220-1101 BIOS version compatibility Practice Question
A technician is building a new PC using an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU and an Asus TUF GAMING B550-PLUS motherboard. After installing all components, the system powers on, the CPU and GPU fans spin, but the monitor remains black and there are no POST beeps. The technician has already reseated the RAM and GPU, and verified that the 8-pin EPS12V power connector is connected. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a black screen with spinning fans always indicates a GPU or RAM issue, when in fact the CPU-motherboard compatibility (BIOS version) is a critical first step in the POST sequence.
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 motherboard BIOS needs to be updated to support the Ryzen 5 5600X
The Ryzen 5 5600X is based on the Zen 3 architecture, which requires a BIOS version that supports AGESA ComboV2 1.1.0.0 or later. The Asus TUF GAMING B550-PLUS motherboard may ship with an older BIOS that only supports Zen 2 (Ryzen 3000 series) CPUs. Without the updated BIOS, the motherboard cannot initialize the CPU, resulting in a black screen and no POST beeps despite fans spinning.
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 wattage is insufficient for the CPU and GPU
Why it's wrong here
If the PSU were insufficient, the system would likely shut down or show instability under load, not fail to POST entirely with all fans spinning. The system has enough power to spin fans, so wattage is likely adequate.
- ✓
The motherboard BIOS needs to be updated to support the Ryzen 5 5600X
Why this is correct
The Ryzen 5 5600X is a Vermeer-generation CPU that may require a newer BIOS version on Asus TUF B550 boards. Motherboards shipped before the 5000-series launch or manufactured without an updated microcode will not recognize the CPU, so the system powers on with fans spinning but never reaches POST, producing no video output or beep codes. Updating the BIOS via USB flashback or installing an older compatible CPU to flash it is the standard remedy.
- ✗
The RAM is installed in the wrong slots for dual-channel mode
Why it's wrong here
Installing RAM in the wrong slots for dual-channel operation can degrade memory bandwidth and system performance, but it does not prevent POST. The memory controller still initializes a single stick or a pair in single-channel mode, and the board will typically emit a successful beep or display a splash screen. Since the system fails to POST entirely, this option cannot explain the blank screen, unlike a CPU-compatibility issue.
- ✗
The CPU cooler is not making proper contact with the CPU
Why it's wrong here
Improper cooler contact would cause the CPU to overheat quickly, leading to thermal shutdown after a few seconds. The system in this scenario remains powered on continuously with fans spinning, which rules out immediate thermal failure.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
PSU Connector Types: 24-pin, PCIe, SATA
Key term
RAM
RAM (Random-Access Memory) is volatile computer memory that temporarily stores data for quick access by the CPU.
Key term
Advanced Micro Devices
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is a company that designs and manufactures central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and other computer hardware components used in personal computers, servers, and embedded systems.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1101 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 220-1101 exam.