5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, & power Flashcards
A common cause if a PC won’t start or suddenly turns off?
Power problem
What should happen when the PSU supplies 12V power?
Fans & hard disks should spin up
What does the PSU test after supplying 12V power?
its 5V & 3.3V supplies
What signal does the PSU send once it provides a stable supply?
A power good signal to the processor
What should you check first when diagnosing no power symptoms in a PC?
If LEDs on front panel are lit & if you can hear the fans
What might cause a power issue in a PC?
Fault in the:
- PSU
- Electricity supply
- Power cables/connectors
- Fuses
How to check if no power in a PC is due to the power circuit or a blackout?
Checking if other equipment in the area is working
What if a device plugged into the same socket doesn’t work when diagnosing PC power issues?
Wall socket is faulty
Contact an electrician to investigate
What should you ensure about PSU cabling and switches when diagnosing PC power issues?
They’re connected correctly, & all switches are in the “on” position
What to try if you suspect a problem iwth a power cable or fuse?
When diagnosing no power symptoms in a PC
Use another power cable or check the fuse with a multimeter
What does disconnecting extra devices help diagnose in a no-power PC?
If the PSU is underpowered or if a device is faulty
When diagnosing no power symptoms in a PC, how can you test the PSU?
with a mltimeter or power supply tester
Ensure appropriate safety measures.
What could be the issue if no power issue is identified in a no-power PC?
A faulty motherboard or power supply
If its a faulty power supply, do not leave it turned on or unattended, & watch for smoke, fire, or unusual smells & nosies
What should you suspect if fans spin, but the computer doesn’t start, shows a black screen, and makes no beeps?
Display issue or POST isn’t running
Meaning of POST?
Power-On Self-Test
What is POST?
Firmware diagnostic program that ensures hardware needed for booting is present & working?
What to do if the system firmware was updated and the PC doesn’t boot?
Use reset procedure
The update may have failed
Why is checking cabling and connections important after PC maintenance?
Misaligned cables or loose adapter cards can halt POST
How can you identify a faulty interface or device that halts POST?
Remove devices individually or all non-essentials
Then add them back one by one
What might a spinning fan indicate if the computer doesn’t start?
PSU fault may block power good signal from reachinig the CPU
What could incorrectly set motherboard jumpers cause?
May prevent the computer from booting
If a computer will not work after being serviced, check that the jumpers have not been changed
POST error message
What does it mean when POST outputs 1 short beep
System is OK
However most modern PCs are configured to boot silently
POST error message
What does it mean when POST outputs 2 short beeps?
POST error
(the error code is shown on scren)
POST error message
What does it mean when POST outputs no beep?
Power supply, motherboard problem, or faulty onboard speaker
POST error message
What does it mean when POST outputs a continuous beep?
Problem with memory modules or memory controller
However, do note that modern PCs are configured to boot silently when the POST is successful
POST error message
What does it mean when POST outputs repeating short beeps?
Power supply fault or motherboard problem
POST error message
What does it mean when POST outputs 1 long, 1 short beep?
Motherboard problem
POST error message
What does it mean when POST outputs 1 long, 2 or 3 short beeps?
Video adapter error
POST error message
What does it means when POST outputs 3 long beeps?
Keyboard issue
(check that a key isn’t depressed)
Some PCs will not boot if a key is stuck. Check that nothing is resting on the keyboard. If the board is clogged with dust or sticky liquid, clean it using approved products, like swabs & compressed air blowers
Meaning of BSOD?
Blue Screen Of Death
What does a BSOD indicate on a Windows system?
A fault, often due to:
- Memory
- Hardware device/driver issues
- Corrupted OS files
How to find solutions for BSOD errors?
Use error code thats displayed to research online
What is generated during a BSOD for analysis?
Memory dump
A memory dump is a snapshot of the contents of a computer’s memory at a specific moment. It can be used for diagnostic purposes to analyze the state of the system at the time of an error or crash, such as during a BSOD incident.
What crash indicators do macOS systems show?
Spinning pinwheel (of death)
What crash indicators do Linux systems show?
Kernel panic or “Something has gone wrong” message
What usually causes symptoms like lockups, shutdowns, kernel panics, & app crashes?
- Software issues
- Disk/file corruption
- Malware
If these are ruled out, check if the power supply is stable. If it is, tehn the problem may be with the memory, CPU, or motherboard. You can use a diagnostic test on them or observe physical symptoms
What may be the problem if errors occur after a PC has been running for some time?
Thermal problem
What to do if theres a burning smell or smoke coming from a computer?
Shut down system & investigate
2 reasons a computer may have a burning smell?
- A component is overheating
- Case/fans are clogged with dust
If its the component, its usually the PSU
How can you check the internal temperature of a system?
Use internal temperature sensors via driver or management software
Confirm acceptable limits with the vendor’s documentation
Why should blanking plate be used in a PC case?
To cover holes
This’ll mainting proper airflow & cooling efficiency
3 physical changes that may occur to a computer due to thermal problems?
- Loose connectors
- Components moving in their sockets
- Circuit board defects
Circuit board defects like hairline cracks
What are the most common parts of a computer system to suffer physical damage?
- Peripherals
- Ports
- Cables
What may a small crack or dent in a computer case indicate?
A fall or knock that may have caused internal damage
What to do if a peripheral device does not work?
(peripheral devices are dvice that connect to a PC & expand its functionality
Check ports & cables for damage, dirt, & bent pins
the pins on integrated connectors can be damaged by careless insertion of plugs & adapter cards
What could damage the soldered chips & components in a motherboard?
Electrostatic discharge (ESD), electrical spikes, or overheating
What is “chip creep”?
When an adapter works loose from its socket over time
What usually causes “chip creep”?
Temperature changes
What are 2 signs that a component on the motherboard has “blown”?
Scorch marks & capacitor swelling
Physical damage to the motherboard can be confirmed via diagnostic firmware
What happens if a computer’s date & time aren’t synchronized with the network?
Security systems won’t work & utilities will be unreliable
security systems like authentication, & utilities like backup programs & schedulers
Meaning of RTC?
Real Time Clock
What is the RTC?
Part of the chipset that keeps track of calender date & time
What is the RTC powered by when the computer is off?
Coin cell lithium battery
what may inaccurate date/time displayed in the system firmware indicate?
RTC battery is failing
What coin cell type do RTCs usually use?
CR2032
However check the motherboard documentation
Meaning of CMOS?
Complementoary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
What is the RTC battery aka?
CMOS battery
Older computers saved custom settings to CMOS RAM, which needed battery backup. Current motherboards store configuration data in non-volatile NVRAM (flash memory) that doesn’t need battery backup.
