hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a system that…
A technician is troubleshooting a system that experiences random lockups and blue screens. The technician suspects a CPU issue but has already run a stress test without errors. Which diagnostic step should the technician perform next to isolate the problem?
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
✓
Run a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86
Random lockups and blue screens can also be caused by memory errors. Running a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86 will test the RAM for faults, which can produce symptoms similar to a failing CPU. This helps rule out memory before replacing the CPU.
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 CPU with a known good one
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the CPU is a drastic and expensive troubleshooting step that should only be considered after ruling out more common and easily diagnosable issues. Random lockups are frequently caused by faulty RAM, overheating, or power supply problems, which are simpler to test. Swapping a CPU requires careful handling, thermal paste application, and often disassembling the cooling system, making it an inefficient initial diagnostic.
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Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version
Why it's wrong here
Updating the motherboard BIOS is primarily intended to resolve compatibility issues with new hardware, improve system stability, or fix specific firmware bugs. While it can sometimes address obscure system behaviors, it is an unlikely solution for random lockups, which often point to a hardware fault like failing RAM or an unstable power supply. Furthermore, a failed BIOS update can render the motherboard inoperable, making it a risky step without strong evidence it's the cause.
- ✓
Run a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86
Why this is correct
Running a dedicated memory diagnostic tool, such as MemTest86, is a crucial and highly effective troubleshooting step for random system lockups or crashes. Faulty RAM modules can cause unpredictable system behavior, including blue screens, application errors, and complete system freezes, often mimicking issues with the CPU or operating system. These tools perform exhaustive read/write tests on memory cells, reliably identifying intermittent or persistent errors that other diagnostics might miss, making it a logical and non-invasive first approach.
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Check the CPU voltage in BIOS and increase it slightly
Why it's wrong here
Adjusting CPU voltage in the BIOS is an advanced technique primarily used for overclocking or stabilizing an under-volted CPU, not a standard diagnostic procedure for random lockups. Increasing voltage unnecessarily can lead to excessive heat generation, reduced component lifespan, and further system instability or damage. Unless there's specific evidence of insufficient voltage, such as under-clocking or a known power delivery issue, this action introduces more variables and risks rather than diagnosing the root cause.
Go deeper
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RAM Types and Memory Slots
Key term
CAN
A CAN (Controller Area Network) is a robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other without a host computer.
Key term
RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is your computer's short-term memory, temporarily holding data the CPU needs right now or very soon.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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