The answer is to run a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86. This is correct because random lockups and blue screens are classic symptoms of faulty RAM, which can mimic a failing CPU even when a CPU stress test passes without errors. Memory errors cause data corruption during read/write operations, leading to system instability that a CPU-focused stress test won’t catch. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to isolate hardware faults methodically—a common trap is jumping to replace the CPU when the real culprit is memory. Remember the mnemonic “RAM before CPU” to avoid wasting time on the wrong component.
220-1101 CPU Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cpu. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 technician is troubleshooting a system that experiences random lockups and blue screens. The technician suspects a CPU issue but has already run a stress test without errors. Which diagnostic step should the technician perform next to isolate the problem?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Run a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86
Random lockups and blue screens can also be caused by memory errors. Running a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86 will test the RAM for faults, which can produce symptoms similar to a failing CPU. This helps rule out memory before replacing the CPU.
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.
✗
Replace the CPU with a known good one
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the CPU is premature without ruling out other components; it is an expensive and time-consuming step.
✗
Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version
Why it's wrong here
A BIOS update might fix compatibility issues, but it is unlikely to resolve random lockups caused by faulty RAM.
✓
Run a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86
Why this is correct
Memory errors can mimic CPU problems; testing RAM is a logical next step after CPU stress tests pass.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Check the CPU voltage in BIOS and increase it slightly
Why it's wrong here
Adjusting voltage is an overclocking technique and could cause instability if not needed; it is not a standard diagnostic step.
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: Run a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86 — Random lockups and blue screens can also be caused by memory errors. Running a memory diagnostic tool like MemTest86 will test the RAM for faults, which can produce symptoms similar to a failing CPU. This helps rule out memory before replacing the CPU.
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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