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220-1201 Practice Question: A user complains that their computer sometimes…
A user complains that their computer sometimes fails to boot and emits a series of long beeps. After several attempts, it boots normally. Which motherboard component is most likely failing?
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
✓
The RAM modules
A series of long beeps during POST typically indicates a memory (RAM) issue. Intermittent boot failures with beep codes point to a failing RAM module, a dirty contact, or a loose connection. The beep code is a diagnostic tool from the motherboard's BIOS.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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The CPU
Why it's wrong here
A CPU failure is a critical hardware event that typically prevents the system from initiating the Power-On Self-Test (POST) or results in very specific, often short and repetitive, beep codes indicating a processor fault. Such failures are rarely intermittent; a faulty CPU usually means the system will consistently fail to boot or display any video. Long beeps are not a standard BIOS code for CPU issues, making this an unlikely cause for the described symptoms.
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The power supply
Why it's wrong here
A failing power supply unit (PSU) can certainly cause a computer to fail to power on, experience random shutdowns, or exhibit intermittent power delivery issues. However, the PSU itself does not generate POST beep codes because it is not a component that the BIOS actively tests for functionality in the same manner as RAM or the CPU. Its failure manifests as a lack of power or unstable power, not a diagnostic beep sequence indicating a specific component error.
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The RAM modules
Why this is correct
The RAM modules are a highly probable cause for intermittent boot failures accompanied by long beeps. Most BIOS/UEFI implementations utilize specific beep patterns during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to signal memory-related issues, with long beeps frequently indicating a problem with RAM detection, integrity, or improper seating. Intermittent failures suggest a loose, partially failing, or incompatible RAM module that sometimes passes initial checks but fails under specific conditions or due to poor contact.
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The hard drive
Why it's wrong here
Hard drive issues typically do not trigger POST beep codes because the hard drive is not a critical component for the initial Power-On Self-Test sequence. A computer can successfully complete POST and produce no beeps even without a hard drive installed. Problems with a hard drive, such as bad sectors, controller failure, or an absent boot partition, usually manifest as errors during the operating system loading phase, or a 'boot device not found' message, well after the beep code stage of POST.
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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.