No Power: Front Panel Header Not Connected
A technician is assembling a new desktop computer. After installing the motherboard, CPU, heatsink, RAM, and power supply, the technician presses the power button but nothing happens. No lights turn on, no fans spin. The power supply is brand new and known to be compatible. Which of the following should the technician check FIRST?
Quick Answer
The correct first step is to verify that the power switch cable from the front panel is connected to the correct motherboard header pins. When a new build shows no power—no lights, no fans—the most common culprit is that the small two-wire cable from the case’s power button is not seated on the proper header, typically labeled PWR_SW or PWR_BTN. Without this connection, pressing the button cannot complete the circuit that signals the power supply to turn on, even if the PSU is compatible and all other components are installed correctly. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1101 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the front panel header layout, a frequent troubleshooting trap where candidates mistakenly suspect a dead PSU or faulty motherboard first. A key memory tip is to think of the power button as a simple momentary switch: if the wire isn’t bridging the two pins, the circuit stays open, so always check the front panel header before swapping hardware.
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often jump to testing the power supply with a paperclip (Option D) because they think a 'no power' symptom always means a dead PSU, but the exam wants you to check the simplest and most common assembly error first—the front panel power switch connection.
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
✓
Verify that the power switch cable from the front panel is connected to the correct motherboard header pins
When a brand-new desktop shows no signs of power (no lights, no fans), the most logical first step is to verify the front panel power switch connection. The power button on the case is connected to the motherboard via a small two-wire cable that must be attached to the correct header pins (typically labeled PWR_SW or PWR_BTN). If this cable is not connected or is on the wrong pins, pressing the button will not complete the circuit to signal the power supply to turn on, even though all other components are properly installed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Verify that the power switch cable from the front panel is connected to the correct motherboard header pins
Why this is correct
With no lights or fans at all, the front-panel power switch signal is the likely break: if its cable is not seated on the correct motherboard header pins, the board never receives the power-on signal. Checking this first is quickest.
- ✗
Remove and reseat the CPU to ensure it is properly installed
Why it's wrong here
Reseating the CPU cannot restore power if the front-panel power switch header is not connected to the motherboard, which is the first thing to verify when no fans or lights respond. CPU reseating addresses POST failures with visible power, not a totally dead system.
- ✗
Remove and reseat the RAM modules in the correct slots
Why it's wrong here
RAM seating causes POST beep codes or boot loops, not a completely dead system with no fans or lights. The front-panel power switch header on the motherboard must be connected before any component reseating is warranted.
- ✗
Test the power supply by using a paperclip to short the green and black wires on the 24-pin connector
Why it's wrong here
Testing the power supply with a paperclip is premature because the system's failure to power on, with no lights or fans, points to a potential issue with the power button connection to the motherboard or the main 24-pin ATX connector. This test bypasses the system's power-on circuit entirely, so it would not diagnose a misconnected front panel header or an unseated main power cable. This method is correctly used to confirm the power supply unit's functionality in isolation, typically after ruling out motherboard and connection issues, or for powering components outside a system.
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Key term
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RAM (Random-Access Memory) is volatile computer memory that temporarily stores data for quick access by the CPU.
Key term
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 220-1101
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 technician is assembling a workstation. After installing the motherboard, CPU, CPU cooler, RAM, and connecting all necessary power cables, the system does not power on when the front panel power button is pressed. The technician verified the power supply works in another system. Which of the following should the technician check FIRST?
hard- A.The 4/8-pin CPU power connector
- B.The CMOS battery voltage
- ✓ C.The front panel header wiring
- D.The BIOS version compatibility
Why C: The front panel header wiring is the most likely cause because the power button connects to the motherboard through this header. If the wires are misaligned or not fully seated, pressing the button will not complete the circuit to signal the power supply to turn on. Since the PSU works in another system, the issue is almost certainly at the motherboard connection, making the front panel header the first logical check.
JA
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.