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220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a workstation…
A technician is troubleshooting a workstation that fails to boot. The motherboard has a POST code display showing '00'. The CPU fan spins, but there is no display output. Which component is most likely faulty?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is assuming any no-display symptom points to the GPU or RAM — but a POST code of 00 specifically indicates the CPU never initialized, so candidates who skip reading the POST code pick the wrong component.
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 CPU
A POST code of '00' on most motherboard diagnostic displays indicates the CPU has not completed its initialization — the system never reaches the point of handing off to BIOS. Combined with spinning fans (power present) but no display, the CPU is the most likely failed component. POST code 00 typically means the processor failed to initialize or is not being recognized.
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 power supply unit
Why it's wrong here
A faulty power supply unit (PSU) typically manifests as a complete lack of power to the system, intermittent power delivery causing random shutdowns, or a failure to even initiate the boot process. A '00' POST code, however, usually indicates that the motherboard has received power and attempted to start the Power-On Self-Test (POST) but failed at a very early, fundamental stage, often before the CPU can properly initialize, rather than a total power absence.
- ✗
The RAM modules
Why it's wrong here
Issues with RAM modules are generally detected later in the Power-On Self-Test (POST) sequence, after the CPU and essential chipset components have successfully initialized. A faulty RAM stick or improper installation typically results in specific memory-related POST codes, such as '55' or 'b0' on some systems, or a distinct series of beep codes. The '00' code indicates a failure much earlier than the memory test phase, suggesting the system hasn't even reached the point of evaluating RAM.
- ✓
The CPU
Why this is correct
The '00' POST code is a strong indicator of a fundamental CPU initialization failure, particularly common with AMI BIOS systems. This code suggests that the central processing unit is either not properly seated in its socket, has bent pins, is physically damaged, or is fundamentally incompatible with the motherboard, preventing the system from even beginning the Power-On Self-Test (POST) sequence effectively. It signifies a failure at the very earliest stage of system startup, before other major components are tested.
- ✗
The graphics card
Why it's wrong here
A malfunctioning graphics card typically causes a lack of video output, but the system would generally continue through the Power-On Self-Test (POST) process. Instead of a '00' code, a faulty GPU would usually trigger a specific video-related POST code or a series of beep codes (e.g., one long, two short beeps) indicating a display subsystem issue. The '00' code points to a much earlier failure in the boot sequence, long before the system attempts to initialize or output video.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Troubleshoot: Power Supply Issues
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.
Key term
Power-on Self-test
The Power-on Self-test (POST) is a diagnostic process a computer runs immediately when you turn it on to check that essential hardware components are working correctly 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.