The answer is the power supply, because random reboots under load power supply failure is the classic symptom when a PSU cannot deliver consistent voltage during peak demand. Even if the system runs fine at idle, components like a high-end GPU and CPU draw sudden, heavy current during tasks like 3D rendering, and a failing PSU’s capacitors or regulation circuits can’t maintain stable output, causing the motherboard to trigger a protective reboot. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish power issues from thermal or memory faults—a common trap is chasing driver or OS errors when temperatures are normal and RAM has been ruled out. Remember the mnemonic: “Loads reveal the PSU’s flaws”—if it crashes under stress but not at idle, suspect the power supply first.
220-1201 Power Supply Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of power supply. 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.
You are troubleshooting a workstation that randomly reboots when running 3D rendering software. The CPU and GPU temperatures are normal. You have already replaced the RAM and tested the hard drive. What component is most likely the root cause?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The power supply is unable to deliver consistent power under load
Random reboots under load, especially with normal temperatures, often point to a failing power supply that cannot sustain stable voltage under high demand. The PSU may still power the system at idle but fail under peak load. Other components have been ruled out.
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 is overheating despite normal readings
Why it's wrong here
If temperature readings are normal, overheating is unlikely; sensors are generally accurate.
✓
The power supply is unable to deliver consistent power under load
Why this is correct
A failing PSU can cause voltage drops or ripple under load, triggering a system reset or shutdown.
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 GPU driver is corrupted
Why it's wrong here
Corrupted drivers typically cause crashes or artifacts, not random reboots, and would likely produce error messages.
✗
The motherboard has a short circuit
Why it's wrong here
A short circuit would likely cause immediate shutdown or failure to boot, not random reboots under specific loads.
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.
Power Supply — This question tests Power Supply — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The power supply is unable to deliver consistent power under load — Random reboots under load, especially with normal temperatures, often point to a failing power supply that cannot sustain stable voltage under high demand. The PSU may still power the system at idle but fail under peak load. Other components have been ruled out.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is troubleshooting a PC that powers on for a few seconds then shuts off. The technician removes the 24-pin connector and jumps the green wire to a black wire; the PSU fan spins and stays on. What does this indicate?
medium
A.The power supply is definitely faulty and should be replaced.
✓ B.The motherboard has a short circuit causing the PSU to shut down.
C.The CPU is overheating and triggering thermal shutdown.
D.The power supply fan is defective, causing it to overheat and shut off.
Why B: The paperclip test confirms the PSU can power on independently. If the fan runs continuously, the PSU is likely functional. The issue is probably elsewhere, such as a short on the motherboard or a faulty component drawing too much power.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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