220-1101 Hardware Practice Question
A technician is upgrading the RAM in a desktop computer. After installing two new identical DDR4 modules into the appropriate slots, the computer powers on but does not display any video and emits a series of short beeps. The technician verifies that the modules are compatible with the motherboard and are firmly seated. Which of the following should the technician do NEXT?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates may jump to updating the BIOS or replacing the power supply because they assume compatibility or power issues, but the beep code directly points to memory, and the simplest hardware isolation step is testing modules individually.
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
✓
Test the modules one at a time
The series of short beeps indicates a memory-related POST failure. Since the modules are compatible and seated correctly, the most likely issue is a defective module or a slot problem. Testing each module individually in a known-good slot isolates the faulty component without introducing unnecessary variables.
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 power supply
Why it's wrong here
The system is receiving power and successfully executing the BIOS POST routine, as evidenced by the audible beep code. A faulty or inadequate power supply typically manifests as a complete failure to power on, random resets, or shutdowns under load—not as a specific memory-related beep pattern. Since the beep code points squarely at RAM initialization, swapping the PSU would be an unnecessary and ineffective step that does not address the actual memory channel error.
When this WOULD be correct
A technician replaces a high-end GPU and the computer fails to boot with no beeps. The power supply may lack sufficient wattage or the required PCIe power connectors, making replacement the next step.
- ✓
Test the modules one at a time
Why this is correct
By testing each RAM module individually in a known-working slot, the technician can identify if one module is faulty or if the issue is with a particular motherboard slot. This is the most efficient next step.
- ✗
Replace the CPU
Why it's wrong here
CPU failures are rare, and when they do occur, they usually produce no beep code at all, or a different, non-memory-specific pattern such as a continuous long beep or a combination tied to the processor. While the CPU's integrated memory controller is involved in RAM initialization, a faulty CPU would typically prevent POST entirely or cause a different error indication, not a short beep code signaling a memory training failure. Moreover, because the problem appeared immediately after installing new RAM, the most likely culprit is the memory modules or slots, not the CPU.
When this WOULD be correct
If the computer powers on with no video and no beeps, or if the beep code specifically indicates a CPU failure (e.g., continuous short beeps on some BIOS), and the CPU fan does not spin, then replacing the CPU would be the next step.
- ✗
Update the BIOS
Why it's wrong here
Updating the BIOS would not resolve a beep code indicating a RAM training failure or memory initialisation error, because the modules are already compatible and seated correctly; the issue lies in the memory channel configuration or a faulty slot, not in the firmware’s compatibility list. This option is tempting because a BIOS update can fix memory compatibility issues with newer modules on older boards, and it would be correct if the motherboard’s original firmware lacked support for the specific DDR4 kit’s timings or density.
When this WOULD be correct
A technician installs a new CPU that is not recognized by the motherboard, but the system powers on with no video and no beeps. After verifying compatibility and seating, the next step is to update the BIOS to support the new CPU.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 220-1101 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Test the modules one at a timeCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
By testing each RAM module individually in a known-working slot, the technician can identify if one module is faulty or if the issue is with a particular motherboard slot. This is the most efficient next step.
✗Replace the power supplyWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The power supply is unlikely to cause a series of short beeps specifically related to RAM issues; beep codes for power supply failures are typically different or the system would not power on at all.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A technician replaces a high-end GPU and the computer fails to boot with no beeps. The power supply may lack sufficient wattage or the required PCIe power connectors, making replacement the next step.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may assume any boot failure is due to insufficient power, especially after adding new components, but the beep code points specifically to memory problems.
✗Replace the CPUWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The computer emits beep codes indicating a memory issue, and the CPU is not typically associated with short beep patterns. Replacing the CPU would be premature without first isolating the faulty component.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the computer powers on with no video and no beeps, or if the beep code specifically indicates a CPU failure (e.g., continuous short beeps on some BIOS), and the CPU fan does not spin, then replacing the CPU would be the next step.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse memory beep codes with CPU beep codes, or assume that any hardware failure after an upgrade could be due to CPU incompatibility or damage.
✗Update the BIOSWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Updating the BIOS is not the next step because the system emits beep codes indicating a hardware issue, likely with RAM, and the technician has not yet isolated the faulty module. BIOS update is a more advanced troubleshooting step after basic hardware checks.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A technician installs a new CPU that is not recognized by the motherboard, but the system powers on with no video and no beeps. After verifying compatibility and seating, the next step is to update the BIOS to support the new CPU.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think a BIOS update can resolve compatibility issues with new RAM, but the beep codes point to a hardware fault, not a firmware incompatibility.
Analysis generated from the official 220-1101blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
PCIe Slots and Expansion Cards
Key term
RAM
RAM (Random-Access Memory) is volatile computer memory that temporarily stores data for quick access by the CPU.
Key term
Power-on Self-test
The Power-on Self-test (POST) is a diagnostic process a computer runs immediately when you turn it on to check that essential hardware components are working correctly before loading the operating system.
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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.