The answer is an unstable CPU overclock or insufficient voltage. This is correct because WHEA-Logger CPU errors are logged by the Windows Hardware Error Architecture when the processor detects a fatal hardware-level failure, most commonly from voltage starvation or timing instability during an overclock. When the CPU doesn’t receive stable power or is pushed beyond its reliable frequency, it cannot complete instructions correctly, triggering the freeze and the WHEA-Logger entry. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to correlate Event Viewer logs with hardware troubleshooting, often appearing as a distractor where candidates mistakenly blame overheating or driver corruption. A common trap is to assume a failing power supply is the root cause, but the specific WHEA-Logger CPU error points directly to the CPU’s own voltage or clock stability. Remember the mnemonic: “WHEA warns: Voltage or Clock Unstable.”
220-1101 CPU Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cpu. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user reports that their computer intermittently freezes for a few seconds during normal use. The technician checks Event Viewer and finds 'WHEA-Logger' errors related to the CPU. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Why wrong: Graphics driver issues cause display-related problems, not WHEA errors specifically tied to the CPU.
B
CPU overheating
Why wrong: Overheating usually causes shutdowns or throttling, not intermittent freezes with WHEA errors; WHEA errors point to electrical or stability issues.
C
Unstable CPU overclock or insufficient voltage
WHEA-Logger errors are a classic sign of an unstable overclock or voltage issue, causing transient errors.
D
Faulty hard drive
Why wrong: A bad hard drive causes data corruption or slow access, not CPU-related WHEA errors.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Unstable CPU overclock or insufficient voltage
WHEA-Logger errors often indicate hardware issues, particularly with the CPU or its voltage. This can stem from an unstable overclock or insufficient power delivery.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Outdated graphics driver
Why it's wrong here
Graphics driver issues cause display-related problems, not WHEA errors specifically tied to the CPU.
✗
CPU overheating
Why it's wrong here
Overheating usually causes shutdowns or throttling, not intermittent freezes with WHEA errors; WHEA errors point to electrical or stability issues.
✓
Unstable CPU overclock or insufficient voltage
Why this is correct
WHEA-Logger errors are a classic sign of an unstable overclock or voltage issue, causing transient errors.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Faulty hard drive
Why it's wrong here
A bad hard drive causes data corruption or slow access, not CPU-related WHEA errors.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
CPU — This question tests CPU — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Unstable CPU overclock or insufficient voltage — WHEA-Logger errors often indicate hardware issues, particularly with the CPU or its voltage. This can stem from an unstable overclock or insufficient power delivery.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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