220-1101 Hardware Practice Question
A technician is upgrading a desktop computer with a new CPU and motherboard. After installation, the computer powers on but the monitor displays 'No Signal'. The technician verifies the monitor works, and the GPU fans spin. The motherboard has no onboard video. Which of the following should the technician do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a 'No Signal' display with spinning GPU fans always points to a GPU or display issue, when in fact the root cause is often a missing or loose CPU power connector preventing the system from completing POST.
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
✓
Check the CPU power connector
The CPU power connector (typically a 4+4 pin EPS12V connector) supplies dedicated power to the CPU. If it is not connected or is loose, the CPU will not initialize, causing the system to power on (fans spin, lights come on) but fail to POST, resulting in a 'No Signal' display. Since the GPU fans spin and the monitor works, the issue is likely a lack of CPU power, making checking this connector the first logical step.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reseat the GPU
Why it's wrong here
Reseating the GPU is a reasonable troubleshooting step, but if the GPU fans are spinning, it likely has power and is seated. The issue is more fundamental; the system may not be POSTing at all due to missing CPU power.
When this WOULD be correct
If the monitor showed 'No Signal' and the GPU fans did not spin, or if the GPU was recently moved and the system had power but no display, reseating the GPU would be the first step to ensure proper contact.
- ✓
Check the CPU power connector
Why this is correct
When upgrading a CPU and motherboard, the CPU power connector (often a 4-pin or 8-pin EPS/ATX 12V cable from the PSU) is a separate feed from the main 24-pin ATX connector. If this connector is unseated or forgotten, the CPU receives no power and the system will not POST, typically showing no display and no beep codes. This is a quick visual check that should always precede deeper troubleshooting like BIOS updates or CMOS resets, as it is a frequent first-time build mistake.
- ✗
Clear the CMOS
Why it's wrong here
Clearing CMOS resets BIOS settings to defaults. This could help if the board has a faulty overclock setting, but it is not the most likely issue and should be checked after verifying all power connections.
When this WOULD be correct
Clearing the CMOS would be the correct first step if the computer was previously working and after a hardware change (e.g., adding RAM) it fails to boot with a black screen, or if the system is stuck in a boot loop due to incorrect BIOS settings.
- ✗
Update the BIOS
Why it's wrong here
A BIOS update might be needed for CPU compatibility, but this is not the first step. The system should at least POST with the basic setup. Updating BIOS should be considered if all other checks (power, seating) pass.
When this WOULD be correct
A technician installs a new CPU that requires a BIOS update for compatibility. The system powers on but fails to boot or has intermittent issues. In that case, updating the BIOS to support the new CPU would be the correct first step.
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.
✓Check the CPU power connectorCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
When upgrading a CPU and motherboard, the CPU power connector (often a 4-pin or 8-pin EPS/ATX 12V cable from the PSU) is a separate feed from the main 24-pin ATX connector. If this connector is unseated or forgotten, the CPU receives no power and the system will not POST, typically showing no display and no beep codes. This is a quick visual check that should always precede deeper troubleshooting like BIOS updates or CMOS resets, as it is a frequent first-time build mistake.
✗Reseat the GPUWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The GPU fans spin, indicating the GPU is receiving power and likely seated correctly. The issue is more likely a missing CPU power connection, which prevents the system from initializing and sending a display signal.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the monitor showed 'No Signal' and the GPU fans did not spin, or if the GPU was recently moved and the system had power but no display, reseating the GPU would be the first step to ensure proper contact.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates often assume a loose GPU is the cause of no display, especially when fans spin, but they overlook that the CPU power connector is essential for the system to boot and output video.
✗Clear the CMOSWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Clearing the CMOS resets BIOS settings to default, but the 'No Signal' issue here is likely due to the CPU not receiving power, as the motherboard has no onboard video and the GPU is verified working. CMOS reset would not fix a missing CPU power connection.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
Clearing the CMOS would be the correct first step if the computer was previously working and after a hardware change (e.g., adding RAM) it fails to boot with a black screen, or if the system is stuck in a boot loop due to incorrect BIOS settings.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think clearing CMOS is a universal fix for boot issues, especially after hardware changes, because it can resolve problems caused by incorrect BIOS settings or memory training failures.
✗Update the BIOSWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Updating the BIOS is not the first step because the system powers on but has no display, which typically indicates a hardware connection issue, not a BIOS version problem. The motherboard has no onboard video, so the GPU is needed, but the GPU fans spin, suggesting it has power.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
A technician installs a new CPU that requires a BIOS update for compatibility. The system powers on but fails to boot or has intermittent issues. In that case, updating the BIOS to support the new CPU would be the correct first step.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may think a new CPU or motherboard might need a BIOS update to work, but in this scenario, the lack of display is more likely due to a missing power connection, not a BIOS issue.
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
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