5.2 Troubleshoot Problems Related to Motherboards, RAM, CPU, and Power

Question 1

Power-On Self-Test (POST) beeps

Answer 1

Check main system components are functioning, CPU, Memory, VIdeo, etc.

Question 2

Proprietary crash screens (blue screen of death [BSOD]

Answer 2

Need to restart, found in event viewer log

Question 3

Black Screen

Answer 3

Check for beeps, could be bad CPU, BIOS, etc.

Question 4

No Power

Answer 4

No power at the outlet, PCs power supply, connections, switches

Question 5

Sluggish Performance

Answer 5

Process or application CPU heavy, low storage, windows update

Question 6

Overheating

Answer 6

Throttle the CPU when to hot

Question 7

Burning Smell

Answer 7

Disconnect immediately to avoid further damage, and inspect the motherboard

Question 8

Intermittent Shutdown

Answer 8

Could be heat-related or failing hardware or anything

Question 9

Application Crashes

Answer 9

Check the event log and reliability monitor

Question 10

Grinding Noise

Answer 10

Loose components, hard drive issue, fan, or capacitor on motherboard

Question 11

Capacitor Swelling

Answer 11

Should be flat on top not buldging

Question 12

Inaccurate System Date/Time

Answer 12

Could be battery on motherboard for BIOS setting