CompTIA 220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set7 Q121-140

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Question 121:

A user reports that their desktop workstation randomly shuts down without warning. The system is otherwise stable, and no error messages are displayed. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty power supply
B) Malware infection
C) Corrupted operating system
D) Overheating CPU

Answer: A) Faulty power supply

Explanation:

A) Faulty power supply , random shutdowns without warning strongly suggest a hardware issue, specifically a faulty power supply (PSU). The PSU provides regulated power to all internal components, and when it fails due to degraded capacitors, voltage irregularities, or internal short circuits, the system may shut down abruptly to prevent further damage. Visual indicators such as burnt smells, discolored connectors, or unusual noises can point to a failing PSU. Testing the PSU using a dedicated tester or swapping it with a known good unit can confirm this diagnosis.

B) Malware infection can cause system instability, slow performance, or even crashes. Malware can run hidden processes consuming CPU and RAM resources, occasionally leading to system freezes. However, malware rarely causes sudden, complete shutdowns in a system that otherwise operates normally. While it should always be considered, the symptoms described—unexpected shutdowns without warning—point more to a hardware failure than malicious software.

C) Corrupted operating system may lead to application errors, system freezes, or blue screens. While OS corruption can cause system instability, it typically generates error messages or logs rather than immediate power loss. Sudden shutdowns, especially during normal use, are unlikely to originate from OS corruption alone. However, OS issues could exacerbate hardware stress if system components are overutilized due to improper system processes.

D) Overheating CPU triggers thermal shutdowns to protect the processor. In situations of heavy workloads or poor cooling, the CPU may reach critical temperatures, causing the system to power off abruptly. If the laptop or desktop has dust-clogged fans, dried thermal paste, or malfunctioning heat sinks, overheating becomes more likely. In this case, the user reports shutdowns during normal usage, making CPU overheating less probable unless there is a severe cooling issue.

In conclusion, a faulty power supply is the most probable cause of these random shutdowns. Malware, OS corruption, and CPU overheating are secondary considerations but do not fully account for the symptoms described. Replacing or testing the PSU ensures system stability and protects other components.

Question 122:

A laptop user reports that their battery drains very quickly even when performing minimal tasks. Task Manager shows high CPU usage from unknown background processes. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Malware infection
B) Faulty battery
C) Insufficient RAM
D) Outdated graphics drivers

Answer: A) Malware infection

Explanation:

Rapid battery depletion, especially during light usage, is often caused by hidden processes consuming CPU resources.

A) Malware infection is the primary suspect. Malicious software can execute background tasks like cryptocurrency mining, spyware activity, or unauthorized network communications, all of which increase CPU load and power consumption. Identifying malware involves scanning with reputable antivirus tools, reviewing Task Manager for unusual processes, and monitoring CPU usage trends over time. Removing malware usually restores battery performance.

B) Faulty battery reduces total battery capacity but does not explain why CPU usage is abnormally high. Even with a degraded battery, if no processes are overloading the system, battery life would still align more closely with remaining capacity. While a failing battery could exacerbate power issues, it is not the root cause in this scenario.

C) Insufficient RAM can lead to increased paging and higher disk usage, potentially using more power indirectly. However, RAM shortages do not typically generate high CPU usage by unknown processes, which is the primary symptom observed here.

D) Outdated graphics drivers can lead to increased GPU or CPU usage during graphics-intensive tasks. However, minimal tasks typically do not stress the GPU, and outdated drivers would generally cause display errors or application crashes, not unexplained high CPU usage and rapid battery drain.

In conclusion, a malware infection is the most likely cause of rapid battery drain combined with high CPU usage. Battery health, memory availability, and drivers are secondary considerations, but addressing malware directly resolves the primary issue.

Question 123:

A technician is configuring a workstation to run multiple virtual machines simultaneously. The user complains about slow performance when all VMs are active. Which of the following upgrades would provide the MOST critical improvement?

A) Add additional RAM
B) Upgrade GPU
C) Replace HDD with SSD
D) Increase monitor resolution

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

Virtual machines are memory-intensive because each VM requires a portion of system RAM for its operating system and applications. When multiple VMs are active, insufficient RAM causes the system to rely heavily on paging to disk, slowing performance.

A) Add additional RAM increases available memory for all active VMs, allowing them to operate in memory without frequent disk access. This results in smoother operation, improved responsiveness, and reduced lag. Monitoring memory usage during VM operation often shows the system approaching its RAM limit, confirming the need for additional memory.

B) Upgrading GPU may improve graphics performance for GPU-intensive virtual workloads, such as 3D rendering inside a VM. However, for general VM operation that is not graphics-heavy, the GPU has minimal effect on overall system speed.

C) Replacing HDD with SSD improves paging speed, making memory overflows less noticeable. However, it does not increase the total amount of available memory and only mitigates symptoms rather than solving the root problem. SSDs complement RAM upgrades but cannot replace the need for sufficient memory in VM-heavy workloads.

D) Increasing monitor resolution affects visual clarity but does not impact system memory or VM performance. High-resolution monitors may even slightly increase GPU load, which is irrelevant if the bottleneck is RAM.

In conclusion, adding RAM is the most critical upgrade for virtualization workloads. SSDs, GPUs, and monitors can improve user experience or secondary performance metrics, but RAM directly addresses the bottleneck affecting VM performance.

Question 124:

A workstation intermittently loses video output, but the same monitor and cable work correctly with another computer. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Failing GPU
B) Faulty video cable
C) Loose PSU connection
D) Outdated operating system

Answer: A) Failing GPU

Explanation:

When video output fails intermittently on a single system while other components like monitors and cables function correctly, the problem is typically a hardware failure in the GPU. 

A) Failing GPU may overheat, develop faulty VRAM, or suffer from electrical component degradation, causing intermittent display loss. Testing can involve reseating the GPU, running stress tests, or substituting it in another system to confirm the issue. Signs of failure may include visual artifacts, crashes during 3D tasks, or instability during rendering.

B) Faulty video cable would likely affect multiple systems or show consistent signal problems. Since the monitor and cable work on another system, the cable is not the issue.

C) Loose PSU connection may cause general instability or shutdowns but would not selectively affect video output. The symptom is isolated to the GPU rather than the power system overall.

D) Outdated operating systems can cause driver incompatibilities, but OS issues rarely produce intermittent, hardware-specific video failures. Driver updates may improve stability, but a physical GPU failure requires hardware repair or replacement.

In conclusion, a failing GPU is the most probable cause of intermittent video output loss. Cable, PSU, and OS considerations are secondary but do not fully explain the issue. Replacing or repairing the GPU resolves the problem.

Question 125:

A desktop PC is slow when opening large applications, but multitasking remains smooth. Which of the following upgrades would provide the MOST noticeable improvement?

A) Replace HDD with SSD
B) Upgrade GPU
C) Add additional RAM
D) Upgrade CPU

Answer: A) Replace HDD with SSD

Explanation:

Slow application launches while multitasking remains unaffected indicate a storage bottleneck. Mechanical hard drives have slow read/write speeds, making application load times longer.

A) Replacing the HDD with an SSD provides faster random and sequential access to data, significantly reducing application launch times. SSDs also improve boot times and caching performance. This upgrade directly targets the observed issue without needing changes to CPU, RAM, or GPU.

B) Upgrading GPU benefits graphics-intensive applications but does not improve general application load times. GPU upgrades are relevant only if the application relies on GPU acceleration.

C) Adding RAM enhances multitasking and allows more applications to remain in memory. While it may help with performance when multiple apps are running simultaneously, it does not speed up application loading from disk if the bottleneck is storage.

D) Upgrading CPU improves computational performance but cannot overcome slow mechanical drive performance when launching applications. CPU speed has minimal impact on disk read latency for large application files.

In conclusion, replacing the HDD with an SSD offers the most noticeable performance improvement when launching large applications, while RAM, GPU, and CPU upgrades provide secondary benefits.

Question 126:

A laptop user reports that the keyboard and trackpad intermittently stop responding, while an external USB keyboard functions correctly. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty internal keyboard
B) Malware infection
C) Corrupted drivers
D) Operating system issue

Answer: A) Faulty internal keyboard

Explanation:

A) Faulty internal keyboard ,intermittent failures of a laptop’s built-in keyboard and trackpad, while an external USB keyboard functions normally, strongly indicate a hardware failure, most commonly a faulty internal keyboard or its associated circuitry. Laptops often connect keyboards and trackpads via delicate ribbon cables, which can wear out or disconnect slightly over time. Additionally, liquid spills, dust, or mechanical stress can damage the keyboard or trackpad. Diagnosing this issue typically involves checking whether the devices are recognized in BIOS or during boot, as hardware failures often persist even before the operating system loads. Reseating the ribbon cable or replacing the keyboard module usually resolves the issue.

B) Malware infection could theoretically interfere with input devices, such as keyloggers capturing keystrokes or malicious scripts attempting to block user input. However, malware does not selectively disable the internal keyboard and trackpad while leaving an external USB keyboard fully functional. Malware would more likely cause erratic system behavior or slowdowns across multiple system functions, rather than hardware-specific input failure.

C) Corrupted drivers could lead to input devices not functioning properly within the operating system. Driver corruption may result in unresponsive keyboards or erratic cursor movement. However, driver issues typically do not cause intermittent failures at the hardware level, particularly if the devices are recognized in BIOS. Furthermore, a functional external USB keyboard suggests that the OS and drivers are mostly operational, pointing away from drivers as the root cause. Reinstalling drivers could be part of the troubleshooting process, but it is unlikely to fix the underlying hardware issue.

D) Operating system issue can impact the functionality of devices, particularly if OS files are corrupted or system updates fail. Symptoms may include slow input response, system freezes, or application crashes. However, the fact that an external keyboard functions correctly indicates that the OS is handling input devices appropriately. If the OS were the issue, all keyboards would likely be affected, or additional system-wide errors would be observed.

In conclusion, a faulty internal keyboard is the most likely cause of intermittent input failure, while malware, driver corruption, and OS problems are secondary considerations. Replacing or repairing the internal keyboard, or reseating its connection, provides a definitive resolution, ensuring stable and consistent input functionality.

Question 127:

A workstation running multiple virtual machines frequently experiences freezing and high paging to disk. Which of the following upgrades would provide the MOST effective performance improvement?

A) Add additional RAM
B) Upgrade GPU
C) Replace HDD with SSD
D) Upgrade CPU

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

Running multiple virtual machines (VMs) simultaneously is highly memory-intensive. Each VM consumes a portion of the host system’s RAM for its operating system and applications. When insufficient RAM is available, the system resorts to paging, where parts of memory are temporarily stored on disk. This paging process is orders of magnitude slower than RAM access, resulting in frequent freezing, sluggish performance, and longer response times.

A) Add additional RAM directly increases the amount of memory available for all active VMs, reducing reliance on disk-based paging and providing smoother, more responsive VM operation. Monitoring memory utilization in Task Manager or a hypervisor-specific tool can confirm that memory exhaustion is the bottleneck.

B) Upgrading GPU primarily affects tasks that leverage GPU acceleration, such as 3D rendering or video processing within VMs. Most standard virtual machines, particularly those running office applications or server workloads, do not heavily utilize GPU resources. While a better GPU might help for graphics-intensive VMs, it does not address the root cause of frequent freezes due to memory shortage.

C) Replacing HDD with SSD improves the speed of paging operations by providing faster read/write access to the disk. While this mitigates the symptoms of insufficient RAM to some degree, it does not increase the actual available memory. Consequently, system freezes may still occur, albeit less frequently. SSDs are complementary but cannot substitute for adequate RAM.

D) Upgrading CPU improves computational speed, which is beneficial for CPU-bound tasks like complex calculations or encoding operations. However, CPU upgrades do not resolve memory bottlenecks. Even a faster CPU will remain idle if the system is constantly waiting for memory pages to be read from disk.

In conclusion, adding additional RAM provides the most effective improvement for running multiple virtual machines by directly addressing the memory bottleneck. SSDs, GPUs, and CPUs can enhance performance in specific scenarios, but RAM expansion is the primary solution for VM stability and responsiveness. Proper monitoring and allocation ensure that all VMs receive sufficient memory resources for optimal operation.

Question 128:

A user reports that their desktop PC emits a burning smell and smoke immediately after powering on. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty power supply
B) Overheating CPU
C) Malware infection
D) Outdated drivers

Answer: A) Faulty power supply

Explanation:

A) Faulty power supply burning smell and smoke from a desktop PC at power-on is an immediate indicator of severe hardware failure, most commonly the power supply (PSU). The PSU regulates and distributes electricity to all system components. Internal failures, such as shorted capacitors, arcing, or damaged circuitry, can produce smoke, burning odors, and even fire hazards. Immediate disconnection from power is critical to prevent damage to other components and ensure safety. Diagnosis typically involves visual inspection, voltage testing, or replacement with a verified working PSU.

B) Overheating CPU can lead to thermal shutdowns and occasional fan noise but does not cause smoke immediately at power-on unless the CPU cooler has catastrophic failure or thermal paste has been misapplied to the point of electrical damage. Overheating alone cannot explain smoke and burning odors at startup.

C) Malware infection affects software and cannot produce physical smoke or odors. While malware can indirectly increase CPU or GPU load, resulting in overheating over time, it does not produce burning components at power-on.

D) Outdated drivers can cause system instability or crashes but have no physical impact. Drivers control hardware communication, and while outdated drivers might prevent a component from functioning correctly, they do not cause smoke or odors.

In conclusion, a faulty PSU is the most likely cause of smoke and burning smells at power-on. Overheating CPU, malware, and driver issues are secondary considerations and cannot produce the immediate, physical symptoms observed. Replacing the PSU is essential for system recovery and safety.

Question 129:

A workstation used for video editing frequently experiences stuttering during high-resolution video playback. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

A) Upgrade GPU
B) Upgrade CPU
C) Add additional RAM
D) Replace HDD with SSD

Answer: A) Upgrade GPU

Explanation:

A) Upgrade GPU ,Video playback and rendering at high resolution rely heavily on GPU acceleration. Modern video editing software offloads processing tasks to the GPU for real-time playback, effects rendering, and timeline scrubbing. If the GPU lacks sufficient processing power, stuttering occurs, making editing and previewing difficult. Upgrading the GPU enhances performance, enabling smoother playback, faster rendering, and support for higher-resolution projects.

B) Upgrading CPU improves computational tasks such as encoding, decoding, and software-based rendering. While a faster CPU benefits some processing, GPU-intensive playback will remain limited if the GPU is the bottleneck. A CPU upgrade alone is insufficient for resolving stuttering in GPU-heavy tasks.

C) Adding RAM allows larger projects and video files to remain in memory, which can help reduce caching delays. However, RAM does not directly enhance playback speed if the GPU is struggling to render frames in real-time. While additional RAM is beneficial for large timelines and multitasking, it does not eliminate GPU bottlenecks.

D) Replacing HDD with SSD improves file access times, reducing load delays and caching wait periods. SSDs are especially useful for streaming high-bitrate video directly from storage. However, if the playback stutter originates from insufficient GPU processing power, storage improvements alone will not resolve the issue.

In conclusion, upgrading the GPU is the most effective solution for stuttering during high-resolution video playback. CPU, RAM, and storage upgrades provide complementary benefits but cannot directly resolve the GPU-related bottleneck. Proper GPU selection ensures smooth performance for professional video editing workloads.

Question 130:

A desktop workstation used for 3D modeling exhibits stuttering and lag in the viewport when handling complex models. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

A) Upgrade GPU
B) Upgrade CPU
C) Add additional RAM
D) Replace HDD with SSD

Answer: A) Upgrade GPU

Explanation:

A) Upgrade GPU ,Viewport performance in 3D modeling software relies heavily on GPU processing. The GPU renders complex models, textures, and lighting in real time. A low-performance GPU can struggle with high polygon counts or complex materials, resulting in stuttering, lag, or delayed frame updates. Upgrading the GPU provides improved rendering power, faster frame rates, and the ability to handle more complex scenes smoothly. Benchmarking tools and viewport performance metrics can confirm GPU limitations.

B) Upgrading CPU affects simulation calculations, physics engines, and some rendering tasks. While important for computational aspects, CPU upgrades have less impact on real-time viewport performance if the GPU is the limiting factor.

C) Adding RAM allows larger models and textures to remain in memory, reducing paging and caching delays. However, RAM does not compensate for insufficient GPU processing power. It supports overall workflow but does not eliminate viewport stuttering caused by a GPU bottleneck.

D) Replacing HDD with SSD improves file loading, caching, and project load times. While it reduces initial delays when opening models, it does not affect frame rendering or viewport performance during active modeling, which is GPU-bound.

In conclusion, upgrading the GPU provides the most noticeable performance improvement for 3D modeling viewport stuttering. CPU, RAM, and storage enhancements complement performance but do not address the core GPU limitation affecting real-time rendering.

Question 131:

A user reports that their workstation frequently freezes when multiple virtual machines are running simultaneously. Task Manager shows high paging to the disk. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

A) Add additional RAM
B) Upgrade GPU
C) Replace HDD with SSD
D) Upgrade CPU

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

Freezing and high paging to disk during simultaneous use of multiple virtual machines indicate that the system is suffering from insufficient memory. Each virtual machine (VM) requires a dedicated portion of the system’s RAM to operate efficiently. When RAM is inadequate, the host operating system moves portions of memory to disk-based page files, which is significantly slower than accessing data directly from RAM. This paging process causes system-wide slowdowns, freezing, and delayed response times.

A) Add additional RAM directly addresses this bottleneck by increasing the memory available to all VMs. With sufficient RAM, each VM can operate fully in memory without relying on disk paging, resulting in smoother operation, faster performance, and reduced latency. Administrators can monitor memory utilization through Task Manager or hypervisor-specific tools, confirming that RAM is the primary constraint and guiding the appropriate upgrade amount.

B) Upgrading GPU can improve graphics-intensive virtual machine workloads, such as running 3D applications or GPU-accelerated computations inside VMs. However, for standard office or server-based virtual machines, GPU resources are rarely a limiting factor. While a high-end GPU may benefit specialized virtualized tasks, it will not resolve the freezing caused by insufficient system memory.

C) Replacing HDD with SSD can improve paging speed because SSDs provide much faster read/write access than mechanical drives. This upgrade can partially mitigate the symptoms of low memory by speeding up page file access. However, SSDs do not increase the total available memory, and excessive paging can still occur if RAM remains insufficient. Thus, while helpful as a secondary measure, an SSD alone will not fully resolve the problem.

D) Upgrading CPU improves the processing speed for computationally intensive tasks and can enhance virtual machine performance when the bottleneck is CPU-bound workloads. However, CPU upgrades cannot compensate for low memory availability. Even a fast CPU will be underutilized if the system frequently pauses for disk paging due to insufficient RAM.

In conclusion, adding additional RAM is the most effective upgrade for a workstation running multiple virtual machines, as it directly addresses the memory bottleneck causing freezes and high paging activity. While SSDs, CPUs, and GPUs can enhance overall system performance, they do not resolve the core issue of insufficient memory in this scenario. Proper RAM planning ensures each VM receives adequate memory for stable and efficient operation.

Question 132:

A desktop PC exhibits slow application launches, especially with large programs, while multitasking between smaller applications remains smooth. Which of the following upgrades would provide the MOST noticeable improvement?

A) Replace HDD with SSD
B) Upgrade CPU
C) Add additional RAM
D) Upgrade GPU

Answer: A) Replace HDD with SSD

Explanation:

Slow application launches for large programs, particularly when multitasking remains smooth, indicate that the system’s storage device is the primary bottleneck. Mechanical hard drives (HDDs) have slower read/write speeds compared to solid-state drives (SSDs), resulting in longer load times for large programs that require reading many files from disk.

A) Replacing an HDD with an SSD provides faster random and sequential access to files, significantly reducing program startup times. SSDs also improve boot times, caching efficiency, and overall responsiveness, directly addressing the user’s main complaint.

B) Upgrading CPU increases computational speed, which benefits tasks that are CPU-intensive, such as complex calculations, rendering, or video encoding. However, CPU upgrades have minimal impact on loading programs from disk if the storage drive remains the bottleneck. A faster CPU cannot accelerate the mechanical read speeds of an HDD.

C) Adding additional RAM can help multitasking and enable more applications to remain in memory simultaneously. It can also reduce paging to disk, indirectly improving performance. However, the user reports smooth multitasking with smaller applications, indicating that memory is likely sufficient. The primary issue is the time it takes to read large files from disk during program launches, not a lack of memory.

D) Upgrading GPU enhances graphics performance for applications that are GPU-accelerated, such as 3D modeling, video editing, or gaming. Large program launch times that are not graphics-dependent will not benefit from a GPU upgrade. GPU improvements do not accelerate data transfer from storage to memory or CPU.

In conclusion, replacing the HDD with an SSD provides the most noticeable improvement for slow application launches. While CPU, RAM, and GPU upgrades can enhance other aspects of system performance, only an SSD addresses the underlying storage bottleneck affecting program load times. Users often experience an immediate and dramatic reduction in load times after an SSD upgrade.

Question 133:

A workstation used for professional video editing frequently experiences dropped frames and stuttering during playback of high-resolution footage. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

A) Upgrade GPU
B) Upgrade CPU
C) Add additional RAM
D) Replace HDD with SSD

Answer: A) Upgrade GPU

Explanation:

High-resolution video playback and editing often rely heavily on GPU acceleration. Modern video editing applications offload rendering and playback tasks to the GPU, especially when handling 4K or 8K footage or applying real-time effects. If the GPU lacks sufficient processing power, the workstation will struggle to render frames in real time, resulting in dropped frames, stuttering, and delayed timeline scrubbing.

A) Upgrading the GPU provides increased parallel processing power, higher memory bandwidth, and improved support for GPU-accelerated codecs, delivering smoother playback and faster rendering performance.

B) Upgrading CPU improves computational tasks such as video encoding, decoding, and software-based rendering. While a faster CPU can help, modern editing software increasingly relies on GPU resources for real-time playback. A CPU upgrade alone will not eliminate stuttering if the GPU is the limiting factor.

C) Adding additional RAM helps store larger video projects in memory, reducing reliance on disk caching. This can improve performance in certain scenarios but does not address real-time frame rendering limitations caused by an underpowered GPU. RAM is more important when multitasking with multiple applications or managing very large timelines.

D) Replacing HDD with SSD improves file access and reduces load times, particularly for high-bitrate footage. While an SSD enhances overall workflow efficiency, stuttering during playback is primarily GPU-bound. Storage improvements alone cannot resolve rendering limitations in real time.

In conclusion, upgrading the GPU is the most effective solution for stuttering and dropping frames during high-resolution video playback. CPU, RAM, and storage upgrades support workflow efficiency but do not directly resolve GPU bottlenecks. Selecting a GPU optimized for video editing workloads ensures smooth performance and reliable real-time rendering.

Question 134:

A workstation intermittently shuts down during heavy 3D rendering tasks. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Overheating GPU
B) Faulty power supply
C) Malware infection
D) Insufficient RAM

Answer: A) Overheating GPU

Explanation:

3D rendering tasks place heavy computational load on both the GPU and CPU.

A) Overheating GPU, thermal protection mechanisms may trigger an emergency shutdown to prevent permanent damage. Symptoms include system shutdowns or freezes during GPU-intensive tasks while remaining stable during light workloads. Diagnosing GPU overheating involves monitoring temperatures using software utilities, ensuring that fans are functioning, and checking for dust buildup or degraded thermal paste. Upgrading cooling solutions or replacing the GPU may resolve the issue.

B) Faulty power supply can also cause random shutdowns, especially under high-load conditions. While possible, the symptom being isolated to GPU-intensive tasks suggests that power draw increases trigger thermal or load-related shutdowns in the GPU rather than a general PSU failure. Testing with a known good PSU can help eliminate this cause.

C) Malware infection can consume CPU or GPU resources, but it does not generate heat-induced shutdowns. While malware may exacerbate performance issues, it cannot explain a shutdown that correlates directly with rendering workloads.

D) Insufficient RAM may cause system slowdowns or application crashes, particularly with large scenes or datasets, but it will not trigger an immediate shutdown due to GPU load. Memory shortages cause freezes or paging, not thermal shutdowns.

In conclusion, an overheating GPU is the most likely cause of shutdowns during 3D rendering. Faulty PSU, malware, and low RAM are secondary considerations but do not directly match the observed pattern. Proper cooling, temperature monitoring, and hardware checks are essential for resolving the issue.

Question 135:

A user reports rapid battery drain on a laptop, even when performing minimal tasks. Task Manager shows several unknown processes consuming significant CPU resources. Which of the following is the BEST first troubleshooting step?

A) Disable unnecessary background applications
B) Replace the battery
C) Perform a factory reset
D) Enable battery saver mode

Answer: A) Disable unnecessary background applications

Explanation:

Rapid battery drain combined with high CPU usage from unknown processes indicates excessive background activity.

A) Disabling unnecessary background applications is the most effective first step because it immediately reduces CPU load and power consumption. Users can review Task Manager or resource monitors to identify which applications or services are consuming the most resources and terminate or disable them. This step targets the root cause of the drain, rather than just treating symptoms.

B) Replacing the battery may temporarily improve battery life, but if background processes continue consuming CPU resources, the new battery will also drain rapidly. Replacing hardware without resolving the underlying software issue is not efficient.

C) Performing a factory reset removes all applications, settings, and potential malware, but it is a time-consuming and disruptive solution. Identifying and disabling background processes is less invasive and often resolves the issue without a full reset.

D) Enabling battery saver mode reduces power usage by limiting CPU performance and background activity, which can extend battery life. However, it does not identify the processes causing the drain and may not provide full resolution. It is more of a temporary mitigation than a root cause fix.

In conclusion, disabling unnecessary background applications is the most appropriate first troubleshooting step for rapid battery drain. Battery replacement, factory reset, and battery saver mode can support or complement the solution but do not address the root cause directly. Proper monitoring and process management are essential for restoring battery performance.

Question 136:

A laptop user reports that the system frequently overheats during light web browsing and productivity tasks. The device becomes hot to the touch and the fans run constantly. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Dust-clogged cooling system
B) Malware infection
C) Insufficient RAM
D) Outdated graphics drivers

Answer: A) Dust-clogged cooling system

Explanation:

Frequent overheating during light workloads, such as web browsing and productivity tasks, strongly suggests a cooling system problem rather than a high-performance component issue.

A) Dust-clogged cooling system, which prevents proper airflow through fans and heat sinks. Dust accumulation can insulate heat-generating components, increasing temperatures even under low workloads. Additionally, laptop designs often rely on compact airflow pathways, which can become obstructed quickly. Cleaning the fans and heat sinks, applying fresh thermal paste, and ensuring vents are unobstructed often resolves the issue. Monitoring CPU and GPU temperatures using software tools can confirm excessive thermal readings during light usage.

B) Malware infection can increase CPU usage by running hidden processes, which may contribute to heat generation. However, malware rarely causes overheating significant enough to trigger constant fan operation during low-intensity tasks. While it is wise to scan for malware, it is unlikely to be the root cause of persistent heat in this scenario.

C) Insufficient RAM affects system performance when running multiple applications simultaneously. Low RAM can lead to excessive paging to disk, which could increase CPU activity slightly. However, light browsing and productivity tasks rarely consume all available memory, so RAM shortages are unlikely to cause sustained overheating. RAM upgrades may improve performance but will not resolve thermal issues caused by poor airflow.

D) Outdated graphics drivers can lead to improper GPU power management, inefficient rendering, or increased GPU load. In rare cases, outdated drivers may contribute to higher temperatures, particularly during graphics-intensive tasks. However, simple web browsing and productivity applications do not heavily stress the GPU. Driver updates are good practice but unlikely to resolve constant fan operation and overheating in this case.

In conclusion, a dust-clogged cooling system is the most likely cause of frequent overheating during light tasks. While malware, RAM limitations, and outdated drivers can contribute to performance issues, the primary problem is hardware airflow obstruction. Cleaning the cooling system, ensuring proper ventilation, and applying thermal paste restore normal operating temperatures and reduce fan noise. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent recurring thermal problems.

Question 137:

A workstation running multiple large databases is experiencing slow query response times. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

A) Add additional RAM
B) Upgrade GPU
C) Replace HDD with SSD
D) Upgrade CPU

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

Database performance is primarily constrained by memory availability, particularly when handling large datasets and multiple concurrent queries. Each database query often involves reading substantial amounts of data into memory. When insufficient RAM exists, the system resorts to disk-based paging, dramatically increasing latency.

A) Adding additional RAM allows the database engine to cache frequently accessed tables and indices in memory, improving query response times and overall system performance. Memory is critical for database caching, query execution, and transaction processing, making it the most effective performance upgrade in this scenario.

B) Upgrading GPU has minimal effect on database query performance. Most database engines do not leverage GPU resources for query processing, and GPU upgrades are primarily relevant for graphics, modeling, or video workloads. Therefore, while a faster GPU may benefit other tasks, it will not improve database query times.

C) Replacing HDD with SSD can accelerate data access by reducing read/write latency. For large queries that cannot fully fit in memory, SSDs provide faster disk operations than mechanical drives. However, SSDs do not increase the available memory and therefore cannot prevent excessive paging. While helpful as a secondary measure, SSDs do not address the root cause in memory-intensive database workloads.

D) Upgrading CPU improves computational performance for complex query processing or analytic calculations. While certain database operations may be CPU-intensive, the bottleneck in this case is memory allocation. A faster CPU cannot compensate for insufficient RAM, as queries will still stall while waiting for disk paging.

In conclusion, adding additional RAM provides the most significant improvement for database-heavy workloads by enabling caching, reducing disk paging, and improving query response times. SSDs, CPUs, and GPUs can offer complementary benefits, but memory expansion directly addresses the root cause of slow database performance. Proper system monitoring and workload analysis ensure optimal RAM allocation for multiple large databases.

Question 138:

A workstation used for 3D modeling experiences stuttering in the viewport when rendering high-polygon models. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

A) Upgrade GPU
B) Upgrade CPU
C) Add additional RAM
D) Replace HDD with SSD

Answer: A) Upgrade GPU

Explanation:

3D modeling viewport performance is heavily reliant on GPU processing. Rendering high-polygon models, complex textures, and real-time lighting calculations requires significant graphical processing power.

A) Upgrading the GPU increases parallel processing capabilities, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity, allowing models to be displayed smoothly without stuttering. High-end GPUs optimized for CAD, modeling, and animation workloads are designed to handle these tasks efficiently, providing higher frame rates and reducing latency in the viewport.

B) Upgrading CPU improves computational tasks such as simulations, physics calculations, or software-based rendering. While CPU performance influences certain operations, real-time viewport stuttering is most often GPU-bound. A faster CPU will not resolve frame drops if the GPU cannot render the model efficiently. CPU upgrades are secondary in this scenario.

C) Adding additional RAM enables larger models and textures to reside in memory, reducing paging and loading delays. RAM is essential for multitasking or managing very large scenes, but insufficient GPU power will still limit viewport performance. While beneficial for workflow efficiency, RAM alone cannot eliminate stuttering caused by GPU constraints.

D) Replacing HDD with SSD improves file access times and caching. SSDs reduce delays when loading assets or project files, but they do not influence the frame rendering speed within the viewport. Storage upgrades enhance project load times but do not resolve GPU performance limitations.

In conclusion, upgrading the GPU is the most effective way to improve viewport performance in 3D modeling tasks. CPU, RAM, and storage upgrades can enhance overall workflow efficiency but do not directly address GPU-related stuttering. Selecting a GPU designed for 3D workloads ensures smooth and responsive performance during modeling, rendering, and animation.

Question 139:

A laptop user reports rapid battery depletion even during minimal use, and Task Manager indicates multiple unknown processes consuming CPU resources. Which of the following is the BEST first step to troubleshoot the issue?

A) Disable unnecessary background applications
B) Replace the battery
C) Perform a factory reset
D) Enable battery saver mode

Answer: A) Disable unnecessary background applications

Explanation:

Rapid battery depletion, coupled with high CPU usage by unknown processes, suggests that background applications are consuming excessive system resources.

A) Disabling unnecessary background applications is the most effective first step because it immediately reduces CPU activity, power consumption, and thermal load, directly addressing the battery drain. Task Manager or resource monitors can identify resource-intensive processes, allowing users to terminate or disable them. This method targets the root cause rather than applying a temporary fix.

B) Replacing the battery addresses the symptom of reduced battery capacity but does not solve the underlying cause of high CPU utilization. If resource-heavy processes continue to run, the new battery will also drain rapidly, making replacement an inefficient first step.

C) Performing a factory reset removes all applications, user settings, and potential malware. While effective, it is highly disruptive and should be reserved for scenarios where simpler troubleshooting fails. Disabling unnecessary applications is less invasive and often sufficient to restore battery performance.

D) Enabling battery saver mode reduces power consumption by limiting CPU speed, background activity, and screen brightness. While it can extend battery life temporarily, it does not address the root cause, which is excessive CPU usage by background processes. It is more of a mitigation than a permanent solution.

In conclusion, disabling unnecessary background applications is the most appropriate first troubleshooting step for rapid battery drain. Battery replacement, factory resets, and battery saver mode may support or complement the solution, but the primary focus should be on identifying and terminating resource-intensive processes. Proper process management ensures stable and efficient battery usage.

Question 140:

A desktop workstation running multiple large databases is experiencing slow query performance during peak usage periods. Which of the following upgrades would provide the MOST significant improvement?

A) Add additional RAM
B) Upgrade CPU
C) Replace HDD with SSD
D) Upgrade GPU

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

Database performance is heavily dependent on available memory. Large databases require caching of tables, indices, and query results in RAM for efficient access. When memory is insufficient, the system relies on disk-based paging, significantly slowing query response times.

A) Adding additional RAM allows more database content to be cached in memory, reducing I/O wait times and providing faster access for frequent queries. This upgrade directly addresses the root cause of slow query performance, making it the most effective solution. Monitoring memory usage during peak operations often shows that RAM is nearly fully utilized, confirming that memory is the primary bottleneck.

B) Upgrading CPU improves computational speed for query processing, sorting, and calculations. While CPU performance is important for complex queries, the observed bottleneck is memory, not processing. A faster CPU cannot compensate for excessive disk paging caused by insufficient RAM.

C) Replacing HDD with SSD reduces disk latency and speeds up paging operations. This can partially mitigate memory constraints but does not increase the amount of available memory. While SSDs improve overall I/O performance, they do not fully resolve slow query performance caused by insufficient RAM.

D) Upgrading GPU is largely irrelevant for database workloads. Database engines do not typically leverage GPU resources for query execution. GPU upgrades would not impact response times or caching performance in database operations.

In conclusion, adding additional RAM provides the most significant improvement for database query performance, enabling larger caching, reducing disk paging, and improving overall responsiveness. SSDs, CPUs, and GPUs can complement performance but do not address the core memory bottleneck. Proper RAM allocation ensures stable and efficient database operations during peak usage periods.