the whole assembly only after isolating power.