FC0-U71 Infrastructure Practice Question
A user reports that their desktop computer will not power on at all. No lights appear, and no fans spin. The power cable is securely connected to the wall outlet and the power supply. Which component should the technician check first?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is jumping to internal components like RAM or storage when the total absence of power activity indicates a problem with the power supply or its connections.
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 unit
A completely unresponsive computer with no lights or fan activity points to a power delivery problem, making the power supply unit the first component to check. RAM, hard drive, and CPU cooler issues would typically allow some signs of power or produce specific errors.
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 hard drive
Why it's wrong here
A failed hard drive would not stop the computer from powering on; the user would see BIOS or error messages. The absence of any power activity points to a power delivery issue, not storage. The hard drive is not involved in initial power-up.
- ✓
The power supply unit
Why this is correct
When a computer shows no signs of power, the power supply unit is a primary suspect because it distributes electricity to all components. If it fails, no lights or fans will operate. Checking the PSU first is logical before examining other parts that depend on it for power.
- ✗
The CPU cooler
Why it's wrong here
A faulty CPU cooler might cause overheating or shutdowns after startup, but it would not prevent the system from powering on entirely. Fans would still spin initially. The complete lack of power suggests a problem before the CPU cooler becomes relevant.
- ✗
The RAM modules
Why it's wrong here
Faulty RAM can cause boot failures or beep codes, but it would not prevent fans from spinning or lights from appearing. The system would still receive power and attempt to POST. Therefore, RAM is not the first component to check for a completely dead system.
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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
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