220-1201 Practice Test 13 — 15 Questions

Question 1

A user reports that their computer suddenly cannot find the boot device, and the BIOS shows the SATA mode is set to 'IDE' instead of 'AHCI'. The drive was previously working. What is the most likely cause?

Choose an answer to begin — your selection is scored in the full session.

Accepted Answer

The SATA mode was changed to IDE. If the SATA mode is changed from AHCI to IDE, the OS driver may not load, causing a boot failure. This can happen after a CMOS reset or accidental BIOS change. The question tests understanding of SATA controller modes and their impact on booting.

Answer

The hard drive has failed

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The SATA cable is loose

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The CMOS battery is failing

Question 2

A technician is tasked with enabling virtualization on a desktop to run a hypervisor. After enabling the feature in the OS, the hypervisor still reports that virtualization is disabled. What should be checked in the firmware?

Accepted Answer

Enable Intel VT-x or AMD-V in the BIOS/UEFI. Virtualization support must be enabled in the CPU's firmware settings (e.g., Intel VT-x or AMD-V) before the OS can use it. The OS setting alone is insufficient. This question tests knowledge of firmware-level CPU features.

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Enable Secure Boot

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Disable Hyper-Threading

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Update the chipset drivers

Question 3

A customer reports that their computer beeps three times, pauses, then repeats, and nothing is displayed on the screen. What does this POST code typically indicate?

Accepted Answer

Memory error. Three beeps in many BIOS versions (especially AMI and Award) indicate a memory error, such as a faulty or improperly seated RAM module. This is a standard POST diagnostic code. The question tests basic familiarity with beep codes.

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CPU failure

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Graphics card failure

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Power supply failure

Question 4

A technician is upgrading a workstation from a 500 GB HDD to a 1 TB SSD. After installing the SSD, the system boots into the old OS from the HDD instead of the new SSD. The boot order in UEFI shows only the HDD. What is the most likely reason?

Accepted Answer

The SSD is not partitioned with GPT or lacks an EFI system partition. The SSD may not be initialized with a GPT partition table or may lack an EFI system partition, making it invisible to the UEFI boot manager. The technician should check the partition style and ensure the SSD is properly formatted for UEFI boot. This question tests advanced knowledge of UEFI boot requirements.

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The SSD is not connected to the fastest SATA port

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The HDD has a higher priority in the boot order

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The SSD needs a firmware update

Question 5

A technician is building a new workstation for video editing. The motherboard supports LGA 1700 socket CPUs. Which of the following CPUs is compatible with this socket?

Accepted Answer

Intel Core i5-13600K. This question tests knowledge of CPU socket compatibility. LGA 1700 is used by Intel 12th, 13th, and 14th generation processors. Choosing the correct socket ensures the CPU physically fits and operates.

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AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

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Intel Core i7-9700K

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AMD Threadripper 3970X

Question 6

A user complains that their computer shuts down unexpectedly after a few minutes of gaming. You check the CPU temperature and find it is 105°C. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Degraded thermal paste. High CPU temperature under load indicates a cooling problem. The most common cause is dried or improperly applied thermal paste between the CPU and heatsink. This prevents efficient heat transfer, leading to thermal throttling or shutdown.

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Insufficient RAM

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Failing power supply

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Outdated BIOS

Question 7

A technician is troubleshooting a PC that fails to POST. The CPU fan spins, but there is no display output. The motherboard has a diagnostic LED that shows a CPU error. Which step should the technician take first to resolve the issue?

Accepted Answer

Reseat the CPU. A CPU error LED indicates a problem with the processor or its installation. The most common cause is improper seating or bent pins. Reseating the CPU is a logical first step before replacing components. This tests systematic troubleshooting methodology.

Answer

Replace the power supply

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Update the BIOS using a USB flashback

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Replace the CPU

Question 8

A technician is upgrading a workstation and notices that the new CPU is not listed in the motherboard's supported CPU list. The motherboard uses an LGA 1200 socket. What is the most likely issue?

Accepted Answer

The motherboard's chipset does not support that CPU generation. CPU compatibility depends on both socket and chipset. Even with the correct socket, the chipset may not support the CPU's power delivery or microcode. This question tests deeper knowledge of motherboard-CPU compatibility beyond just the socket.

Answer

The CPU is physically too large for the socket

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The CPU requires more power than the motherboard can provide

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The CPU is a server-grade processor not meant for workstations

Question 9

A technician needs to install a CPU that supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory on a new motherboard. The motherboard manual lists support for only DDR5. Which of the following is the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Install DDR5 RAM as the motherboard supports it. Memory controllers are integrated into the CPU, but the motherboard's memory slots and BIOS determine which type is supported. If the board only supports DDR5, using a CPU that supports both will still require DDR5 modules.

Answer

Install DDR4 RAM because the CPU supports it

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Update the BIOS to enable DDR4 support

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Use a different CPU that only supports DDR5

Question 10

A technician is diagnosing a system that fails to boot after a CPU upgrade. The old CPU worked fine. The new CPU is installed correctly, but the system beeps repeatedly (1 long, 3 short). Which of the following is the most likely issue?

Accepted Answer

The motherboard BIOS does not support the new CPU. Beep codes are diagnostic indicators. 1 long, 3 short beeps from an AMI BIOS typically indicate a memory or graphics issue, but in this context, it often points to the CPU not being fully supported or a BIOS incompatibility.

Answer

The CPU is not receiving power

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The RAM is incompatible with the new CPU

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The CPU cooler is not installed properly

Question 11

A technician is building a new workstation for video editing and needs to ensure the power supply can handle dual GPUs and multiple hard drives. Which specification is most critical to check when selecting a PSU?

Accepted Answer

The combined amperage on the +12V rail(s).. The +12V rail provides power to the CPU, GPUs, and drives; its combined amperage determines how much power can be delivered to these components. For high-power builds, a single +12V rail with high amperage or multiple rails with sufficient combined capacity is essential. Neglecting this can lead to instability or shutdowns under load.

Answer

The total wattage rating of the power supply.

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The number of SATA power connectors.

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The physical form factor (ATX, SFX, etc.).

Question 12

A customer reports that their desktop PC randomly shuts down when playing a graphically intensive game. The system has a 500W power supply, a high-end GPU, and a CPU with a 125W TDP. What is the most likely cause of the shutdowns?

Accepted Answer

The power supply is undersized for the system's peak power demands.. The random shutdowns under load suggest the power supply cannot deliver enough wattage to sustain peak power draw from the GPU and CPU. A 500W PSU may be insufficient for a high-end gaming system, causing voltage drops or thermal overload protection to trigger. Upgrading to a higher-wattage PSU with adequate +12V rail capacity would resolve the issue.

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The GPU is overheating due to poor case airflow.

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The motherboard's VRM is failing due to age.

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The RAM is faulty causing memory errors during gaming.

Question 13

A technician is troubleshooting a PC that emits a high-pitched whining noise under load. The noise is coming from the power supply area. The system is stable and temperatures are normal. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The PSU is experiencing coil whine due to electrical resonance.. Coil whine is a common phenomenon in power supplies and other components when electrical current passes through inductors, causing them to vibrate at audible frequencies. It is typically harmless and does not indicate a defect, though it can be annoying. If the system is stable, no replacement is needed.

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The PSU fan bearing is failing.

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The PSU is overheating and the thermal protection is activating.

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The PSU has a loose internal component rattling.

Question 14

A technician is installing a new power supply in a high-end gaming PC. The PSU has two +12V rails rated at 20A each. The GPU requires a single +12V rail with at least 30A. What potential issue could arise?

Accepted Answer

The GPU may cause overcurrent protection to trip on one rail, causing shutdowns.. Multi-rail PSUs split the +12V output across separate rails, each with its own overcurrent protection. If the GPU draws more than 20A from one rail, it can trip the protection, causing shutdowns. Using a single-rail PSU or ensuring the GPU is connected across both rails (if the PSU allows) would avoid this.

Answer

The PSU will automatically combine the rails to provide 40A to the GPU.

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The PSU will deliver stable power as long as the total wattage is sufficient.

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The GPU will automatically draw power from both rails equally.

Question 15

A technician is upgrading a server's power supply to support additional drives. The current PSU is a 750W unit with a single +12V rail rated at 62A. The new drives will add 5A to the +12V load. The total calculated +12V load is 58A. Is the current PSU adequate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because 58A is less than 62A, so it is within specifications.. The PSU's +12V rail is rated for 62A, and the total load after adding drives is 58A, which is within the rating. However, it is good practice to leave headroom (typically 10-20%) to avoid running the PSU at maximum capacity, which can reduce efficiency and lifespan. In this case, the PSU is technically adequate but marginal.

Answer

No, because the PSU should not be loaded above 80% of its rating.

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No, because the total wattage of 750W is insufficient for the new drives.

Answer

Yes, but only if the PSU is 80 Plus Gold certified or higher.