- A
The CPU power phase controller
Why wrong: A failing power phase controller would likely cause voltage instability, leading to crashes or shutdowns, but not typically random freezes with normal CPU temps.
- B
The chipset heatsink is clogged with dust
An overheating chipset can cause random freezes during heavy I/O operations, as the chipset throttles or fails under thermal stress.
- C
The BIOS is outdated
Why wrong: An outdated BIOS can cause compatibility issues, but it usually results in boot failures or specific error messages, not random freezes under load with all other components working.
- D
The PCIe slot is failing
Why wrong: A failing PCIe slot would cause GPU-related issues, such as artifacts or crashes specifically when the GPU is under load, not general system freezes.
Quick Answer
The answer is the chipset heatsink clogged with dust. When a workstation experiences random freezes under load with normal CPU temperatures and error-free RAM, the instability often stems from chipset overheating, as the chipset manages high-speed data transfer between the CPU, GPU, and storage during demanding tasks like 3D rendering. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between CPU, RAM, and motherboard-level thermal issues—a common trap is assuming the CPU is always the culprit. Remember that chipsets on high-end platforms like X299 generate significant heat under heavy I/O loads, and a blocked heatsink or failed fan can cause intermittent crashes without triggering CPU thermal throttling. A useful memory tip: “Chipset chokes, system croaks”—if the CPU and RAM check out, look to the chipset’s cooling path for dust or fan failure.
220-1201 Motherboard Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of motherboard. 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 technician is troubleshooting a high-end workstation that randomly freezes during heavy 3D rendering. The motherboard has an X299 chipset with an LGA 2066 socket. The CPU temperature is normal, and the RAM passes MemTest86. Which motherboard component is most likely causing the instability?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 chipset heatsink is clogged with dust
Random freezes under heavy load, with normal CPU temps and good RAM, often point to the chipset overheating. The chipset (e.g., X299) manages high-speed data transfer between the CPU, GPU, and storage; if its heatsink is clogged or the fan fails, it can overheat and cause system instability. This is a common issue in workstations with heavy I/O demands.
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.
- ✗
The CPU power phase controller
Why it's wrong here
A failing power phase controller would likely cause voltage instability, leading to crashes or shutdowns, but not typically random freezes with normal CPU temps.
- ✓
The chipset heatsink is clogged with dust
Why this is correct
An overheating chipset can cause random freezes during heavy I/O operations, as the chipset throttles or fails under thermal stress.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The BIOS is outdated
Why it's wrong here
An outdated BIOS can cause compatibility issues, but it usually results in boot failures or specific error messages, not random freezes under load with all other components working.
- ✗
The PCIe slot is failing
Why it's wrong here
A failing PCIe slot would cause GPU-related issues, such as artifacts or crashes specifically when the GPU is under load, not general system freezes.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
- →
Motherboard — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Motherboard practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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All 220-1201 questions
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CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
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220-1201 practice test guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Motherboard — This question tests Motherboard — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The chipset heatsink is clogged with dust — Random freezes under heavy load, with normal CPU temps and good RAM, often point to the chipset overheating. The chipset (e.g., X299) manages high-speed data transfer between the CPU, GPU, and storage; if its heatsink is clogged or the fan fails, it can overheat and cause system instability. This is a common issue in workstations with heavy I/O demands.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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