- A
Replace the motherboard
Why wrong: Replacing the motherboard is premature without first testing the PSU.
- B
Test the power supply using a PSU tester
A PSU tester confirms whether the power supply is delivering correct voltages; if not, the PSU is the problem.
- C
Reseat the CPU
Why wrong: A CPU issue would not prevent the PSU fan from spinning; the PSU itself is suspect.
- D
Check the front panel power switch
Why wrong: While possible, a faulty power switch is less common than a dead PSU, and the PSU fan should still spin if the switch is bypassed.
Question 454 of 1,020
Troubleshooting a PC That Won't Power On with No PSU Fan Spin
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of core pc hardware troubleshooting. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 client brings in a desktop that will not power on. The technician verifies the power cord is connected and the PSU fan does not spin when the power button is pressed. What is the most appropriate next step?
Quick Answer
The correct next step is to test the power supply using a PSU tester. When a PC won’t power on and the PSU fan is not spinning, the power supply is the primary suspect because the fan’s failure to spin indicates it is likely not receiving or delivering power, even with a verified connection. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to follow a logical troubleshooting process, starting with the most probable and easily tested component before moving to the motherboard or CPU. A common trap is to immediately replace the power supply without confirming it is faulty, or to waste time reseating RAM or checking the front panel headers first. Remember the memory tip: “No spin, PSU’s the sin” — if the fan doesn’t spin, isolate the PSU with a tester before anything else.
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 using a PSU tester
When the PSU fan does not spin, the power supply may be dead. The quickest and safest test is to use a power supply tester or perform the paperclip test to see if the PSU turns on. If it does not, replacement is needed. Always eliminate the PSU as the cause before checking other components.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 motherboard
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the motherboard is premature without first testing the PSU.
- ✓
Test the power supply using a PSU tester
Why this is correct
A PSU tester confirms whether the power supply is delivering correct voltages; if not, the PSU is the problem.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Reseat the CPU
Why it's wrong here
A CPU issue would not prevent the PSU fan from spinning; the PSU itself is suspect.
- ✗
Check the front panel power switch
Why it's wrong here
While possible, a faulty power switch is less common than a dead PSU, and the PSU fan should still spin if the switch is bypassed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — This question tests Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Test the power supply using a PSU tester — When the PSU fan does not spin, the power supply may be dead. The quickest and safest test is to use a power supply tester or perform the paperclip test to see if the PSU turns on. If it does not, replacement is needed. Always eliminate the PSU as the cause before checking other components.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A customer brings in a PC that was working fine until they moved it to a new desk. Now it powers on but immediately shuts off after 2 seconds. The technician notes that the CPU fan does not spin at all. What is the most likely cause?
hard- A.The power supply is failing under load.
- ✓ B.The CPU fan header is disconnected from the motherboard.
- C.The CPU is not seated properly.
- D.The case power button is stuck in the pressed position.
Why B: Immediate shutdown after power-on is often a protection mechanism triggered by a missing CPU fan signal. The CPU fan not spinning at all suggests the fan connector is loose or unplugged, which is common after moving a PC.
Variation 2. A customer complains that their computer will not turn on. The power supply fan does not spin, and the motherboard LED is off. The technician tests the power supply with a multimeter and gets 0V on all pins. What should the technician do next?
medium- A.Replace the motherboard.
- B.Reseat the 24-pin power connector.
- C.Replace the power supply with a known-good unit.
- ✓ D.Check the wall outlet with a voltage tester.
Why D: A multimeter reading of 0V on all PSU pins indicates no power output, but this could be due to a dead PSU or lack of AC input. The most logical next step is to verify the wall outlet is supplying power using a voltage tester. If the outlet is good, then the PSU is faulty and should be replaced. Replacing the PSU without checking the outlet first may not resolve the issue if the outlet is dead.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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