- A
Replace the motherboard.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Replacing the motherboard is premature without first verifying the power source and PSU.
- B
Reseat the 24-pin power connector.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The 24-pin connector is already assumed to be properly connected; reseating it is unlikely to fix a 0V output issue.
- C
Replace the power supply with a known-good unit.
Why wrong: Incorrect. While the PSU may be faulty, the next step should be to check the wall outlet before replacing the PSU. This is a more logical and cost-effective first step.
- D
Check the wall outlet with a voltage tester.
Correct. A voltage tester on the wall outlet will confirm whether the PSU is receiving AC power. If the outlet works, then the PSU is the likely culprit.
Question 262 of 1,020
220-1201 Power supply troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of core pc hardware troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: power supply troubleshooting. 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 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?
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 wall outlet with a voltage tester.
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.
Key principle: Power supply troubleshooting
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
Incorrect. Replacing the motherboard is premature without first verifying the power source and PSU.
- ✗
Reseat the 24-pin power connector.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The 24-pin connector is already assumed to be properly connected; reseating it is unlikely to fix a 0V output issue.
- ✗
Replace the power supply with a known-good unit.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While the PSU may be faulty, the next step should be to check the wall outlet before replacing the PSU. This is a more logical and cost-effective first step.
- ✓
Check the wall outlet with a voltage tester.
Why this is correct
Correct. A voltage tester on the wall outlet will confirm whether the PSU is receiving AC power. If the outlet works, then the PSU is the likely culprit.
Related concept
Power supply troubleshooting
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Technicians often jump to replacing the PSU without verifying the power source first. A simple outlet check can save time and avoid unnecessary part replacement.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. The 24-pin connector is already assumed to be properly connected; reseating it is unlikely to fix a 0V output issue.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Power supply troubleshooting
- Multimeter usage
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Power supply troubleshooting
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. Power supply troubleshooting Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review power supply troubleshooting, then practise related 220-1201 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting practice questions
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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 — Power supply troubleshooting.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the wall outlet with a voltage tester. — 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.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review power supply troubleshooting, then practise related 220-1201 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Power supply troubleshooting
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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