220-1101 Hardware Practice Question
A technician installs a new CPU in a desktop computer. The motherboard supports both 8th and 9th generation Intel Core processors. After assembly, the system powers on, all fans spin, but the monitor displays 'No Signal' and the motherboard's diagnostic LEDs cycle through and then stay lit on the CPU indicator. The technician has already reseated the CPU and inspected the socket for bent pins, finding none. The RAM and GPU are known to work from another system. Which of the following should the technician do NEXT?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume a CPU that physically fits the socket will always work, overlooking the critical requirement for BIOS microcode support across different generations of the same socket.
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
✓
Update the motherboard BIOS to a version that supports the 9th generation CPU
The motherboard's diagnostic LED staying lit on the CPU indicates a CPU initialization failure. Since the motherboard supports both 8th and 9th generation CPUs but may require a BIOS update to add microcode for 9th generation support, the most likely cause is an incompatible BIOS version. Updating the BIOS to a version that includes support for the 9th generation CPU will resolve the issue.
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 unit with one of higher wattage
Why it's wrong here
The system powers on and fans spin, confirming that the PSU is delivering both standby and main power rails within acceptable limits. A higher-wattage power supply only helps when the existing unit is overloaded or on the edge of shutdown, neither of which is indicated. The diagnostic LED specifically points to a CPU initialization issue, which is a firmware/communication failure unrelated to power delivery, so a PSU swap will not add the missing microcode.
When this WOULD be correct
If the system fails to power on entirely (no fans, no LEDs) after installing new components, and the existing PSU is underrated for the total power draw, replacing with a higher-wattage PSU would be the correct next step.
- ✓
Update the motherboard BIOS to a version that supports the 9th generation CPU
Why this is correct
The motherboard's chipset supports both 8th and 9th generation CPUs, but the BIOS must contain microcode for the specific CPU stepping to initialize it. An older BIOS lacks that microcode, so POST fails before the CPU can be recognized. Updating the BIOS to the version specified on the motherboard's support page adds the required microcode and lets the system boot normally.
- ✗
Replace the CPU with a different unit of the same model
Why it's wrong here
Another identical 9th generation CPU will have the same microcode requirement and stepping, so the outdated BIOS will still be unable to recognize it. The diagnostic LED reflects the motherboard's failure to decode the CPU ID, which is a firmware limitation, not evidence of a defective processor. Swapping parts unnecessarily risks electrostatic discharge, bent pins, or contact damage, and delays the actual fix of updating the BIOS.
When this WOULD be correct
This option would be correct if the technician had already verified CPU compatibility (e.g., BIOS updated) and the system still fails to POST, with diagnostic LEDs indicating a CPU fault. In that case, replacing the CPU with a different unit of the same model would rule out a defective CPU.
- ✗
Clear the CMOS by removing the battery
Why it's wrong here
Clearing the CMOS by removing the battery only resets configuration settings stored in CMOS RAM, such as boot order or XMP profiles. The BIOS firmware itself—where CPU microcode is embedded—remains untouched on the flash ROM. Since the board still lacks the microcode for the 9th generation CPU, the system will continue to fail with the diagnostic LED indicating a CPU initialization error, so this step cannot resolve the problem.
When this WOULD be correct
A technician installs a new CPU and the system fails to boot with a CPU diagnostic LED lit, but the motherboard already supports the CPU. After verifying the CPU is compatible, clearing CMOS resolves the issue because previous BIOS settings (e.g., overclocking or memory timings) are causing a boot failure.
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.
✓Update the motherboard BIOS to a version that supports the 9th generation CPUCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
The motherboard's chipset supports both 8th and 9th generation CPUs, but the BIOS must contain microcode for the specific CPU stepping to initialize it. An older BIOS lacks that microcode, so POST fails before the CPU can be recognized. Updating the BIOS to the version specified on the motherboard's support page adds the required microcode and lets the system boot normally.
✗Replace the power supply unit with one of higher wattageWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The system powers on and fans spin, indicating the PSU is supplying power. The CPU diagnostic LED stays lit, pointing to a CPU or compatibility issue, not insufficient wattage.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the system fails to power on entirely (no fans, no LEDs) after installing new components, and the existing PSU is underrated for the total power draw, replacing with a higher-wattage PSU would be the correct next step.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may assume that a new CPU requires more power, and that insufficient wattage could cause boot failures, even though the symptoms here (fans spinning, CPU LED lit) indicate a different issue.
✗Replace the CPU with a different unit of the same modelWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The CPU is new and the system powers on with fans spinning, indicating the CPU is likely functional. The diagnostic LED stays on CPU, suggesting a compatibility issue rather than a defective CPU, so replacing it with another of the same model would not resolve the problem.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
This option would be correct if the technician had already verified CPU compatibility (e.g., BIOS updated) and the system still fails to POST, with diagnostic LEDs indicating a CPU fault. In that case, replacing the CPU with a different unit of the same model would rule out a defective CPU.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may assume that a new CPU could be defective, especially when other components are known to work, and think replacing it is a logical next step without considering compatibility issues first.
✗Clear the CMOS by removing the batteryWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Clearing CMOS resets BIOS settings but does not add CPU microcode support; the motherboard already supports 8th and 9th gen CPUs, so a BIOS update is needed for the specific 9th gen model.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A technician installs a new CPU and the system fails to boot with a CPU diagnostic LED lit, but the motherboard already supports the CPU. After verifying the CPU is compatible, clearing CMOS resolves the issue because previous BIOS settings (e.g., overclocking or memory timings) are causing a boot failure.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates often think clearing CMOS fixes any boot issue by resetting hardware configuration, but it does not address missing CPU microcode support.
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?”
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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.