The answer is to check the CPU power cable connection. A CPU error LED after reseating the CPU often points to a power delivery failure rather than a physical CPU defect, because the motherboard’s diagnostic LEDs can only indicate that the CPU is not communicating, not why. The 8-pin (or 4+4 pin) CPU power connector is frequently left loose or unseated during reassembly, especially after cleaning or component swaps, and without it the CPU receives no voltage, triggering the error LED even if the CPU is perfectly seated. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of POST troubleshooting and power subsystem checks—a common trap is to re-seat the CPU again or replace it, wasting time. Remember the mnemonic “PWR before CPU” to remind yourself that power delivery must be verified before assuming a CPU fault.
220-1101 Motherboard Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of motherboard. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 will not boot and the motherboard's diagnostic LEDs show a CPU error. You reseat the CPU and check for bent pins, but the error persists. Which of the following should you check next?
Why wrong: RAM issues typically trigger a RAM error LED, not a CPU error LED, though they can sometimes cause confusion.
B
The motherboard's BIOS is corrupted
Why wrong: A corrupted BIOS can cause boot failures, but it usually does not trigger a specific CPU error LED; it might cause a general fault LED.
C
The CPU power cable is not fully connected
If the 8-pin CPU power connector is loose or disconnected, the CPU will not receive power, causing the motherboard to indicate a CPU error.
D
The CPU cooler is installed incorrectly
Why wrong: An incorrectly installed cooler can cause overheating, but this would not prevent the system from posting initially; the CPU error LED would not be triggered by a cooler issue.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The CPU power cable is not fully connected
A CPU error LED can indicate several issues, including power delivery problems. The 8-pin CPU power connector is often overlooked; if it is loose or not connected, the CPU will not receive power, triggering the error. This is a common mistake during builds or after cleaning.
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.
✗
The RAM modules are in the correct slots
Why it's wrong here
RAM issues typically trigger a RAM error LED, not a CPU error LED, though they can sometimes cause confusion.
✗
The motherboard's BIOS is corrupted
Why it's wrong here
A corrupted BIOS can cause boot failures, but it usually does not trigger a specific CPU error LED; it might cause a general fault LED.
✓
The CPU power cable is not fully connected
Why this is correct
If the 8-pin CPU power connector is loose or disconnected, the CPU will not receive power, causing the motherboard to indicate a CPU error.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The CPU cooler is installed incorrectly
Why it's wrong here
An incorrectly installed cooler can cause overheating, but this would not prevent the system from posting initially; the CPU error LED would not be triggered by a cooler issue.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
RAM issues typically trigger a RAM error LED, not a CPU error LED, though they can sometimes cause confusion.
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.
Motherboard — This question tests Motherboard — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The CPU power cable is not fully connected — A CPU error LED can indicate several issues, including power delivery problems. The 8-pin CPU power connector is often overlooked; if it is loose or not connected, the CPU will not receive power, triggering the error. This is a common mistake during builds or after cleaning.
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.
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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