easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A customer reports that their computer beeps…
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?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
CPU failure
Why it's wrong here
A CPU failure often prevents the system from initiating the Power-On Self-Test (POST) process entirely, resulting in no beeps at all, or a continuous, high-pitched tone if the motherboard detects a critical CPU error very early. Some BIOS manufacturers might issue a specific pattern, but three beeps are not a standard diagnostic signal for a CPU issue. The system typically cannot even begin to check other components if the central processing unit is non-functional.
- ✓
Memory error
Why this is correct
A sequence of three short beeps during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) is a widely recognized diagnostic code, particularly for AMI and Award BIOS systems, indicating a problem with the system's Random Access Memory (RAM). This could signify a faulty RAM module, improperly seated DIMMs, or an issue with the memory controller. Addressing memory issues, such as reseating or replacing modules, often resolves this specific beep code.
- ✗
Graphics card failure
Why it's wrong here
A graphics card failure typically manifests with a distinct beep code, most commonly one long beep followed by two short beeps (1-2-2-1 pattern for some BIOS types) or one long and three short beeps, indicating a video adapter problem. Three *short* beeps, however, are not the standard diagnostic signal for a malfunctioning or unseated graphics card. The system usually attempts to initialize video after memory checks are completed.
- ✗
Power supply failure
Why it's wrong here
A power supply unit (PSU) failure often results in the computer failing to power on at all, producing no diagnostic beeps, or a continuous, steady tone if the motherboard detects an immediate power fault. The system requires stable power to even initiate the POST process and generate specific beep codes. A repeating pattern of three beeps is not characteristic of a primary power delivery issue, which usually prevents any system activity.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every 220-1201 question from scratch — 972 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.