Question 207 of 1,020

Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

PC Won't Turn On After New Motherboard? Common Fix

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. 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.

After replacing a motherboard, a technician finds that the PC will not power on at all. The power supply fan does not spin, and no LEDs light up. The PSU was working before the replacement. What is the most likely cause?

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.

A
The power supply is dead
Why wrong: While possible, it is less likely than a connection issue since the PSU was working before the swap.
B
The CPU is not compatible with the new motherboard
Why wrong: An incompatible CPU would prevent POST but usually still allows the PSU fan to spin briefly.
C
The front panel power switch header is not connected correctly
If the power button is not connected to the correct pins, pressing it will not complete the circuit to start the PSU.
D
The RAM is not seated properly
Why wrong: Improper RAM seating causes beep codes or no display, but the system typically still powers on (fans spin).

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Quick Answer

The answer is that the front panel power switch header is not connected correctly. This is the most likely cause when a PC won't power on after a motherboard replacement because the power button on the case completes a simple circuit on the motherboard’s front panel header; if that tiny two-pin connector is misaligned or unplugged, the motherboard never receives the signal to start the power supply, which explains why the PSU fan doesn’t spin and no LEDs light up. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the power-on sequence and the importance of front panel connectors, often appearing as a common trap where technicians assume a dead PSU or shorted board. A reliable memory tip is to think of the power switch header as the “ignition key”—without it properly seated, the system has no way to turn on, so always double-check the small, often unlabeled pins against the motherboard manual.

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 front panel power switch header is not connected correctly

No power at all after a motherboard swap strongly suggests an electrical connection issue. The most common cause is that the front panel power switch header is not connected correctly to the motherboard, or the PSU is not properly connected to the motherboard.

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 power supply is dead
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it is less likely than a connection issue since the PSU was working before the swap.
✗
The CPU is not compatible with the new motherboard
Why it's wrong here
An incompatible CPU would prevent POST but usually still allows the PSU fan to spin briefly.
✓
The front panel power switch header is not connected correctly
Why this is correct
If the power button is not connected to the correct pins, pressing it will not complete the circuit to start the PSU.
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 RAM is not seated properly
Why it's wrong here
Improper RAM seating causes beep codes or no display, but the system typically still powers on (fans spin).

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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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: The front panel power switch header is not connected correctly — No power at all after a motherboard swap strongly suggests an electrical connection issue. The most common cause is that the front panel power switch header is not connected correctly to the motherboard, or the PSU is not properly connected to the motherboard.

What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?

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.

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