5.2 Troubleshoot motherboards, RAM, CPU, power Flashcards
Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, and power.
A technician is troubleshooting a computer that is reportedly having issues with turning off. What is likely occurring with the computer?
-Intermittent shutdown
-POST
-Application crash
-No power
Intermittent shutdown
*Intermittent shutdowns can occur for various reasons, such as when the computer/device shuts down when not prompted to do so.
~Application crashes occur when an application or software program stops working for no apparent reason and can be the cause of operating system issues or glitches within the programming of the software.
~Power-on self-test (POST) is a diagnostic program implemented in the system firmware that checks the hardware to ensure the components required to boot the PC are present and functioning correctly.
~No power means that the power supply unit did not receive any energy. The power supply unit is what powers the computer motherboard and peripherals.
A technician is working on a computer and smells something burning. What concern should the technician have in regards to the burning smell?
-The computer is not getting power-
-The computer is having hardware issues
-The capacitors on the motherboard are becoming deformed and bulging
-The computer is overheating and putting the circuitry and motherboard at risk for damage
The computer is overheating and putting the circuitry and motherboard at risk for damage.
*Unusual odors, such as a burning smell or smoke, will almost always indicate something is overheating, such as the power supply.
~A healthy hard disk makes a certain low-level noise when accessing the platters. A loud or grinding noise of any sort is a sign of a mechanical problem.
~No power means that the power supply unit did not receive any energy. The power supply unit is what powers the computer motherboard and peripherals.
~Capacitor swelling is the bulging, swelling, or emission of any kind of residue from the capacitors, which could have been damaged or failed due to a manufacturing defect.
A service technician is running diagnostics on a corporate asset and hears a grinding noise coming from within the desktop. What type of issue represents a grinding noise?
-The isse causes the computer to shutdown for unexpected reasons
-The issue causes the system to run below performance standards
-This issue demonstrates that a mechanical problem has occured
-The issue demonstrates a failing disk and file corruption
This issue demonstrates that a mechanical problem has occurred
*A healthy hard disk makes a certain low-level noise when accessing the platters. A loud or grinding noise of any sort is a sign of a mechanical problem.
~A failing fixed disk and file corruption may cause a particularly severe read/write failure, resulting in a system stop error (a crash screen).
~Quantifying what “sluggish” really means and isolating the issue to a particular subsystem will help identify the probable cause. If the system performance is insufficient, then the technician can upgrade one or more subsystems.
~Intermittent shutdowns can occur for various reasons, such as when the computer/device shuts down when not prompted to do so.
A computer technician starts a computer that has received a trouble ticket for not working correctly. Upon turning on the computer, the technician observed the computer making a continuous beeping sound. What does this beeping sound signify as an issue?
-A power supply, a motherboard problem, or a faulty onboard speaker has occurred.
-There is a problem with system memory modules or the memory controller.
-The display is faulty, or the POST procedure is not executing.
-The power-on self-test (POST) test has completed as normal.
There is a problem with system memory modules or the memory controller.
*If the power-on self-test (POST) runs but detects a problem, it generates an error message. As the fault may prevent the computer from displaying anything on the screen, a beep code often indicates an error. A continuous beep represents a problem with system memory modules or the memory controller.
~One short beep represents a normal POST and that the system is OK. However, technicians configure most modern PCs to boot silently.
~No beeps represent a power supply, motherboard problem, or faulty onboard speaker.
~A blank screen likely occurs when the display is faulty or the POST procedure is not executing.
When using a legacy IBM desktop computer, hearing two short beeps would indicate the computer is experiencing what sort of issue?
-Video adapter error
-No error
-POST error
-System memory error
POST error
*A power-on self-test (POST) error occurs when a technician hears two short beeps. The monitor would present an error code to troubleshoot further.
~One long and three short beeps would indicate a video adapter error. Resolve this by updating the video drivers or checking internal connections.
~One short beep indicates a normal power-on self-test (POST), meaning the system is OK. Computer technicians configure most modern PCs to boot silently, however.
~A continuous beep indicates a problem with system memory modules or the memory controller. Replacing the memory modules or reseating them can help to resolve this issue.
Which operating system (OS) would be experiencing an issue if the monitor shows a spinning wait cursor?
-Windows
-Linux
-RHEL
-macOS
macOS
*A macOS system that suffers catastrophic process failure shows a spinning pinwheel of death, also known as a spinning wait cursor.
~A Windows system experiencing OS and hardware issues will display a blue screen of death (BSOD) with an associated error code and QR code to scan for support.
~A Linux system experiencing a kernel panic may display a “Something has gone wrong” message.
~Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), based on Linux systems, will also display a “Something has gone wrong” message when experiencing a kernel panic or some other issue.
A technician is troubleshooting a computer and discovers that the computer is using an inaccurate system date/time. What is likely causing the inaccuracy?
-A system memory fault, hardware device/driver fault, or corruption of operating system files occurred.
-The computer speed and response are slower than normal operations.
-The screen does not display an image although the computer is on and the fans are running.
-The RTC battery on the motherboard is failing.
The RTC battery on the motherboard is failing.
*If the date or time displayed in the system firmware setup program is inaccurate, it can be a sign that the RTC battery is failing. The technician should replace it with the same size and type.
~Quantifying what “sluggish” really means and isolating the issue to a particular subsystem will help identify the probable cause. If the system performance is insufficient, the technician can upgrade one or more subsystems.
~A blank screen likely occurs when either the display is faulty, or the power-on self-test (POST) procedure is not executing.
~A crash screen typically indicates a system memory fault, a hardware device/driver fault, or corruption of operating system files.
A technician is troubleshooting a computer with a user’s complaint that the device has no power. To isolate the cause for the issue, what tests can the technician conduct on the computer? (Select all that apply.)
-Attempt to detect any burning smells from the computer
-Plug in a known-good basic electrical equipment, such as a lamp
-Disconnect extra devices
-Check that other equipment in the area is working
Plug in a known-good basic electrical equipment, such as a lamp, disconnect extra devices, & check the other equipment in the area is working
*To isolate the cause of no power, the technician should check if other equipment in the area works. There may be a fault in the power circuit or a wider, complete failure of power (a blackout).
*Try plugging another piece of known-good basic electrical equipment, such as a lamp into the wall socket. If it does not work, the wall socket is faulty. Get an electrician to investigate the fault.
*Try disconnecting extra devices, like a plug-in graphics card. If this solves the problem, either the power supply unit (PSU) is underpowered and the technician needs to fit it with a higher wattage rating, or one of the devices is faulty.
~Detecting burning smells is associated with hardware failure versus no power issues.
If a legacy IBM computer was experiencing some heating that affected the memory controller, what beep code would a computer technician hear?
-Continuous beep
-Three long beeps
-One long, three short beeps
-One short beep
Continuous beep
*A continuous beep indicates a problem with system memory modules or the memory controller. Replacing the memory modules or reseating them can help to resolve this issue.
~Three long beeps would indicate a keyboard issue. First, check that a key is not depressed. Then, tap on every key or re-insert the keyboard USB into the computer to resolve.
~One long and three short beeps would indicate a video adapter error. Resolve this by updating the video drivers or checking internal connections.
~One short beep indicates a normal power-on self-test (POST), meaning the system is OK. Computer technicians configure most modern PCs to boot silently, however.
A cyber technician is cleaning a team computer and observes that the computer is showing signs of overheating. What does the technician observe to conclude that the computer is overheating?
-There is damage to the circuitry of the computer
-The computer is running software that crashes while in operation
-The computer is making an audible grinding noise
-The computer is randomly shutting down for unknown reasons
There is damage to the circuitry of the computer
*Excessive heat can easily damage the sensitive circuitry of a computer. If a system feels hot to the touch, the technician should check for overheating issues.
~Application crashes occur when an application or software program stops working for no apparent reason and can be the cause of operating system issues or glitches within the programming of the software.
~Intermittent shutdowns can occur for various reasons, such as when the computer/device shuts down when not prompted to do so.
~A healthy hard disk makes a certain low-level noise when accessing the platters. A loud or grinding noise of any sort is a sign of a mechanical problem.
When powering on a legacy IBM desktop computer, hearing one short beep code would indicate the computer is experiencing what sort of issue?
-Faulty onboard speaker
-No issue
-Keyboard issue
-Power supply failure
No issue
*One short beep indicates a normal power-on self-test (POST), meaning the system is OK. Computer technicians configure most modern PCs to boot silently, however.
~No beep may indicate a problem with the power supply, the motherboard problem, or a faulty onboard speaker. The technician should narrow down the issue by checking each component to rule it out, moving on to the next one until discovering the component causing the problem.
~Repeating short beeps would indicate a power supply fault or a motherboard problem. Check power cord connections to internal components, especially to the motherboard itself.
~Three long beeps would indicate a keyboard issue. However, first, check that a key is not depressed.
A technician is troubleshooting a computer turned in for booting issues. Upon turning the computer on, the technician hears the audible beep notification for a POST keyboard issue. What sound is the technician hearing for this power-on self-test (POST) issue?
-Continuous beep
-One long beep, one short beep
-Three long beeps
-No beep
Three long beeps
*Three long beeps during the power-on self-test (POST) is a warning that suggests a keyboard issue. The technician should check that a key is not depressed.
~A continuous beep observed during the power-on self-test indicates that there is a problem with system memory modules or the memory controller.
~One long beep, followed by a single short beep during the power-on self-test, indicates that a motherboard problem exists.
~If attempts are made to power on a device and no beeps are heard or the system boots, the device is not receiving power.
A computer technician disassembles a desktop computer and notices that some system chips are bulging on the motherboard. What can cause this type of observed issue?
-No power
-Sluggish performance
-Crash screens
-Capacitor swelling
Capacitor swelling
*Capacitor swelling is the bulging, swelling, or emission of any kind of residue from the capacitors, which could have been damaged or failed due to a manufacturing defect.
~A crash screen typically indicates a system memory fault, a hardware device/driver fault, or corruption of operating system files.
~No power means that the power supply unit did not receive any energy. The power supply unit is what powers the computer motherboard and peripherals.
~Sluggish performance occurs when the device operates below normal computing standards. Several variables can cause the sluggish performance of a device.
A stand-alone application closes abruptly while the user remains logged on to the Windows desktop computer. What sort of internal issue would cause this application to crash?
-Power supply fan grinding
-Not enough memory capacity
-Loss of power
-Wrong system time
Not enough memory capacity
*Applications need a certain amount of memory space to run properly. If there is not enough memory, the application may crash since it can no longer function.
~A loss of power to the desktop computer will also cause the Windows operating system (OS) to shut down abruptly. However, the user remained logged on.
~The grinding of the power supply fan inside the computer is a nuisance, but it is replaceable. This is only an issue if the fan short-circuits the power supply.
~An incorrect system time will not cause a stand-alone application to crash. Time is only sensitive when an application operates with other dependencies, like a separate structured query language (SQL) server or an Active Directory network.
A cyber architect is capturing the various proprietary crash screens across various operating systems. What will the displays present when a crash has occurred? (Select all that apply.)
-The screen displays a kernel panic or “Something has gone wrong” message.
-A blue screen appears on the display.
-A blank screen appears in the display
-The screen freezes with a spinning pinwheel cursor.
The screen displays a kernel panic or “Something has gone wrong” message, A blue screen appears on the display, & The screen freezes with a spinning pinwheel cursor.
*If there is a serious fault, a Windows system will display a blue screen of death (BSOD). This typically indicates a system memory fault, a hardware device/driver fault, or corruption of operating system files.
*A macOS system that suffers catastrophic process failure shows a spinning pinwheel (of death), also called a spinning wait cursor.
*Linux displays a kernel panic or “Something has gone wrong” message.
~It is likely a faulty display, or the power-on self-test (POST) procedure is not executing when the power is present (i.e., hearing the fans spinning), but the computer does not start, and the display is a blank screen with no beeping sounds from the internal speaker.
A user powers on a legacy IBM desktop computer, but it displays a blank screen, with a repeating set of short beeping sounds coming from the chassis. What can tech support do to troubleshoot this issue?
-Examine the power supply
-Check for and error code on screen
-Replace the computer monitor
-Check the onboard speaker
Examine the power supply
*The repeating short beeps indicate there may be a power supply fault or motherboard problem. Examine those components to diagnose further or resolve the problem.
~An on-screen error code is most likely to appear if presented with two short beeps. This code is a power-on self-test (POST) error.
~If the beep code is absent, the power supply, motherboard problem, or faulty onboard speaker could be the issues.
~Replacing the computer monitor with a known, good monitor is ok if tech support has exhausted all troubleshooting options. In this case, the beep code provided clues to an internal desktop issue.
What are possible computer issues that could lead to sluggish performance? (Select all that apply.)
-Loss of power
-Over-utilized CPU
-Half-duplex network setting
-Low storage IOPS
Over-utilized CPU, Half-duplex network setting, & Low storage IOPS
*A central processing unit (CPU) that is over-utilized by multiple applications and services simultaneously will cause a computer to be sluggish overall.
*Low storage input/output per second (IOPS) will cause the slow reading of data from the storage, which will lower computer performance.
*A half-duplex network setting would cause data to travel in and out of the computer at half the speed. This setting would cause applications to wait longer for data and operate even slower.
~The loss of power results in a complete shutdown of the computer. At this point, the computer is no longer running, so there is no activity to gauge performance.
What beep codes would a computer technician hear if a legacy IBM desktop computer is experiencing a motherboard issue? (Select all that apply.)
-Repeating short beeps
-One long, three short beeps
-Three long beeps
-No beep
Repeating short beeps & No beep
*No beep may indicate a problem with the power supply, the motherboard problem, or a faulty onboard speaker. The technician should narrow down the issue by checking each component to rule it out, moving on to the next one until discovering the component causing the problem.
*Repeating short beeps would indicate a power supply fault or a motherboard problem. Check power cord connections to internal components, especially to the motherboard itself.
~Three long beeps would indicate a keyboard issue. However, first, check that a key is not depressed.
~One long and three short beeps would indicate a video adapter error. Resolve this by updating the video drivers or checking internal connections.
If the desktop computer has a blank screen after powering on, what can a user do to troubleshoot the issue? (Select all that apply.)
-Check for faulty interfaces
-Change the system time
-Research the BSOD error
-Check internal cabling
Check for faulty interfaces & Check internal cabling
*The user may need to reseat or replace the internal data and power cables to the graphics processing unit (GPU). Ensure power is being transferred to the GPU properly.
*It is possible that a faulty adapter card or device is halting the power-on self-test (POST). Try removing one device at a time to see if the problem can resolve itself. Reseating video cables, for example, may help.
~Changing system time is not possible if the monitor display cannot show anything.
~The error displayed on the blue screen of death (BSOD) would be useful to resolve issues via research. However, the screen is blank in this case and does not show any errors.
A desktop technician moved a working graphics process unit (GPU) by hand (without a bag) to another workstation in the office to re-use. The next day, the user reported there was no video showing on the monitor. The user was able to turn on the computer as usual, and the computer is still on, awaiting desktop support. What may be wrong with the computer or the GPU? (Select all that apply.)
-The GPU does not have power
-The motherboard is overheating
-The desktop is experiencing the BSOD
-There is damage to the GPU
There is damage to the GPU & GPU doesn’t have power
*The GPU card requires a connection to the motherboard and power. First, check that the power cable is plugged into the card and that the power supply is supplying power to the GPU.
*The GPU may have gotten damaged during transit, like the GPU may have short-circuited, or someone dropped it. Ensure the component gets transferred into an anti-static bag.
~An overheating motherboard would almost always lead to a burning smell and an abrupt shutdown of the computer almost immediately after powering on. The desktop can remain powered on as usual, in this case.
~The blue screen of death (BSOD) is a Windows feature that typically indicates a system memory fault, hardware device/driver fault, or corruption of operating system files.
A computer technician starts a computer that has received a trouble ticket for not working correctly. Upon turning on the computer, the technician observed the computer making a continuous beeping sound. What does this beeping sound signify as an issue?
-The display is faulty, or the POST procedure is not executing.
-A power supply, a motherboard problem, or a faulty onboard speaker has occurred.
-The power-on self-test (POST) test has completed as normal.
-There is a problem with system memory modules or the memory controller.
There is a problem with system memory modules or the memory controller.
*If the power-on self-test (POST) runs but detects a problem, it generates an error message. As the fault may prevent the computer from displaying anything on the screen, a beep code often indicates an error. A continuous beep represents a problem with system memory modules or the memory controller.
~One short beep represents a normal POST and that the system is OK. However, technicians configure most modern PCs to boot silently.
~No beeps represent a power supply, motherboard problem, or faulty onboard speaker.
~A blank screen likely occurs when the display is faulty or the POST procedure is not executing.
If a system overheats from time to time, what symptoms would a user notice when using the affected desktop computer? (Select all that apply.)
-One short beep
-Intermittent shutdown
-Unusual odor
-Blank Screen
Intermittent shutdown, Unusual odor, & Blank Screen
*Depending on what components are overheating, the computer may shut down intermittently at odd times. Sometimes, it may shut down right away if the central processing unit (CPU) is overheating.
*If the graphics processing unit (GPU) is overheating, it could cause the device to malfunction and not produce a video to the monitor. The monitor screen will be blank in this case.
*Unusual odors, such as a burning smell or smoke, will almost always indicate something is overheating. The power supply may be overheating in most cases, but even the motherboard can also overheat.
~One short beep indicates a normal power-on self-test (POST), and the system is OK. Computer technicians configure most modern PCs to boot silently, however.
A computer specialist starts a computer that has received a trouble ticket for not working correctly. Upon starting the computer, the technician hears two short beeps. Regarding beep codes, what does this beep sequence signify as an issue?
-It represents that a power-on self-test (POST) error has occurred.
-It represents that a video adapter error has occurred.
-It represents that the display is faulty or that the POST procedure is not executing.
-It represents that a power supply fault or motherboard problem exists.
It represents that a power-on self-test (POST) error has occurred.
*If the power-on self-test (POST) runs but detects a problem, it generates an error message. As the fault may prevent the computer from displaying anything on the screen, a beep code often indicates an error. Two short beeps represent that a POST error has occurred. The screen will display the error code.
~Reporting short beeps represents that a power supply fault or motherboard problem exists.
~One long beep, with two or three short beeps, represents that a video adapter error has occurred.
~A blank screen likely occurs when the display is faulty or the POST procedure is not executing.
A helpdesk technician evaluates a ticketed computer and, during the troubleshooting protocols, identifies an issue around disk/file corruption problems. Based on the disk/file corruption problems, what issue is occurring?
-Application crash
-Capacitor swelling
-Inaccurate system date/time
-No power
Application crash
*Application crashes are difficult to diagnose with a specific cause, especially if the technician is not able to witness the events directly. Some most likely causes are software, disk/file corruption problems, or malware issues.
~Capacitor swelling is the bulging, swelling, or emission of any kind of residue from the capacitors, which could have been damaged or failed due to a manufacturing defect.
~No power means that the power supply unit did not receive any energy. The power supply unit is what powers the computer motherboard and peripherals.
~An inaccurate system date/time can be the result of the real time clock (RTC) battery failing.
