220-1101 Hardware Practice Question
A technician is assembling a new custom workstation. After installing the motherboard, CPU, cooler, RAM, and a dedicated graphics card, the system powers on when the power button is pressed. The case fans spin, the CPU cooler fan spins, and LEDs on the motherboard light up. However, there is no display, and the motherboard's DRAM_LED remains lit. The technician has already tried reseating the RAM in different slots and using a single stick, but the issue persists. The CPU and motherboard are both new and listed as compatible. Which of the following should the technician check NEXT?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates see the DRAM_LED and immediately assume a RAM fault, overlooking that the CPU power connector is a prerequisite for the memory controller to function, especially when the rest of the system (fans, LEDs) appears to power on.
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 CPU power connector (EPS12V) is not connected
The DRAM_LED remaining lit indicates the motherboard is not detecting or initializing the RAM. Since reseating and single-stick testing did not resolve the issue, the next most likely cause is insufficient power to the CPU memory controller. The EPS12V (4+4 pin) CPU power connector supplies dedicated 12V power to the CPU and its integrated memory controller; without it, the CPU cannot communicate with the RAM, causing the DRAM LED to stay on even though the system appears to power on.
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 power connector (EPS12V) is not connected
Why this is correct
If the EPS12V connector is not plugged in or not fully seated, the CPU cannot initialize. The motherboard may still power on fans and lights, but the CPU memory controller won't function, causing a DRAM LED. This is a common oversight during new builds.
- ✗
The GPU power cables are not connected
Why it's wrong here
Missing GPU power would cause the graphics card to not output video, but the DRAM LED would not necessarily stay lit. The motherboard usually has a separate VGA LED or no LED for that. The DRAM LED points to memory initialization failure, not GPU power.
- ✗
The RAM is not supported by the motherboard
Why it's wrong here
Unsupported RAM could cause a DRAM LED, but the technician has already reseated RAM and tried single sticks, which reduces the likelihood of a compatibility issue as a first check. Checking CPU power is more direct and does not require checking the QVL list.
- ✗
The CMOS battery is dead
Why it's wrong here
A dead CMOS battery can cause the system to lose BIOS settings, but it typically does not prevent POST entirely. The system would still attempt to boot with default settings and the DRAM LED would not stay lit solely due to a dead battery. This is unlikely in a new build.
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
RAM Types and Memory Slots
Key term
Light-emitting Diode
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it, commonly used as an indicator or illumination source in electronic devices.
Key term
RAM
RAM (Random-Access Memory) is volatile computer memory that temporarily stores data for quick access by the CPU.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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