220-1201 Practice Question: Troubleshooting a workstation that randomly…

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

  Modern CPUs are equipped with highly accurate thermal sensors that report temperature data to the system. If these readings consistently show normal operating temperatures, it is highly improbable that the CPU is overheating. While a faulty sensor is possible, it's rare, and the system's thermal throttling or shutdown mechanisms would typically activate if actual temperatures exceeded safe limits, even if reported incorrectly, leading to performance issues or immediate shutdown rather than random reboots.

• ✓

  The power supply is unable to deliver consistent power under load

  Why this is correct

  A failing power supply unit (PSU) is a very common cause of random reboots, especially when the system is under load, such as during gaming or intensive tasks. When the CPU or GPU demands more power, a weak or faulty PSU may experience significant voltage drops or excessive ripple on its output rails. These power fluctuations can fall below the stable operating thresholds required by components, causing the motherboard's power monitoring circuits to trigger an immediate system reset or shutdown to protect hardware integrity.

• ✗

  The GPU driver is corrupted

  Why it's wrong here

  A corrupted GPU driver typically manifests as graphical anomalies, such as screen artifacts, freezing, or application crashes, particularly when graphics-intensive tasks are initiated. While a severe driver issue could potentially lead to a system crash (Blue Screen of Death), it is less likely to cause random, unlogged reboots without any prior visual indication or error messages. Such issues are usually software-related and would not typically trigger a hard reboot without an OS-level error.

• ✗

  The motherboard has a short circuit

  Why it's wrong here

  A short circuit on the motherboard typically results in immediate and catastrophic failure, such as the system failing to power on at all, or an instant shutdown upon attempting to boot. The power supply unit often has built-in short-circuit protection that would prevent the system from even starting or would immediately cut power. It is highly improbable for a short circuit to cause intermittent, random reboots under load, as such an electrical fault usually leads to a complete and consistent failure state.

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