The correct component to test next is the power supply unit. Random restarts during boot before the Windows logo appear typically indicate a hardware-level power issue, as the system has not yet loaded the operating system drivers that could cause software-based crashes. When a PC restarts during this early POST or pre-OS phase, the power supply may be failing to deliver stable voltages under the initial surge of current, causing the motherboard to reset. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the boot sequence and power troubleshooting—a common trap is to immediately suspect the motherboard or CPU, but the PSU is the most likely culprit given the symptom’s timing. A useful memory tip: “Before the logo, think power flow”—if the system restarts before Windows loads, the issue is almost always electrical, not software.
220-1201 Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of core pc hardware troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user reports that their PC randomly restarts during boot-up, sometimes before the Windows logo appears. They have already tried reseating the RAM. Which component should be tested next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Test the power supply unit
Random restarts during early boot, especially before the OS loads, often point to a failing power supply. The PSU may not be providing stable voltages under the initial power draw of the system. Using a multimeter to test voltage outputs or swapping with a known-good PSU is the next step.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Replace the motherboard
Why it's wrong here
Motherboard failure is possible but less common than PSU issues; it should be tested after the PSU.
✓
Test the power supply unit
Why this is correct
A failing PSU can cause random restarts during boot due to unstable power delivery.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reinstall the operating system
Why it's wrong here
The restarts occur before the OS loads, so OS reinstallation will not help.
✗
Check for BIOS updates
Why it's wrong here
BIOS updates are unlikely to fix random restarts caused by hardware power issues.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — This question tests Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Test the power supply unit — Random restarts during early boot, especially before the OS loads, often point to a failing power supply. The PSU may not be providing stable voltages under the initial power draw of the system. Using a multimeter to test voltage outputs or swapping with a known-good PSU is the next step.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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