CompTIA 220-1101 CompTIA A+ Certification Exam: Core 1 Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set10 Q181-200

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Question 181:

A desktop PC fails to power on, and the motherboard shows no activity, fans do not spin, and no POST occurs. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty power supply
B) Corrupted BIOS
C) Failing RAM
D) Overheating CPU

Answer: A) Faulty power supply

Explanation:

A) Faulty power supply ,When a desktop PC fails to power on completely—with no fan movement, no lights, and no POST—the most likely cause is a faulty power supply unit (PSU). The PSU provides regulated power to all components, including the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage devices, and peripherals. If the PSU fails, it cannot supply the necessary voltage, preventing the system from even initiating the POST process. Diagnosing a PSU failure involves testing with a multimeter, a PSU tester, or replacing it with a known working unit. PSUs may fail due to electrical surges, internal component aging, or manufacturing defects.

B) Corrupted BIOS could prevent booting, but most modern motherboards still produce some indicator lights or beep codes even if the BIOS is corrupted. BIOS corruption alone rarely results in a completely dead system with no fan movement or LED activity. Recovery methods include BIOS reset or re-flashing, but if there is no power, the issue is almost certainly hardware-related.

C) Failing RAM can prevent POST and display memory-related beep codes, but fans and other system activity usually continue during initial startup. A completely dead system without POST activity is unlikely to be caused by RAM failure alone. Troubleshooting RAM involves reseating modules, testing with one stick, or running memory diagnostics after confirming the system powers on.

D) Overheating CPU typically occurs during operation rather than immediately on power-up. CPUs have built-in thermal protection and will shut down only if overheating occurs, which usually requires the system to be running for a period. Instantaneous total system death on power-on is generally unrelated to CPU thermal issues.

In conclusion, a faulty power supply is the most probable cause of a completely unresponsive system. While BIOS, RAM, and CPU problems can cause boot failures, they rarely result in total power inactivity. Confirming PSU functionality ensures safe and proper power delivery to the system.

Question 182:

A laptop frequently shuts down unexpectedly during high-load tasks. Internal temperatures show elevated CPU and GPU readings. Which of the following should be checked FIRST?

A) Cooling system and thermal paste
B) Malware infection
C) Corrupted operating system
D) Outdated drivers

Answer: A) Cooling system and thermal paste

Explanation:

A) Cooling system and thermal paste ,Frequent shutdowns during high-load tasks are commonly caused by overheating. Laptops rely on fans, heat sinks, and thermal paste to dissipate heat from the CPU and GPU. Dust buildup, degraded thermal paste, or malfunctioning fans reduce heat dissipation, causing the system to reach critical temperatures. Modern laptops automatically shut down to prevent hardware damage when CPU or GPU temperatures exceed safe thresholds. Inspecting the cooling system, cleaning dust, verifying fan operation, and replacing thermal paste are essential first steps to restore proper thermal management.

B) Malware infection may increase CPU or GPU usage, indirectly causing heat generation. However, malware alone is unlikely to produce temperatures high enough to trigger immediate shutdowns, especially if normal system usage remains within limits. Malware is a secondary consideration after addressing physical cooling issues.

C) Corrupted operating systems can cause instability or crashes but do not directly result in elevated CPU/GPU temperatures. While OS problems may exacerbate performance issues, they are not the primary cause of thermal shutdowns. Checking cooling mechanisms is more immediate and effective.

D) Outdated drivers may lead to improper GPU or CPU operation, resulting in reduced efficiency or erratic fan control. However, outdated drivers rarely cause thermal issues severe enough to trigger frequent shutdowns unless combined with poor cooling. Updating drivers may complement thermal maintenance but is not the first step.

In conclusion, the cooling system and thermal paste are the first areas to check when laptops shut down due to high temperatures. Addressing cooling problems directly prevents damage, restores stability, and ensures proper system operation. Malware, OS corruption, and outdated drivers are secondary considerations that can be addressed after thermal solutions.

Question 183:

A desktop PC exhibits random crashes and blue screens when running graphics-intensive applications. Which of the following is MOST likely the cause?
A) Faulty GPU
B) Insufficient RAM
C) Malware infection
D) Corrupted operating system

Answer: A) Faulty GPU

Explanation:

A) Faulty GPU ,Random crashes and blue screens during graphics-intensive tasks typically point to a faulty or overheating GPU. GPUs handle parallel processing for rendering, gaming, and 3D applications. Faulty VRAM, overheating, or failing GPU components can cause system instability, driver crashes, and blue screens. Troubleshooting involves monitoring GPU temperature, reseating the card, updating drivers, and testing with a known working GPU. Hardware replacement is often required if faults persist.

B) Insufficient RAM may cause performance issues, paging, or application slowdowns but rarely triggers blue screens specific to graphics-intensive workloads. RAM shortages affect general system stability rather than GPU-specific tasks. Memory diagnostics can verify RAM integrity, but this is less likely the root cause here.

C) Malware infection can degrade system performance and create instability. However, crashes that occur exclusively during graphics-intensive tasks suggest a hardware-specific problem rather than malware. Malware is unlikely to trigger GPU-specific BSODs without broader system impact.

D) Corrupted operating system can result in crashes, but blue screens that occur primarily during GPU-heavy workloads point more directly to hardware or driver issues. OS corruption typically causes general instability or consistent boot issues rather than task-specific crashes.

In conclusion, a faulty GPU is the most probable cause of blue screens during graphics-intensive tasks. RAM, malware, and OS corruption should be considered if GPU testing does not resolve the issue. Proper diagnostics and replacement ensure system stability for demanding applications.

Question 184:

A user reports that their laptop Wi-Fi disconnects frequently, while wired Ethernet works correctly. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty wireless adapter
B) Outdated operating system
C) Malware infection
D) Corrupted drivers

Answer: A) Faulty wireless adapter

Explanation:

A) Faulty wireless adapter ,Intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity while wired Ethernet functions normally typically indicates a problem with the wireless adapter or its antenna connections. Laptops often use internal Wi-Fi modules or removable cards that connect via M.2 or mini PCIe. Hardware issues such as loose connections, damaged antennas, or failing modules can lead to intermittent drops. Troubleshooting involves checking the adapter in Device Manager, verifying signal strength, testing with multiple networks, and replacing the module if necessary.

B) Outdated operating system can impact network settings, but since Ethernet works correctly, OS-level issues are unlikely. OS problems generally affect all network interfaces, not just Wi-Fi.

C) Malware infection can interfere with network processes and cause disconnections, but isolated Wi-Fi issues with functional Ethernet point to hardware. Malware is a less likely cause and should be investigated only after hardware checks.

D) Corrupted drivers may result in wireless instability. Reinstalling or updating drivers can resolve certain connectivity issues. However, if the adapter itself is failing, driver updates will not fix intermittent disconnections. Hardware testing should precede driver troubleshooting.

In conclusion, a faulty wireless adapter is the most probable cause of frequent Wi-Fi drops with functional wired Ethernet. OS updates, malware, and driver issues may contribute but are secondary considerations. Proper hardware diagnostics ensure stable wireless connectivity.

Question 185:

A workstation running multiple virtual machines frequently freezes and shows high paging activity. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

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

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

Virtual machines are extremely memory-intensive. Each VM consumes a portion of physical RAM to operate efficiently. When total memory demand exceeds available RAM, the system relies on disk-based paging, which is much slower than RAM access. This results in frequent freezing, high disk activity, and sluggish performance.

A) Adding additional RAM increases available memory for both the host and VMs, reducing reliance on paging, improving stability, and enhancing multitasking. Monitoring memory usage can help determine how much RAM is necessary to handle the workload effectively.

B) Upgrading CPU can improve computational performance for CPU-intensive VM tasks, but freezing caused by insufficient RAM will persist. CPU upgrades alone cannot compensate for memory shortages. CPU improvements benefit tasks such as software compilation or rendering but are secondary to addressing memory constraints.

C) Replacing HDD with SSD increases disk access speeds, which may reduce the impact of paging. While SSDs improve workflow responsiveness, they do not eliminate the root cause—insufficient RAM. SSDs are complementary to memory upgrades but cannot replace them.

D) Upgrading GPU benefits graphics-intensive applications but has little effect on VM performance unless GPU pass-through or GPU-accelerated workloads are being used. Most virtualization relies primarily on CPU and RAM. GPU upgrades are secondary considerations in this context.

In conclusion, adding additional RAM provides the most noticeable improvement when running multiple virtual machines. CPU, storage, and GPU upgrades may support overall performance but do not address the primary memory bottleneck. Proper RAM allocation ensures stable, responsive, and efficient virtualization performance.

Question 186:

A desktop PC emits smoke and a burning smell immediately after being powered on. Which of the following components is MOST likely responsible?

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

Answer: A) Faulty power supply

Explanation:

A) Faulty power supply ,When a desktop PC emits smoke and a burning smell immediately after powering on, this is a critical hardware failure event. The most likely culprit is the power supply unit (PSU), which converts AC power from the wall outlet into regulated DC power required by the motherboard, CPU, GPU, and storage devices. PSUs contain high-voltage components, capacitors, and voltage regulators that can fail catastrophically due to manufacturing defects, electrical surges, or aging. Symptoms of a failing PSU include burning smells, smoke, sparks, and a completely unresponsive system. Immediate disconnection from power is crucial to prevent fire hazards and further damage. Diagnosing involves visual inspection for burnt components, discoloration, melted connectors, or testing with a PSU tester. Replacing the faulty PSU is the safest resolution.

B) Overheating CPU can cause shutdowns and system instability but is highly unlikely to produce smoke immediately upon power-on. Modern CPUs have thermal protection features that prevent catastrophic failure by throttling or shutting down. Overheating-induced smoke typically occurs after extended use under high workloads, not instantly at startup. While overheating is a common failure mode in laptops and workstations under load, it is not the primary cause of instant smoke and odor during power-on.

C) Malware infection may slow down the system, cause crashes, or corrupt files, but it does not generate physical smoke or odors. Malware is purely software-based, and its effects cannot produce immediate hardware damage. While malware can indirectly stress hardware by overutilizing CPU or GPU, it cannot create the burning smell or smoke seen in this scenario.

D) Corrupted operating system may prevent booting, cause errors, or lead to crashes, but like malware, it does not physically damage components or emit smoke. OS corruption is a software issue and does not affect electrical components directly. Any diagnosis based solely on OS corruption would be misleading when physical smoke is present.

In conclusion, a faulty power supply is the most likely source of smoke and burning odors immediately upon powering on a desktop PC. Overheating CPU, malware, and OS corruption do not match the observed symptoms. Replacing the PSU is essential for safety and to prevent damage to other components. After replacement, inspecting downstream components for collateral damage is recommended, as a PSU failure can propagate voltage spikes to the motherboard, GPU, or storage devices. Preventive measures include using surge protectors, avoiding power fluctuations, and monitoring PSU health in high-performance systems.

Question 187:

A user reports that their laptop screen flickers intermittently, but external displays work correctly. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?
A) Loose internal display cable
B) Malware infection
C) Outdated operating system
D) Corrupted GPU drivers

Answer: A) Loose internal display cable

Explanation:

Intermittent laptop screen flickering, when external displays operate correctly, typically indicates a hardware connection issue within the laptop itself. 

A) Loose internal display cable, panel receives signals from the motherboard via a ribbon cable or flexible connector. Over time, repeated opening and closing of the laptop lid can loosen or partially disconnect this cable, causing intermittent flickering, dimming, or ghosting. Diagnosing involves carefully opening the laptop, inspecting the display cable for secure connections, and reseating it. If the cable is damaged, replacing it often resolves the issue.

B) Malware infection may cause application crashes, CPU overutilization, or erratic behavior, but it does not physically affect the signal path between the motherboard and the internal display. Malware is a software issue and would likely cause system-wide symptoms rather than isolated internal screen flickering.

C) Outdated operating systems may cause application or driver compatibility issues, but flickering limited to the internal screen is unlikely to be OS-related. OS updates typically resolve driver conflicts or software bugs, but if external displays work normally, the problem is almost certainly hardware-related rather than a software issue.

D) Corrupted GPU drivers can produce graphical anomalies, such as screen tearing, stuttering, or application crashes. However, if external monitors function correctly, the GPU and its drivers are likely operating properly. Driver corruption would typically affect all connected displays, not just the internal laptop panel. Reinstalling or updating drivers may be part of troubleshooting, but inspecting the hardware connection should take priority.

In conclusion, a loose internal display cable is the most probable cause of intermittent laptop screen flickering when external displays work properly. While malware, OS issues, and driver corruption can contribute to system instability, they do not match the observed symptom of flickering localized to the internal display. Reseating or replacing the display cable restores stable functionality and resolves flickering issues. Proper maintenance of connectors and careful handling of laptop hinges prevent recurring problems.

Question 188:

A workstation used for 3D modeling exhibits stuttering in the viewport when manipulating 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:

Viewport stuttering during high-polygon 3D modeling is most often GPU-bound. Modern 3D modeling software such as Blender, Maya, or SolidWorks leverages GPU acceleration for real-time rendering, lighting, shading, and texture display. 

A) Upgrade GPU , underpowered GPU or insufficient VRAM can result in dropped frames, laggy manipulation, and delays in scene rendering. Upgrading the GPU increases processing power, provides additional VRAM for complex textures, and enables smoother interaction with high-polygon models. It directly addresses the bottleneck causing stuttering in the viewport.

B) Upgrading CPU improves computation-heavy operations such as physics simulations, software-based rendering, and calculations. While beneficial for tasks like rendering or simulation exports, viewport stuttering is primarily influenced by the GPU. A faster CPU does not significantly reduce stuttering if the GPU cannot render frames in real time.

C) Adding additional RAM allows larger scenes to be stored in memory, reducing paging and improving system responsiveness. However, RAM does not directly improve real-time frame rendering if the GPU is the limiting factor. RAM upgrades complement GPU improvements but are secondary in resolving viewport stuttering.

D) Replacing HDD with SSD improves project load times and file access speeds. While this can enhance workflow efficiency, it does not address real-time rendering performance within the viewport. SSDs complement GPU upgrades but do not replace the need for a capable graphics processor.

In conclusion, upgrading the GPU is the most effective upgrade to reduce viewport stuttering in 3D modeling. CPU, RAM, and storage improvements can support workflow efficiency, but GPU performance is the primary factor for smooth real-time interaction with high-polygon models. Selecting a GPU optimized for professional 3D applications ensures responsive and efficient modeling performance.

Question 189:

A laptop battery drains rapidly even during light use, and Task Manager shows multiple unknown processes consuming high CPU. Which of the following is the BEST initial 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 typically indicates that background applications are consuming excessive system resources.

A) Disabling unnecessary background applications is the most effective first step. Task Manager or Resource Monitor can identify processes consuming high CPU or memory, and terminating these processes reduces power consumption, improves battery life, and restores system responsiveness. This method addresses the root cause, is non-disruptive, and often provides immediate improvement.

B) Replacing the battery addresses the symptom but not the root cause. If excessive CPU usage persists due to background processes, a new battery will also drain quickly. Battery replacement without resolving underlying CPU activity is inefficient.

C) Performing a factory reset removes all installed applications, user settings, and potential malware. While effective in extreme cases, it is highly disruptive and time-consuming. Disabling background processes first can often solve the issue without a full reset.

D) Enabling battery saver mode reduces CPU speed, limits background activity, and dims the display to extend battery life temporarily. While it mitigates battery drain, it does not resolve the underlying cause of high CPU usage. Battery saver mode is a temporary workaround rather than a permanent fix.

In conclusion, disabling unnecessary background applications is the most appropriate initial step for troubleshooting rapid battery drain. This directly targets the excessive CPU usage, avoids unnecessary disruption, and provides immediate improvement. Battery replacement, factory reset, and battery saver mode can support recovery but do not address the root cause. Proper management of background processes ensures efficient battery usage and prolonged system life.

Question 190:

A user reports that their desktop PC freezes during heavy multitasking. Task Manager shows high paging activity. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

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

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

High paging activity indicates that the system is using disk-based virtual memory because the physical RAM is insufficient for current workloads. When running multiple applications simultaneously, insufficient RAM forces the operating system to page memory to disk, resulting in sluggish performance, freezing, and delays.

A) Adding additional RAM increases the available memory pool, reduces paging, and improves multitasking performance. RAM upgrades directly target the root cause of freezing during heavy workloads.

B) Upgrading CPU improves processing speed for computational tasks. However, if RAM is insufficient, the CPU will spend time waiting for data to be swapped in and out of disk, resulting in minimal improvement in multitasking performance. CPU upgrades do not solve memory-related bottlenecks.

C) Replacing HDD with SSD improves read/write speeds, making paging faster. While SSDs reduce the impact of paging, they do not eliminate the root cause: insufficient RAM. SSDs complement RAM upgrades but cannot replace them as a solution for freezing caused by memory shortages.

D) Upgrading GPU enhances graphics performance for gaming or 3D rendering but has minimal impact on general multitasking or memory-heavy applications. GPU upgrades are irrelevant for freezing caused by high paging.

In conclusion, adding additional RAM provides the most significant performance improvement for systems experiencing freezes during heavy multitasking. CPU, storage, and GPU upgrades may complement overall performance but do not address the primary memory bottleneck. Proper memory allocation ensures smooth multitasking and efficient system responsiveness.

Question 191:

A user reports that their laptop is very slow when opening multiple applications simultaneously. Task Manager shows very high paging activity. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

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

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

A) Add additional RAM ,High paging activity is a strong indicator that the system is using virtual memory because the physical RAM is insufficient to support the current workload. When a laptop has multiple applications open, the operating system moves inactive memory pages to disk storage to free up RAM. This process is significantly slower than accessing physical memory, resulting in sluggish performance, delayed application response, and overall system slowdowns. Adding additional RAM increases the available memory, reduces paging, and allows more applications to run concurrently without performance degradation. By directly addressing the memory bottleneck, the system becomes more responsive, and multitasking improves significantly.

B) Upgrading CPU can increase the processing speed for tasks that require significant computation. However, if the system is bottlenecked by insufficient RAM, the CPU may spend considerable time waiting for data to be swapped between RAM and disk. Therefore, a CPU upgrade alone will not effectively resolve performance issues caused by high paging activity. CPU upgrades benefit compute-heavy tasks like rendering, compilation, or complex calculations but have minimal impact on multitasking slowdowns caused by memory limitations.

C) Replacing HDD with SSD improves disk access speeds, which can reduce the severity of slowdowns due to paging. SSDs offer much faster read/write times than traditional hard drives, allowing virtual memory operations to execute more efficiently. While an SSD enhances workflow and reduces waiting time for paging, it does not eliminate the underlying problem of insufficient physical RAM. Therefore, SSD replacement is a complementary improvement but not the primary solution for high paging issues.

D) Upgrading GPU improves graphics performance for rendering-intensive applications, 3D modeling, and gaming. However, GPU upgrades have minimal impact on general multitasking or system slowdowns caused by high paging activity. Unless the slowdown is related to graphics processing, a GPU upgrade does not address the root cause of the performance issue in this scenario.

In conclusion, adding additional RAM provides the most effective performance improvement when multiple applications cause slowdowns due to high paging activity. CPU, storage, and GPU upgrades may complement overall system performance, but memory expansion directly targets the bottleneck that limits multitasking efficiency. Monitoring memory usage can guide the amount of RAM required, ensuring a smoother and more responsive computing experience for everyday multitasking and demanding workloads.

Question 192:

A laptop exhibits intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity, while wired Ethernet works without issues. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty wireless adapter
B) Malware infection
C) Corrupted drivers
D) Outdated operating system

Answer: A) Faulty wireless adapter

Explanation:

A) Faulty wireless adapter , Intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity with fully functional wired Ethernet usually points to a hardware issue with the wireless adapter or its connections. Laptops often use integrated or removable Wi-Fi modules (such as M.2 or mini PCIe cards) connected to internal antennas. Over time, hardware issues like loose connections, damaged antennas, or failing modules can result in inconsistent connectivity, frequent drops, or signal instability. Diagnosing the problem involves checking the adapter in Device Manager, testing connectivity with multiple networks, verifying signal strength, and inspecting antenna connections. Replacing the wireless adapter is often necessary if hardware damage is confirmed.

B) Malware infection may impact network performance by consuming bandwidth, altering network settings, or causing unexpected disconnections. However, malware rarely affects only the Wi-Fi interface while leaving Ethernet fully operational. Although malware should be considered in persistent or suspicious scenarios, isolated Wi-Fi failures point primarily to hardware issues rather than software threats.

C) Corrupted drivers may cause the wireless adapter to function improperly, leading to connectivity drops or limited functionality. Reinstalling or updating drivers is a valid troubleshooting step. Nevertheless, if the adapter is physically failing, driver updates alone will not resolve intermittent connectivity. Hardware inspection should take precedence before driver reinstallation.

D) Outdated operating system may affect network stack stability and compatibility, potentially causing Wi-Fi issues. However, OS-level problems usually affect all network interfaces, including Ethernet, which works correctly in this case. OS updates can improve performance and security but are unlikely to resolve hardware-specific connectivity problems.

In conclusion, a faulty wireless adapter is the most probable cause of intermittent Wi-Fi drops while Ethernet functions normally. Driver corruption, OS updates, and malware are secondary considerations and should be investigated only after hardware inspection confirms proper adapter function. Ensuring secure and stable wireless connectivity often requires module replacement or professional repair.

Question 193:

A desktop PC displays continuous POST beeps indicating a memory error. Which of the following should be checked FIRST?

A) RAM modules
B) Power supply
C) CPU
D) Hard drive

Answer: A) RAM modules

Explanation:

A) RAM modules ,POST (Power-On Self-Test) beep codes serve as diagnostic indicators for hardware issues during boot. Continuous beeps commonly signal memory errors, indicating that the system cannot detect or properly initialize RAM modules. The first step is to check the RAM by reseating the modules, testing them individually, and verifying compatibility with the motherboard. Faulty RAM or improperly seated modules can prevent the system from completing POST, resulting in failed boots. Using memory diagnostic tools, such as MemTest86, can confirm the integrity of the RAM. Replacing defective RAM resolves POST memory errors efficiently.

B) Power supply provides necessary voltage to all components. While a failing PSU can cause boot failures or system instability, memory-specific POST beeps are not typically associated with power supply issues. PSU failures usually manifest as complete system inactivity, unexpected shutdowns, or erratic behavior rather than diagnostic memory beep codes. Testing PSU function with a multimeter or replacement unit can confirm its health but is secondary in this case.

C) CPU faults can prevent booting, but POST typically displays either no activity or a single pattern indicating CPU failure. Continuous memory-specific beeps point directly to RAM rather than CPU issues. Replacing or reseating the CPU without first checking RAM is inefficient and may not resolve the problem. CPU diagnostics involve inspecting physical damage, checking thermal paste, or using a known good CPU.

D) Hard drive issues impact the operating system loading, file access, and storage but do not generate memory-specific POST errors. A failing hard drive may prevent booting or result in OS errors, but the system’s POST sequence and RAM detection would occur normally if RAM is functional. HDD replacement is unnecessary when POST indicates memory errors.

In conclusion, RAM modules should be checked first when POST beeps signal memory problems. Power supply, CPU, and hard drive faults are secondary considerations, as POST diagnostics specifically identify memory issues. Proper testing, reseating, and replacement of RAM ensure the system can boot successfully and perform reliably.

Question 194:

A laptop frequently shuts down during high-load tasks, and internal temperature monitoring shows high CPU and GPU readings. Which of the following is the BEST initial troubleshooting step?

A) Inspect cooling system and thermal paste
B) Scan for malware
C) Reinstall operating system
D) Update drivers

Answer: A) Inspect cooling system and thermal paste

Explanation:

A) Inspect cooling system and thermal paste ,Frequent shutdowns during heavy workloads accompanied by elevated CPU and GPU temperatures indicate thermal-related issues. Laptops rely on fans, heat sinks, and thermal paste to dissipate heat efficiently. Dust accumulation, failing fans, or degraded thermal paste reduce heat transfer, causing the CPU and GPU to reach critical temperatures. Laptops have built-in thermal protection that automatically shuts down the system to prevent hardware damage. Inspecting the cooling system, cleaning dust, verifying fan operation, and reapplying thermal paste are essential first steps to address thermal issues.

B) Scanning for malware is always a good maintenance step but is unlikely to directly address high-temperature shutdowns. Malware may cause excessive CPU usage, but it would not independently generate the extreme heat required to trigger thermal shutdowns during normal high-load tasks. Malware scanning can be a secondary measure after addressing thermal problems.

C) Reinstalling the operating system may resolve system instability but will not reduce temperatures or prevent thermal shutdowns. OS reinstallation is highly disruptive and unnecessary if the root cause is physical cooling failure.

D) Updating drivers ensures that fans and thermal controls operate correctly, but it does not compensate for dust-clogged heatsinks, worn thermal paste, or physically failing fans. Driver updates complement thermal maintenance but are insufficient as a primary solution.

In conclusion, inspecting the cooling system and thermal paste is the most effective initial step when laptops shut down during high-load tasks. This directly addresses the underlying cause, prevents hardware damage, and restores system stability. Malware, OS reinstallation, and driver updates are secondary considerations that may improve system reliability once thermal issues are resolved. Proper maintenance of cooling components ensures safe and consistent laptop performance.

Question 195:

A workstation used for video editing drops frames during 4K 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 ,4K video editing is extremely GPU-intensive. Software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro offloads rendering, timeline playback, and effects processing to the GPU. Dropped frames during playback indicate that the GPU is struggling to process high-resolution frames in real time. Upgrading the GPU improves VRAM capacity, parallel processing capability, and rendering throughput, resulting in smoother playback, faster effects application, and improved real-time performance. This directly addresses the primary bottleneck for high-resolution video editing.

B) Upgrading CPU enhances performance for software-based encoding, simulation, and background rendering tasks. While beneficial for rendering exports, CPU upgrades have limited impact on real-time playback if the GPU cannot process frames quickly enough. CPU improvements complement GPU upgrades but are secondary in resolving dropped frame issues.

C) Adding additional RAM allows larger projects and assets to reside in memory, reducing paging and caching delays. RAM is supportive but does not resolve GPU-bound playback issues. Insufficient RAM may contribute to slow loading of assets but is not the primary cause of frame drops.

D) Replacing HDD with SSD improves media access times, project load speeds, and caching. While beneficial for workflow efficiency, it does not directly address GPU bottlenecks that cause dropped frames in 4K playback. SSDs complement GPU performance but cannot replace the need for adequate graphics processing power.

In conclusion, upgrading the GPU provides the most significant improvement for 4K video playback. CPU, RAM, and storage improvements support workflow efficiency but do not directly resolve GPU-bound performance bottlenecks. Choosing a GPU optimized for professional video editing ensures smooth playback, responsive editing, and efficient rendering for high-resolution projects.

Question 196:

A desktop PC powers on, but the monitor displays no image, and the system emits a series of POST beeps. Which of the following should be checked FIRST?

A) RAM modules
B) GPU
C) Power supply
D) Hard drive

Answer: A) RAM modules

Explanation:

A) RAM modules ,POST (Power-On Self-Test) beeps are diagnostic signals that indicate hardware problems before the operating system loads. A continuous or repeated beep pattern often points to memory errors, which are usually caused by faulty or improperly seated RAM modules. RAM modules are essential for storing temporary system and application data during startup. If RAM is not detected or functioning correctly, the motherboard cannot complete the POST process, resulting in no video output or system boot failure. The first troubleshooting step is to power down the PC, disconnect power, and carefully reseat the RAM modules. Testing each module individually can help identify a defective stick.

B) GPU issues can also cause no display output, particularly if the motherboard relies on a discrete graphics card. However, most motherboards provide specific POST beep codes for GPU failures, making RAM the more likely culprit in cases with continuous memory-related beeps.

C) Power supply problems usually prevent the PC from turning on entirely rather than producing diagnostic beep codes. While the PSU should always be tested if other symptoms persist, it is unlikely to be the first cause here.

D) Hard drive issues affect OS loading and data access but do not prevent the POST sequence from running or generate beep codes. A hard drive failure would not cause a blank monitor with continuous POST beeps.

In conclusion, checking RAM modules first is the most efficient and logical step. This targets the most common cause of memory-related POST errors, ensuring that the system can properly boot once the RAM is reseated or replaced.

Question 197:

A laptop is extremely slow while multitasking, and Task Manager shows high CPU usage from multiple background processes. Which of the following is the BEST initial step?

A) Disable unnecessary background applications
B) Replace CPU
C) Upgrade RAM
D) Enable battery saver mode

Answer: A) Disable unnecessary background applications

Explanation:

High CPU usage from multiple unknown or unnecessary processes is a common cause of slow system performance.

A) Disabling unnecessary background applications is the best initial step because it directly targets the root cause without requiring hardware changes. Task Manager can identify which applications consume excessive CPU resources, allowing users to terminate or disable them. This approach is fast, non-disruptive, and immediately improves responsiveness.

B) Replacing the CPU is unnecessary unless the current processor cannot handle the workload. In most cases, slow performance caused by excessive background processes is not due to CPU limitations. CPU replacement is more complex, costly, and does not address the immediate problem.

C) Upgrading RAM improves memory availability, which may help multitasking, but high CPU usage from background processes is unrelated to memory bottlenecks. Adding RAM would not reduce CPU consumption by unnecessary processes.

D) Enabling battery saver mode reduces CPU performance and limits background activity, which may improve battery life temporarily, but it does not address the root cause of excessive CPU usage.

By first disabling unnecessary background applications, the user can quickly restore system performance, identify problematic processes, and prevent the need for unnecessary hardware upgrades. Proper process management ensures optimal CPU utilization, smoother multitasking, and improved overall efficiency.

Question 198:

A desktop PC experiences random blue screens when running graphics-intensive software. Which of the following is MOST likely the cause?

A) Faulty GPU
B) Insufficient RAM
C) Malware infection
D) Corrupted OS

Answer: A) Faulty GPU

Explanation:

A) Faulty GPU ,Random blue screens during graphics-intensive tasks are typically caused by a faulty or overheating GPU. The GPU is responsible for handling parallel computations required for rendering, 3D modeling, and other graphical workloads. Faulty VRAM, driver conflicts, or thermal issues can result in system instability, crashes, and blue screens of death (BSODs) when the GPU cannot handle the workload. Proper troubleshooting involves monitoring GPU temperature, reseating or replacing the graphics card, and ensuring drivers are up to date.

B) Insufficient RAM can cause slow performance, lag, or application crashes, but it rarely triggers GPU-specific BSODs during intensive graphics tasks. RAM issues affect general system stability rather than GPU-dependent operations.

C) Malware infection can interfere with system processes and cause crashes, but if the blue screens occur specifically during graphics-heavy applications, the hardware is more likely at fault than malicious software. Malware-related crashes usually appear under varied workloads, not task-specific scenarios.

D) Corrupted OS can create system instability and random crashes; however, if issues occur only under GPU load, the operating system is less likely to be the primary cause. OS corruption would typically impact all tasks, not just graphics-intensive ones.

In conclusion, the faulty GPU is the most probable cause of blue screens during graphics-heavy workloads. Addressing GPU performance and health ensures stable operation for graphics applications, while RAM, malware, and OS issues are secondary considerations.

Question 199:

A laptop Wi-Fi connection drops intermittently, while wired Ethernet works without problems. Which is the MOST likely cause?

A) Faulty wireless adapter
B) Outdated OS
C) Malware infection
D) Corrupted drivers

Answer: A) Faulty wireless adapter

Explanation:

A) Faulty wireless adapter ,Frequent Wi-Fi disconnections with fully functional Ethernet suggest a hardware issue with the wireless adapter. Laptop Wi-Fi modules can become loose, suffer antenna damage, or fail internally due to aging or physical stress. Troubleshooting begins by testing different networks, checking signal strength, inspecting Device Manager for hardware recognition, and reseating or replacing the wireless card if necessary. Hardware failure is the most likely cause because it isolates the problem to the Wi-Fi interface.

B) Outdated OS may affect network protocols or introduce compatibility issues, but it usually impacts all network interfaces, including Ethernet. Since Ethernet works correctly, an OS update is unlikely to solve the intermittent Wi-Fi issue.

C) Malware infection can disrupt network performance by consuming bandwidth or interfering with system processes. However, malware rarely causes isolated Wi-Fi failures while Ethernet remains unaffected. Malware should be considered if symptoms persist after hardware inspection.

D) Corrupted drivers can create instability for the wireless adapter. Updating or reinstalling drivers is a valid troubleshooting step. Yet, driver updates cannot resolve physical hardware faults. Hardware inspection should always precede software fixes in this scenario.

In conclusion, a faulty wireless adapter is the most likely cause of intermittent Wi-Fi drops while Ethernet remains functional. Hardware repair or replacement is typically required to restore stable connectivity.

Question 200:

A workstation running multiple virtual machines frequently freezes and shows high disk activity. Which of the following upgrades would MOST improve performance?

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

Answer: A) Add additional RAM

Explanation:

Running multiple virtual machines (VMs) is highly memory-intensive. Each VM requires a portion of physical RAM to operate effectively. When total RAM is insufficient, the system uses disk-based virtual memory, resulting in high paging activity, frequent freezes, and sluggish performance.

A) Adding additional RAM directly increases available memory, reduces reliance on paging, and allows VMs to run smoothly without constant disk swapping. Monitoring memory usage helps determine the appropriate RAM upgrade to support the number of virtual machines and workloads.

B) Upgrading the CPU improves processing power, which is important for computations and VM tasks. However, CPU upgrades cannot compensate for insufficient RAM, and freezing due to high paging will persist. CPU improvements complement RAM but do not address the root cause.

C) Replacing an HDD with an SSD improves paging speed and overall responsiveness. While SSDs reduce the performance impact of virtual memory usage, they do not solve the primary bottleneck: inadequate RAM.

D) Upgrading the GPU may help with graphics-intensive VM workloads, but most virtualization tasks rely primarily on CPU and RAM. GPU upgrades are irrelevant unless VMs use GPU acceleration.

In conclusion, adding additional RAM provides the most substantial performance improvement for virtualized environments. CPU, SSD, and GPU upgrades are secondary and only support overall system efficiency. Proper memory allocation ensures smooth multitasking, stable VM operation, and efficient resource usage.