hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A technician is troubleshooting a workstation…
A technician is troubleshooting a workstation that randomly reboots under heavy load, such as when running a benchmark or rendering video. The system passes a memory test with no errors, and the CPU temperatures are normal. The power supply is a 500W unit that is three years old. What is the most likely cause of the reboots?
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 power supply is unable to deliver consistent power under peak load.
Under heavy load, the system draws more power. An aging or insufficient power supply may not be able to deliver stable voltage, causing the system to reboot. This is a common issue that can mimic RAM problems but is actually power-related.
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 RAM is overheating under load.
Why it's wrong here
While RAM can overheat, it is a less common cause of system instability compared to other components. Overheated RAM typically manifests as memory errors, blue screens of death (BSODs), or application crashes, rather than immediate system reboots. The fact that a memory test passed further indicates that the RAM itself is likely stable and not experiencing thermal issues or fundamental defects causing the reboots.
- ✗
The motherboard capacitors are failing.
Why it's wrong here
Failing motherboard capacitors, often identifiable by visible bulging, leaking electrolyte, or a flattened top, typically lead to system instability, boot failures, or intermittent power issues. While they can cause random shutdowns, the primary symptom is often a complete inability to power on or POST, or very erratic behavior, rather than consistent reboots specifically under load without other visible signs of damage.
- ✓
The power supply is unable to deliver consistent power under peak load.
Why this is correct
An aging or insufficient power supply unit (PSU) struggles to provide stable voltage and amperage to components when the system demands peak power, such as during gaming or intensive tasks. This inability results in voltage sags or drops, which can trigger the motherboard's protection mechanisms, causing an immediate and unexpected system reboot to prevent damage. This symptom perfectly aligns with random reboots occurring specifically under load.
- ✗
The CPU is throttling due to a failing fan.
Why it's wrong here
CPU throttling occurs when the processor detects excessively high temperatures and reduces its clock speed to prevent thermal damage. While a failing CPU fan could lead to overheating and subsequent throttling, the technician explicitly confirmed that CPU temperatures are normal. Therefore, thermal throttling due to a cooling issue is not the cause of the random reboots in this specific troubleshooting scenario.
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TCP/IP and Common Ports for A+
Key term
CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main electronic brain of a computer that carries out instructions from software by performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.
Key term
Dual In-line Memory Module
A Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) is a small circuit board that holds memory chips and plugs into a computer's motherboard to provide Random Access Memory (RAM).
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 220-1201
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 small office manager wants to upgrade the RAM in several identical workstations from 8 GB to 16 GB. The current modules are DDR3-1600. The company has a box of unused DDR3-1333 modules from an older system. Can they use these modules to upgrade the workstations?
easy- A.No, because the speeds are different and will cause system instability.
- B.Yes, but only if they replace the existing modules entirely with the DDR3-1333 modules.
- C.No, because DDR3-1333 is not compatible with DDR3-1600 slots.
- ✓ D.Yes, they can add the DDR3-1333 modules, but all RAM will run at 1333 MHz.
Why D: DDR3-1333 and DDR3-1600 are both DDR3, so they are physically compatible. However, mixing speeds forces all modules to run at the slower 1333 MHz, which may slightly reduce performance. The upgrade is possible but not optimal.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.