SK0-005 troubleshooting Practice Question
A technician is troubleshooting a server that fails to boot. The server powers on, fans spin, but no video output and no beep codes. The technician reseats the RAM and GPU, but the issue persists. Which of the following should the technician check NEXT?
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 or replace the CPU
Option C is correct because if the system powers on but no POST, a faulty CPU is a common cause when other components are reseated. Option A is wrong because power supply issues would typically cause no power or cycling. Option B is wrong because the CMOS battery is for clock/BIOS settings, not boot failure. Option D is wrong because BIOS corruption is less likely after reseating.
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 CMOS battery
Why it's wrong here
A dead CMOS battery affects BIOS settings and time, but does not prevent the system from POSTing and booting.
- ✓
Test or replace the CPU
Why this is correct
A faulty CPU can cause the system to power on with fans but no POST or beep codes. This is a logical next step after verifying RAM and GPU.
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Flash the BIOS firmware
Why it's wrong here
BIOS corruption is rare and typically shows symptoms like boot loops or incorrect hardware detection; it is not the primary suspect after reseating components.
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Replace the power supply
Why it's wrong here
A failing power supply typically causes random shutdowns or failure to power on, not a complete lack of POST with fans spinning.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
BIOS/UEFI and Firmware Management
Key term
PSU
A PSU converts AC mains power into regulated DC voltages required by computer components, ensuring stable operation.
Key term
BIOS
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the low-level firmware stored on a motherboard chip that initializes and tests hardware components before loading the operating system.
About these practice questions
This SK0-005 question is part of Courseiva's 185-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed July 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This SK0-005 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 SK0-005 exam.