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220-1201 Practice Question: That their PC powers on for a second then…
A user reports that their PC powers on for a second then immediately shuts off. This repeats in a loop. What is the most likely hardware issue?
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
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Incorrectly installed motherboard standoffs causing a short
The power-on-then-off loop is a classic symptom of a short circuit or power issue, often caused by a loose standoff, improperly seated component, or a failing power supply. The most common cause is a short to ground from a motherboard standoff in the wrong location.
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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Defective CPU
Why it's wrong here
A defective CPU represents a critical hardware failure that prevents the system from initiating the Power-On Self-Test (POST) process entirely. This fundamental component is essential for any system operation, so its failure usually results in a completely unresponsive system, no display, or specific diagnostic beep codes indicating a CPU fault, rather than the system repeatedly attempting to power on and then shutting down.
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Incorrectly installed motherboard standoffs causing a short
Why this is correct
Incorrectly installed or misplaced motherboard standoffs can create an electrical short circuit between the motherboard's conductive traces and the metal computer case. This short can interfere with the power delivery system or critical data lines, triggering the power supply's short-circuit protection. This protection causes the system to immediately power off or enter a power-on/power-off loop to prevent permanent damage to components.
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Overheated GPU
Why it's wrong here
An overheated GPU typically causes system instability, graphical artifacts, or a complete shutdown after the system has been running for some time, especially under graphical load. Modern GPUs incorporate thermal throttling and shutdown mechanisms that engage when temperatures exceed safe limits, but this usually occurs during operation, not immediately upon power-on in a continuous power-cycling loop.
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Corrupted BIOS
Why it's wrong here
A corrupted BIOS prevents the system from properly initializing critical hardware components or even starting the Power-On Self-Test (POST) process. This typically results in a completely dead system, no video output, or specific diagnostic beep codes indicating a BIOS error, rather than the system repeatedly powering on and off. The system cannot even reach the point of attempting to boot an operating system.
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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.