Troubleshooting Hardware Issues Flashcards
OBJ 5.2: Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, and power
What could cause the power button not to function properly?
Power button is not connected properly to the motherboard
Ensure to check connections and integrity of the power button to the motherboard.
How can you test a faulty wall outlet?
Use a multimeter or voltmeter to test the power outlet
Check for 110-120V/60Hz in the US or Canada and 220-240V/50Hz in Europe or Asia.
What are the components of a power cable to the computer?
Positive pin, Negative pin, Grounding pin
Each pin plays a crucial role in supplying power to the system.
What voltages does a power supply typically provide?
12V DC, 5V DC, 3.3V DC
These voltages are essential for the operation of different components within a computer.
What is a power supply tester used for?
To check the power supply’s small variation or tolerance
It helps in diagnosing power supply issues.
What are the different types of connectors on a power supply?
4, 6, 8 Pin connectors, SATA, Molex
These connectors are used to power various components within the computer.
What is the purpose of the Power-On Self-Test (POST)?
Diagnostic program inside the system firmware
It checks the hardware components and ensures they are functioning correctly before booting.
What do POST beep codes indicate?
Specific to the motherboard’s manufacturer
These codes help diagnose hardware issues during startup.
What indicates a problem with the underlying hardware in Windows?
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
This critical error screen is displayed when the operating system encounters a serious issue.
What is the ‘Pinwheel of Death’ in macOS?
Indicates that the system is busy or has encountered an error
Commonly seen when the system is unresponsive.
What happens during a kernel panic in Linux?
The system display gives an exit code
It signifies a critical error that the kernel cannot recover from.
What can cause thermal issues in a computer system?
Intermittent shutdowns or continual rebooting
These issues arise when cooling components fail or are insufficient.
What physical damage can occur due to excessive thermal loads?
Permanent damage to components
Overheating can lead to failures and malfunctions in hardware.
What is a sign of a blown or burst capacitor?
A rancid smell
This indicates that the capacitor has failed and may leak chemicals.
How can modern systems protect against overheating?
By rebooting or shutting down
These safety measures prevent damage to hardware.
What is the role of the motherboard battery?
Keeps the real-time clock (RTC) in sync
This battery ensures accurate time and date settings for the system.
What is CMOS?
Non-volatile type of memory that stores the BIOS settings
It is built into the motherboard and retains settings even when powered off.
Fill in the blank: Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM) stores data without being constantly _______.
refreshed
NVRAM retains information even when the power is turned off.
What can lead to inaccurate system date and time?
Failing motherboard battery
The battery is essential for maintaining clock settings.
