hardMultiple Choice
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a PC that fails…
A technician is troubleshooting a PC that fails to POST. The CPU fan spins, but there is no display output. The motherboard has a diagnostic LED that shows a CPU error. Which step should the technician take first to resolve the issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests the principle of 'least invasive first' in troubleshooting, causing candidates to jump to replacing components instead of trying simple reseating.
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
✓
Reseat the CPU
Reseating the CPU is the correct first step because a CPU error LED with a spinning fan but no POST often indicates poor CPU socket contact, which can result from a loose CPU, bent pins, or thermal paste issues. Reseating is non-destructive and addresses the most common cause before replacing hardware. Replacing the power supply or CPU is premature, and BIOS update is not possible without POST.
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 power supply
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the power supply is premature because the observation of a spinning fan indicates that the power supply unit (PSU) is at least partially functional and delivering power to the motherboard. A CPU error LED specifically points to an issue with the central processing unit itself or its immediate connection, rather than a complete lack of power from the PSU. While a faulty PSU can cause various issues, a CPU-specific error LED with some power activity directs troubleshooting elsewhere first.
- ✗
Update the BIOS using a USB flashback
Why it's wrong here
Updating the BIOS via USB flashback is generally considered when there's a known compatibility issue, such as installing a newer CPU that the current BIOS version doesn't support. However, a diagnostic LED specifically indicating a CPU error typically points to a physical problem with the CPU, its socket, or its immediate power delivery, rather than a software-level compatibility or firmware bug. Addressing the physical connection or component integrity is a more direct approach for a hardware error LED.
- ✓
Reseat the CPU
Why this is correct
Reseating the CPU is often the first and most effective troubleshooting step when a diagnostic LED indicates a CPU error. This action can correct issues such as improper seating, bent pins (if applicable to the socket type), or poor electrical contact between the CPU and its socket. A slight misalignment or dust accumulation can prevent proper communication or power delivery to the CPU, triggering the error LED, and reseating often resolves these physical connection problems.
- ✗
Replace the CPU
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the CPU is a drastic and costly measure that should only be considered after exhausting all less invasive and more probable troubleshooting steps, such as reseating the component. A CPU error LED does not definitively mean the CPU is faulty, but rather that an issue exists within the CPU subsystem. It is crucial to rule out connection problems, power delivery issues, or even motherboard socket damage before concluding that the CPU itself requires replacement.
Visual reference
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Related to this question
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Key term
Thermal paste
Thermal paste is a heat-conductive substance applied between a computer's processor and its cooler to improve heat transfer and prevent overheating.
Key term
BIOS
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the low-level firmware stored on a motherboard chip that initializes and tests hardware components before loading the operating system.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.