- A
The CPU
Why wrong: A single beep indicates POST passed, so the CPU is likely fine.
- B
The RAM
Why wrong: POST passed, so RAM is probably okay; RAM issues cause beep codes.
- C
The video card
With POST passed and no display, the video card or its connection is the most likely fault.
- D
The monitor's power supply
Why wrong: The power LED is on, so the monitor is getting power.
Question 817 of 1,020
Troubleshooting a Blank Screen on Boot with a Single POST Beep
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. 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 PC that displays a blank screen on boot. The monitor's power LED is on (green), but no image appears. The PC beeps once during startup, and the hard drive activity light flashes. Which component is most likely faulty?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Quick Answer
The answer is the video card. A single POST beep typically signals a successful power-on self-test, confirming that the CPU, RAM, and other core components have passed their initial checks; the blank screen on boot with a single beep therefore isolates the fault to the video subsystem, as the monitor’s green power LED indicates it is receiving power and the system is otherwise booting. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between a true POST failure and a display-specific issue—a common trap is assuming the single beep means everything is fine, but the video card failure is the culprit when the screen remains dark. Remember the mnemonic: “One beep, no peep—check the graphics deep.”
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 video card
The single beep and hard drive activity indicate that the POST (Power-On Self-Test) has passed for the CPU and RAM, isolating the issue to the video subsystem. Since the monitor's power LED is green (receiving power) but no image appears, the most likely faulty component is the video card, which is responsible for generating the display signal.
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.
- ✗
The CPU
Why it's wrong here
A single beep indicates POST passed, so the CPU is likely fine.
- ✗
The RAM
Why it's wrong here
POST passed, so RAM is probably okay; RAM issues cause beep codes.
- ✓
The video card
Why this is correct
With POST passed and no display, the video card or its connection is the most likely fault.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The monitor's power supply
Why it's wrong here
The power LED is on, so the monitor is getting power.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between a POST beep code indicating a non-fatal error (single beep) versus fatal errors (multiple beeps), leading candidates to incorrectly suspect the CPU or RAM when the video card is the actual culprit.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
During POST, the BIOS initializes the video card early; if the card fails to initialize, the system may still complete POST with a single beep (indicating no fatal errors) but output no video signal. This scenario often occurs with discrete GPUs that have lost their firmware or have a failed PCIe connection, while integrated graphics remain disabled. In real-world troubleshooting, reseating the video card or testing with a known-good card can confirm the fault.
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.
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
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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Display Devices — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Display Devices practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Display Devices — This question tests Display Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The video card — The single beep and hard drive activity indicate that the POST (Power-On Self-Test) has passed for the CPU and RAM, isolating the issue to the video subsystem. Since the monitor's power LED is green (receiving power) but no image appears, the most likely faulty component is the video card, which is responsible for generating the display signal.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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