hardMultiple Choice
220-1201 Practice Question: Troubleshooting a workstation that randomly…
You are troubleshooting a workstation that randomly reboots when running 3D rendering software. The CPU and GPU temperatures are normal. You have already replaced the RAM and tested the hard drive. What component is most likely the root cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
220-1201 often tests the misconception that random reboots under load are always thermal or RAM-related — the trap is ignoring the 'temperatures are normal' clue and the load-dependent pattern that specifically implicates the PSU.
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 power supply is unable to deliver consistent power under load
Random reboots under heavy 3D rendering load — with normal CPU/GPU temperatures and already-replaced RAM and tested storage — point to the power supply. 3D rendering drives both CPU and GPU to high power draw simultaneously, and a failing or underrated PSU cannot sustain stable voltage under that combined load, causing spontaneous reboots or shutdowns. This is a classic load-dependent power fault.
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 CPU is overheating despite normal readings
Why it's wrong here
Modern CPUs are equipped with highly accurate thermal sensors that report temperature data to the system. If these readings consistently show normal operating temperatures, it is highly improbable that the CPU is overheating. While a faulty sensor is possible, it's rare, and the system's thermal throttling or shutdown mechanisms would typically activate if actual temperatures exceeded safe limits, even if reported incorrectly, leading to performance issues or immediate shutdown rather than random reboots.
- ✓
The power supply is unable to deliver consistent power under load
Why this is correct
A failing power supply unit (PSU) is a very common cause of random reboots, especially when the system is under load, such as during gaming or intensive tasks. When the CPU or GPU demands more power, a weak or faulty PSU may experience significant voltage drops or excessive ripple on its output rails. These power fluctuations can fall below the stable operating thresholds required by components, causing the motherboard's power monitoring circuits to trigger an immediate system reset or shutdown to protect hardware integrity.
- ✗
The GPU driver is corrupted
Why it's wrong here
A corrupted GPU driver typically manifests as graphical anomalies, such as screen artifacts, freezing, or application crashes, particularly when graphics-intensive tasks are initiated. While a severe driver issue could potentially lead to a system crash (Blue Screen of Death), it is less likely to cause random, unlogged reboots without any prior visual indication or error messages. Such issues are usually software-related and would not typically trigger a hard reboot without an OS-level error.
- ✗
The motherboard has a short circuit
Why it's wrong here
A short circuit on the motherboard typically results in immediate and catastrophic failure, such as the system failing to power on at all, or an instant shutdown upon attempting to boot. The power supply unit often has built-in short-circuit protection that would prevent the system from even starting or would immediately cut power. It is highly improbable for a short circuit to cause intermittent, random reboots under load, as such an electrical fault usually leads to a complete and consistent failure state.
Go deeper
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Key term
CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main electronic brain of a computer that carries out instructions from software by performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.
Key term
GPU
A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a specialized processor that handles the rendering of images, video, and animations for display output and can also be used for general-purpose parallel computing tasks.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This 220-1201 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 220-1201 exam.