220-1101 Question #167: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

Question

A technician is troubleshooting a PC that will not boot. The case fans run when the power is switched on, but the PC will not POST, and there is no signal to the monitor. The technician opens the case and notices several capacitors appear swollen. Which of the following is the MOST likely reason why the PC will not boot?

Options

• ADefective power supply
• BDefective RAM
• CDefective CPU
• DDefective motherboard

Explanation

Swollen capacitors are a strong indicator of motherboard failure, which can prevent a PC from POSTing and sending a video signal despite fans running.

Common mistakes.

• A. While a defective power supply could cause boot issues, the fact that the case fans run indicates the PSU is providing some power. Swollen capacitors point more directly to motherboard component failure.
• B. Defective RAM typically results in POST errors (e.g., beep codes) or system instability, but swollen capacitors are a physical indicator of motherboard damage.
• C. A defective CPU would prevent POST, but swollen capacitors are not a direct symptom of CPU failure; they indicate an issue with the power delivery system, often on the motherboard itself.

Concept tested. Identifying motherboard failure signs

Reference. https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/computer-motherboard-problems

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