Quick Answer
The correct answer is RAM because when a power supply fan spins but there is no display and no beep codes, the system is failing the Power-On Self-Test (POST) before it can initialize video. During POST, the motherboard checks the CPU, RAM, and other core components in a strict sequence; RAM is tested early, and if it is faulty, loose, or incompatible, the motherboard halts silently—no beeps, no display. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this “no power, no POST” scenario is a classic trap: many students assume a spinning fan means the system is fine, but it only proves the PSU delivers standby power, not that POST completes. The key memory tip is “RAM first, then reseat”—always reseat the RAM modules before swapping the power supply or motherboard. Think of it this way: no POST with a spinning fan? Check RAM first, because memory is the most common silent killer of the boot process.
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop that does not power on. The power supply fan spins, but there is no display and no beep codes. Which component should the technician check first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
RAM
Faulty or loose RAM often prevents booting and can be fixed by reseating.
Motherboard
Why wrong: Motherboard failure is possible but is not the first thing to check.
CPU
Why wrong: A failed CPU usually causes no power at all or specific beep codes.
Power supply
Why wrong: The fan spins, indicating power supply is likely working.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
RAM
When the power supply fan spins but there is no display and no beep codes, the system is likely failing the Power-On Self-Test (POST) before it can initialize the video subsystem. RAM is the most common cause of a 'no POST' condition because if the memory is faulty, loose, or incompatible, the motherboard cannot complete the memory initialization step, halting the boot process silently without beeps or display.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
RAM
Why this is correct
Faulty or loose RAM often prevents booting and can be fixed by reseating.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Motherboard
Why it's wrong here
Motherboard failure is possible but is not the first thing to check.
CPU
Why it's wrong here
A failed CPU usually causes no power at all or specific beep codes.
Power supply
Why it's wrong here
The fan spins, indicating power supply is likely working.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that a spinning power supply fan guarantees the PSU is fully functional, leading candidates to overlook RAM as the first component to check in a no-POST scenario.
Detailed technical explanation
During POST, the BIOS performs a memory test (counting and verifying RAM) before any video initialization; if RAM fails this test, the system halts with no beeps if the speaker is not connected or if the BIOS is configured for 'quiet boot'. Modern UEFI systems often suppress beep codes by default, making a no-POST condition with spinning fans a classic symptom of bad RAM. In real-world troubleshooting, reseating RAM modules or testing them one at a time in different slots resolves the issue in over 70% of such cases.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: RAM — When the power supply fan spins but there is no display and no beep codes, the system is likely failing the Power-On Self-Test (POST) before it can initialize the video subsystem. RAM is the most common cause of a 'no POST' condition because if the memory is faulty, loose, or incompatible, the motherboard cannot complete the memory initialization step, halting the boot process silently without beeps or display.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This FC0-U61 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 FC0-U61 exam.
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