220-1101 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
A user reports that their desktop computer shuts down unexpectedly without warning, typically when playing graphics-intensive games or running video rendering software. The technician has verified that the CPU cooler is properly seated with fresh thermal paste and that all fans spin freely. The event logs show a kernel-power error 41. Which of the following should the technician do NEXT?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to assume a kernel-power 41 always means a driver or OS issue, but CompTIA specifically tests the distinction between software crashes and hardware power failures under load.
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 power supply under load or replace it with a known-good unit
Kernel-power error 41 indicates an unexpected loss of power. Under heavy GPU load, a failing or underrated power supply can drop voltage or current, causing the system to shut down instantly. Since the CPU cooling is verified, the power supply is the most likely culprit.
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 RAM modules with known-good ones
Why it's wrong here
RAM faults typically manifest as blue-screen errors (e.g., MEMORY_MANAGEMENT), application crashes, or corrupted data, but the system remains powered and may still display an error. A sudden, complete power-off with no shutdown sequence indicates the power delivery path failed, not memory integrity. Swapping RAM won't address a PSU that can't sustain voltage under load.
- ✗
Run a hard drive diagnostic test
Why it's wrong here
Hard drive failures are usually gradual and produce SMART errors, clicking noises, boot failures, or file corruption—none of which cause an instantaneous loss of electrical power. The system would remain powered to show an error or attempt recovery. A desktop that shuts off abruptly during high CPU/GPU usage points to a failing power supply, not storage media.
- ✓
Test the power supply under load or replace it with a known-good unit
Why this is correct
A PSU under load can experience voltage droop or current overload, triggering its over-voltage or under-voltage protection and instantly cutting power to the system. Idle voltage measurements often look correct, so a simple multimeter check is insufficient; proper diagnosis requires a load tester or substitution with a known-good unit. This is the classic cause of a Windows kernel-power 41 event logged after unexpected shutdowns.
- ✗
Update the graphics card driver to the latest version
Why it's wrong here
Outdated or defective GPU drivers cause display-related issues like TDR, black screens, or game crashes, but the operating system and hardware remain powered and responsive. An abrupt, complete shutdown is a hardware-level power event; the driver has no control over the power supply's protection circuits. A kernel-power 41 event following sudden shutdowns is far more indicative of a failing PSU than a software driver problem.
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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.