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Question 1
A technician needs to install additional storage in a user’s desktop without using external connectors. Which interface is MOST commonly used for internal hard drives in modern desktop systems?
A) eSATA
B) SATA
C) Thunderbolt
D) USB-C
Answer: B
Explanation:
eSATA is a version of a storage connector typically intended for external drive connections, offering a way to connect storage devices outside the case while maintaining SATA-like performance. Although it uses a similar underlying protocol, it is not standard for internal mounting situations inside desktop computers. It is functionally useful but not commonly implemented as an internal connection method, which makes it an unlikely candidate for most desktop storage upgrades.
SATA is the prevalent interface used in modern desktop environments for installing hard drives and solid-state drives internally. It offers straightforward cabling, standardized connectors, and broad compatibility across consumer and enterprise motherboards. It supports a range of drive capacities and speeds, making it well-suited for both HDDs and SSDs. Its widespread adoption ensures technicians encounter it frequently when servicing or upgrading desktop storage components.
Thunderbolt is a high-speed connector that incorporates data, video, and sometimes power capabilities through a single port. It is generally used for daisy-chaining high-performance external peripherals such as displays, external SSDs, and docking stations. Internal desktop motherboards rarely include Thunderbolt headers for internal devices. Consequently, this technology does not serve as a standard internal connection for drives installed inside a desktop case.
USB-C is a versatile connector type useful for charging, data transfer, and interaction with peripheral devices. It exists mainly on laptops, phones, and external devices rather than as an internal drive interface. Even though USB-C drives exist, they are almost exclusively external. Since internal drive bays and motherboard SATA ports dominate desktop configurations, this connector has no typical role in internal storage mounting.
The most reasonable answer is the interface widely used across desktop motherboards and internal drive bays. It supports modern HDD and SSD designs, provides easy installation with dedicated power and data connectors, and has achieved an industry-standard position for internal storage connectivity. This makes it the appropriate answer for the technician seeking to add more internal storage without relying on external connectors.
Question 2
A wireless network in an office frequently disconnects when many devices are connected. What should a technician adjust first to reduce interference?
A) Channel
B) SSID
C) MAC filtering
D) DHCP lease time
Answer: A
Explanation:
Channel refers to the specific frequency segment within a wireless band that an access point uses. In congested areas with multiple nearby networks or many users, several devices may transmit over the same overlapping frequencies. This overlap causes wireless traffic collisions, dropped connections, and reduced performance. Adjusting the operating frequency can significantly improve wireless stability because it separates the access point from competing signals.
SSID is the wireless network’s broadcast name. Changing it helps users identify networks more easily but does not influence congestion or signal collisions. Although renaming a network may assist in organization or user clarity, it offers no improvement in performance or signal reliability. Therefore, altering the network name does not address the interference problem described.
MAC filtering involves allowing or blocking devices based on their hardware addresses. This provides a degree of access management but does not impact radio frequency overlap or the volume of wireless traffic from the environment. Even if certain devices are blocked, interference from other networks or overlapping signals remains unchanged, leaving disconnect issues unresolved.
DHCP lease time determines how long devices keep their assigned IP addresses. While adjusting it may affect device turnover management or reduce address conflicts, it has no relation to wireless interference. Network addressing configuration does not alleviate issues stemming from crowded signal frequencies or high wireless utilization.
The most suitable correction involves altering the access point’s wireless channel. Wireless communication relies heavily on clear, unobstructed frequency space. When too many devices or networks compete on a single channel, performance degrades. By selecting a cleaner frequency, the access point operates with fewer collisions and provides more consistent connectivity.
Question 3
A laptop frequently shuts down while running CPU-intensive tasks. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty RAM
B) Overheating
C) Corrupt OS files
D) Outdated BIOS
Answer: B
Explanation:
Faulty RAM normally leads to system instability such as random errors, application crashes, freezes, or blue screen failures. Memory issues generally interrupt processes abruptly but do not typically result in immediate power loss tied specifically to CPU-intensive operations. Because the observed symptom correlates with processing load, memory problems are less likely to be responsible.
Overheating is strongly associated with sudden shutdowns during high-demand tasks. When a processor is pushed to high workloads, it generates additional heat. If cooling fans are blocked, thermal paste has degraded, or vents are obstructed, internal temperatures rise rapidly. Laptops contain thermal protection mechanisms designed to power the system off instantly when temperatures exceed safe thresholds, preventing long-term hardware damage. This exact behavior matches the reported symptom.
Corrupt OS files are more likely to cause crashes, missing functionality, slow operation, or boot failures. They typically do not force an abrupt power-off event. Even serious system file corruption tends to freeze the system or cause a software-level failure rather than physically cutting power. The correlation between shutdowns and CPU load makes overheating a more realistic explanation.
Outdated BIOS firmware may contribute to compatibility issues, detection problems, or inconsistent power-management behavior. However, it rarely produces load-dependent shutdowns. Although firmware updates can improve performance or stability, they are not generally associated with the immediate shutdown pattern occurring during specifically intensive processing tasks.
The described situation points clearly toward thermal overload. The sudden loss of power is consistent with a protective measure rather than a software malfunction. Under heavy CPU usage, overheating is the most direct and realistic cause of the described behavior.
Question 4
A technician must connect a workstation to a display that supports 4K resolution at 60 Hz. Which port should be used?
A) VGA
B) DVI-D
C) DisplayPort
D) RJ45
Answer: C
Explanation:
VGA transmits analog video signals and cannot support modern high-resolution requirements. Its maximum usable resolutions are far below 4K, and the analog nature of the signal makes it unsuitable for high clarity and refresh rates. Even high-quality VGA cables cannot meet the performance standards needed for 60 Hz UHD output.
DVI-D can transmit digital video but has bandwidth limitations that prevent it from reliably supporting 4K at 60 Hz. Dual-link variations extend capability, but even then, they fall short of the performance necessary for modern ultra-high-resolution displays. Because of these bandwidth restrictions, DVI-D is considered outdated for 4K applications.
DisplayPort supports high bandwidth, making it ideal for modern displays requiring 4K resolution at high refresh rates. It was designed specifically for delivering high-performance digital video and often exceeds the requirements needed for multimedia production, gaming, and professional visual environments. DisplayPort connectors are commonly found on graphics cards capable of driving high-resolution displays effectively.
RJ45 is strictly a networking port used for Ethernet communication. It does not carry video data and cannot be used for display connectivity. As such, it has no relevance to video output or monitor compatibility.
The most appropriate solution is the connector designed to support the required resolution and refresh rate. It ensures full performance and compatibility with modern UHD displays.
Question 5
A user reports lag and disconnections when using a Bluetooth mouse at a distance. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Low battery
B) Bandwidth throttling
C) DHCP exhaustion
D) Incorrect subnet mask
Answer: A
Explanation:
Low battery power in wireless peripherals often causes weak transmissions, resulting in lag, reduced sensitivity, and frequent disconnections. As battery levels drop, the device struggles to maintain signal strength, especially when the distance from the computer increases. This matches the symptoms described, making it the most reasonable explanation.
Bandwidth throttling involves limiting internet or network traffic speeds. Bluetooth devices do not rely on internet bandwidth, so throttling has no impact on their responsiveness. Even if network speeds are restricted, Bluetooth performance would remain unaffected, ruling this out.
DHCP exhaustion happens when a network cannot assign IP addresses due to depletion. Since Bluetooth devices do not require DHCP-assigned addresses for basic connectivity, this situation does not cause peripheral performance issues. Thus, it cannot explain lag or disconnections.
Incorrect subnet mask settings interfere with the routing and addressing structure of IP-based networks. Bluetooth communication does not rely on IP addressing in the same way, so misconfigured subnet masks do not degrade Bluetooth peripheral functionality.
The scenario best aligns with reduced battery strength causing weak and inconsistent signal transmission, particularly over longer distances.
Question 6
A technician is configuring a new wireless router and wants to ensure compatibility with modern devices while maximizing speed. Which wireless standard should be enabled?
A) 802.11a
B) 802.11b
C) 802.11g
D) 802.11ac
Answer: D
Explanation:
802.11a is an older wireless standard that operates in the 5 GHz band and provides relatively modest speeds compared to modern technologies. While it avoids some interference common in the 2.4 GHz band, its limited throughput and aging relevance make it less suitable for environments requiring high performance and compatibility with current devices. Most modern equipment does not rely on this standard for daily operation.
802.11b is among the earliest wireless networking standards and functions on the 2.4 GHz frequency. It offers slow data rates by modern standards and is prone to interference from common household devices. It lacks the necessary performance to support current streaming, gaming, or multi-user workloads and is generally considered obsolete for contemporary network setups.
802.11g improves upon older standards by maintaining operation in the 2.4 GHz range while offering faster speeds than 802.11b. However, it still suffers from interference issues inherent to this frequency range. Although more capable than earlier standards, it is far below the capacity required for modern high-speed networking environments. Devices that depend on high-bandwidth connections, such as smart TVs and workstations, require more robust capabilities.
802.11ac is a modern standard that operates primarily in the 5 GHz band and delivers significantly faster speeds, better efficiency, and improved performance in multi-device environments. It supports advanced modulation techniques and wider channels, allowing for much higher throughput. It is widely used in contemporary devices, making it the ideal standard for ensuring compatibility and maximizing speed. Many modern routers and client devices incorporate this technology, making it the best choice when configuring a wireless router with performance in mind.
The most fitting selection is the standard that provides both broad compatibility and high-speed operation suitable for modern networks, offering strong performance across many device types and workloads.
Question 7
A user’s laser printer is producing pages with faint print. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Low toner
B) Damaged fuser
C) Misaligned paper tray
D) Incorrect driver
Answer: A
Explanation:
Low toner levels commonly cause faded or faint print on laser printers. As the toner cartridge depletes, the printer cannot transfer sufficient particles to the drum, resulting in incomplete or light text appearing on printed pages. This issue is consistent with gradual fading across documents rather than isolated defects. When toner runs low, print quality diminishes uniformly, making this the most reasonable explanation.
A damaged fuser usually produces issues such as smudging, streaks, or toner that rubs off the page because it cannot properly melt and bond the toner to the paper. While a damaged fuser affects print quality, it does not typically create faint or light output across an entire page. Instead, a malfunctioning fuser causes adhesion problems rather than weak toner coverage.
A misaligned paper tray can cause paper jams, crooked print alignment, or uneven margin placement. It does not affect the density or darkness of printed characters. Since faint output relates to toner application rather than paper positioning, misalignment does not explain the described issue.
An incorrect driver can result in improper formatting, missing features, or unsupported resolutions. However, it does not typically produce faint prints because print density is controlled by the printer’s internal mechanisms. Driver problems more often cause communication issues, not weak toner transfer.
The described problem is most closely associated with a diminishing toner supply, which leads to consistently faint output until the cartridge is replaced.
Question 8
A technician needs to boot a computer from a USB installation drive, but the system repeatedly boots to the hard disk. What should the technician check FIRST?
A) BIOS boot order
B) Firewall settings
C) Pagefile configuration
D) Printer spooler service
Answer: A
Explanation:
BIOS boot order determines the sequence of devices the firmware checks when starting a computer. If the USB drive is not placed before the hard disk in this sequence, the system will ignore it and proceed directly to the installed operating system. Ensuring the correct device is prioritized is the most essential first step when a system fails to boot from removable media. Adjusting this setting is straightforward and directly affects the issue described.
Firewall settings are software-based rules that control network traffic. They have no influence on the system’s ability to boot from an external device. A firewall cannot prevent a computer from reading or loading an operating system from USB media, making this unrelated to the described issue.
Pagefile configuration relates to virtual memory management within the operating system. Adjusting pagefile settings affects how the OS compensates for limited physical RAM but has nothing to do with booting from external storage. Because the system fails before the OS loads, pagefile configuration is irrelevant.
Printer spooler service manages print jobs and is similarly unrelated to system startup behavior. It only becomes active once the operating system is running and cannot influence boot device selection or firmware-level processes.
The most appropriate action is to verify that the system firmware is configured to check the USB drive before the internal hard drive. This directly addresses why the system continues to boot from the hard disk instead of external media.
Question 9
A user wants to mirror their smartphone screen onto a smart TV without using cables. Which technology should they use?
A) NFC
B) Bluetooth
C) IR blaster
D) Miracast
Answer: D
Explanation:
NFC enables short-range data exchanges, typically for payments or quick device pairing. It operates only within a few centimeters and does not support screen mirroring or high-bandwidth video transmission. Its design focuses on simple contact-based interactions rather than continuous media streaming, making it unsuitable for the requirement described.
Bluetooth provides wireless connectivity for peripherals, audio devices, and file transfers. While capable of streaming audio, it lacks the bandwidth required for transmitting real-time high-definition video. Screen mirroring requires continuous high-speed data throughput, which Bluetooth cannot provide. It is impractical for video display transmission.
IR blasters send infrared signals used primarily for remote-control functions such as changing channels or adjusting volume on a television. They cannot carry video data and are limited to command signals. Because IR communication is one-way and low bandwidth, it cannot support screen mirroring of any kind.
Miracast is designed specifically for wireless display projection. It enables devices to stream video content directly to compatible TVs and monitors using Wi-Fi Direct technology. This allows for smooth playback of video, presentations, and real-time screen duplication without cables. Its purpose aligns exactly with the requirement to mirror a smartphone screen onto a TV wirelessly.
Miracast is the technology built for this exact use case, providing the necessary bandwidth and compatibility for seamless display mirroring.
Question 10
A user reports that their desktop PC does not power on, but the motherboard indicator lights are illuminated. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Faulty CPU
B) Dead power supply
C) Failed power button
D) Unsupported RAM
Answer: C
Explanation:
A faulty CPU can prevent a system from completing POST or booting into an operating system, but it does not usually stop the system from powering on entirely. Motherboard lights receiving power indicate that basic power delivery is functioning, suggesting the CPU itself is not preventing the initial power-on state. Even with a failed CPU, the power-on signal typically still initiates.
A dead power supply would prevent the motherboard lights from illuminating at all. Since these lights are powered by standby voltage supplied by the PSU, their presence means the unit is delivering at least partial power. Although power supplies can fail in specific rails, a completely dead PSU would not light the board at all, making this a less likely explanation.
A failed power button can prevent the system from receiving the signal needed to start the boot process even when standby power is present. If the switch is damaged, disconnected, or malfunctioning, the motherboard may remain powered at a minimal level without initiating full startup. This situation matches the described symptoms closely, making it the most plausible cause.
Unsupported RAM can result in POST failures, beeping patterns, or failure to display video. However, it does not stop the power-on process. The system would typically still respond to the power button by spinning fans or attempting initialization before encountering memory-related errors.
The described symptoms best align with a malfunctioning power button, which can block the startup sequence even when the motherboard itself is receiving standby power.
Question 11
A user connects an external monitor to a laptop using HDMI, but the monitor displays “No Signal.” What should the technician check FIRST?
A) Whether the monitor is set to the correct input
B) The monitor’s refresh rate
C) The laptop’s firewall settings
D) The laptop’s power plan
Answer: A
Explanation:
Whether the monitor is set to the correct input is an essential first step when troubleshooting a “No Signal” message on an external display. Many monitors have multiple ports such as HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, or DVI, and they do not always auto-detect which one is in use. If the monitor is set to a different port than the one connected, it simply does not receive the video feed, leading to a blank display. This check takes only a moment and directly influences whether the signal is routed correctly. Because it is a simple, quick verification that directly addresses the symptoms, examining the selected input is the most sensible first step.
The monitor’s refresh rate, while important for image fluidity and compatibility at times, does not typically cause a “No Signal” message. Incorrect refresh rates may produce errors such as flickering, distorted images, or unsupported mode warnings, but they generally do not prevent the display from detecting a connection entirely. A signal must be established first before refresh rate becomes relevant, so this factor is not the initial area of concern when the monitor shows no input at all.
The laptop’s firewall settings control network traffic and application-level communication rather than display output. Firewalls protect against unauthorized access and threats but do not affect video signals or external display detection. HDMI output operates at the hardware and driver level, independent of these security configurations. Thus, firewall rules cannot interfere with the monitor recognizing the laptop’s display output.
The laptop’s power plan controls energy-saving features such as screen dimming, sleep timers, and CPU throttling. While some power-saving options can affect port performance on very rare occasions, they do not typically prevent the laptop from sending a signal through HDMI. Even in power-saving modes, display output remains functional unless the system is in sleep mode, which would present different symptoms.
The most effective initial troubleshooting step is to confirm that the monitor is actively looking at the correct HDMI input. This resolves many seemingly complex video issues instantly because the monitor needs to be set to the correct port to receive the laptop’s output signal.
Question 12
A user’s new NVMe SSD is not detected during Windows installation. Which setting in the UEFI should the technician verify?
A) Legacy boot mode
B) Secure Boot password
C) NVMe support
D) Fan curve configuration
Answer: C
Explanation:
Legacy boot mode is intended for older operating systems and non-UEFI compatible devices. While switching between legacy and UEFI modes can affect how drives are recognized, NVMe drives rely on UEFI-based initialization for proper detection. However, enabling legacy mode usually makes NVMe detection less reliable, not more. Since NVMe was designed with UEFI in mind, this setting is not the primary factor to verify when the drive is missing.
Secure Boot password relates to security controls that require password confirmation when modifying boot parameters or firmware configuration. While Secure Boot itself can sometimes block unauthorized operating systems, it does not typically prevent the system from detecting an NVMe drive entirely. Removing or modifying this password has no direct influence on drive recognition.
NVMe support in UEFI must be enabled for the motherboard to initialize and display the NVMe drive. Some systems require toggling particular settings such as enabling specific storage controllers or activating PCIe storage support. If these features are disabled, the SSD will not appear in the boot list or installation screen. Because NVMe functions over PCIe rather than SATA, motherboards need proper firmware-level support. Verifying this is essential when the system cannot detect the NVMe drive during installation.
Fan curve configuration manages fan speed behavior to control cooling performance. Adjusting this setting influences noise levels and thermal handling but does not relate to storage detection. No matter how the fans are configured, the system will not fail to detect an NVMe drive because of cooling settings. This factor is unrelated to the issue described.
The correct action involves verifying whether the motherboard’s firmware has PCIe/NVMe support enabled. Without it, the operating system installer cannot see the SSD, making this setting the most relevant to check.
Question 13
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop that randomly reboots under heavy GPU load. Which component is MOST likely failing?
A) Hard drive
B) Power supply
C) Case fan
D) Network adapter
Answer: B
Explanation:
A hard drive experiencing issues may cause slow performance, corrupted files, or failure to boot. Mechanical drives can produce clicking or grinding noises when failing, and solid-state drives may cause data access problems. However, neither type typically causes a system to reboot specifically under GPU load. Storage-related failures rarely correlate with graphical stress and do not force the system to power cycle.
A power supply is responsible for providing stable and sufficient power to all components. GPU loads can significantly increase power draw, especially in gaming or rendering scenarios. If the power supply is weak, failing, or unable to provide the necessary wattage, voltage drops can occur. These drops can instantly reboot the system as protective circuits respond to inconsistent power delivery. This aligns closely with symptoms that occur only during demanding tasks, making the power supply the most likely cause.
A case fan provides airflow to remove heat from inside the chassis. While overheating due to inadequate cooling can cause shutdowns or throttling, a single failed case fan does not typically lead to reboots unless temperatures reach critical levels. Moreover, GPU loads specifically stressing the power system are more likely culprits than general airflow issues. If thermal problems caused the reboot, symptoms would also appear in CPU-heavy workloads, not only GPU-intensive ones.
A network adapter is unrelated to GPU performance. Even when under heavy network load, it would not interact with power delivery systems in a way that causes reboots. Network failures usually result in connectivity drops or slow data transfer, not system restarts. Therefore, the network adapter is not a plausible explanation for a reboot during GPU-intensive activity.
The behavior described points clearly to a power supply failing to sustain adequate wattage during GPU load. This is a common failure scenario in desktops, especially when using high-performance graphics cards.
Question 14
A technician wants to ensure a mobile device can transfer files by touching it to another device. Which feature must be enabled?
A) GPS
B) NFC
C) Wi-Fi Calling
D) Airplane Mode
Answer: B
Explanation:
GPS is a location-determining feature used for navigation, mapping, and geolocation services. It does not establish communication between devices nor does it facilitate file transfer. Even if GPS is enabled, it contributes nothing toward transferring files by physically touching devices together. Its purpose is unrelated to short-range communication.
NFC enables close-range communication between devices by allowing them to transmit data over a very small distance, often within a few centimeters. It is used for contactless payments, device pairing, and file transfers via touch-based initiation. When users tap two devices together to exchange information, NFC is the technology facilitating this action. Because the question specifically involves touching devices to trigger a transfer, NFC fits the scenario exactly.
Wi-Fi Calling enables voice calls over wireless networks rather than traditional cellular towers. It has no interaction with physical proximity or touch-based communication. Even if enabled, it does not allow two devices to exchange files merely by touching or being near each other. It serves a completely different function.
Airplane Mode disables wireless radios such as cellular connections, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, depending on device design. When active, it would prevent NFC and other wireless communication methods from functioning. Far from enabling file transfer, it restricts communication. This setting would make touch-based transfer even less likely.
The feature necessary for file exchange through physical device contact is the close-range communication technology that allows two devices to establish a rapid, secure connection through brief proximity.
Question 15
A user’s external USB hard drive is not detected on their Windows workstation. Other USB devices work normally. What should the technician check FIRST?
A) Disk Management
B) BIOS date/time
C) Windows Update
D) Startup programs
Answer: A
Explanation:
Disk Management is a built-in Windows tool that displays all storage devices, including those that are uninitialized, unallocated, or experiencing partition table issues. If an external drive is receiving power but not showing up in File Explorer, this tool provides essential information about its status. It may appear without a drive letter, with a corrupted partition, or requiring initialization. Checking this allows the technician to determine whether the system recognizes the hardware at a low level, making it an appropriate first troubleshooting step.
BIOS date and time settings do not influence USB storage detection. Incorrect system dates can affect certificates and time-based authentication, but they have no bearing on whether an external hard drive is recognized by the OS. Adjusting these values does nothing to resolve device visibility issues.
Windows Update ensures the system is running the latest software patches and drivers, but USB detection issues often occur independently of update status. While driver updates can fix some hardware problems, this is not the most immediate or direct troubleshooting step when other USB devices already function correctly. Updates do not directly address the initial recognition problem.
Startup programs determine what applications launch automatically when Windows boots. They do not impact device enumeration or how the OS detects hardware connected through USB ports. Because startup applications operate after the OS is loaded, they have no relevance to why an external drive fails to appear.
The most practical first action is to inspect Disk Management to determine whether the system identifies the drive at the storage layer. This provides immediate insight needed for further diagnostic steps.
Question 16
A user complains that their Wi-Fi network speed drops significantly when moving between different areas of the office. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) Wireless interference
B) Wrong subnet mask
C) Incorrect DNS server
D) Full hard drive
Answer: A
Explanation:
Wireless interference is a common cause of fluctuating network speeds when users move between areas of a building. As a user walks through an office, they encounter different signal strengths, obstructions, and overlapping wireless sources such as other access points, neighboring networks, or devices emitting radio frequencies. Interference from walls, appliances, or other electronics degrades performance, especially on congested channels. These factors directly affect connection stability and throughput, making this the most likely explanation for inconsistent speeds across different locations.
Wrong subnet mask settings affect routing within a network and may prevent communication between devices on separate subnets. However, a subnet mask misconfiguration does not cause speed changes when physically moving around. Instead, it results in static communication problems regardless of location. Since the user experiences speed variation based on movement, subnet mask issues do not match the scenario.
Incorrect DNS server settings impact the ability to resolve domain names but do not affect raw Wi-Fi throughput. If DNS were misconfigured, symptoms would include slow website loading, failed lookups, or inability to reach certain domains. These issues have no correlation with location-based speed changes and would remain consistent no matter where the user stood within the office.
A full hard drive can slow file transfers, system responsiveness, and application performance, but it does not influence wireless signal strength or network speed. Wi-Fi bandwidth is determined by environmental and radio frequency factors, not available disk space. Even with a completely full drive, wireless speed fluctuations tied to movement would not occur.
The scenario described most accurately fits the effects of wireless interference, which varies depending on distance from access points, obstacles, and competing signals. This makes it the correct explanation for inconsistent speeds throughout the office.
Question 17
A technician installs a new graphics card, but the system fails to display anything on boot. Which step should the technician perform FIRST?
A) Check power connectors on the GPU
B) Update the video drivers
C) Reinstall the operating system
D) Replace the monitor cable
Answer: A
Explanation:
Checking the power connectors on the GPU is the most important first step when a system provides no display after installing a graphics card. Many modern GPUs require one or more dedicated PCIe power connectors in addition to the power supplied through the motherboard slot. If these connectors are not firmly attached, the graphics card will fail to initialize, resulting in a blank screen. This behavior occurs immediately at startup, making it the logical first troubleshooting action.
Updating the video drivers happens within the operating system and therefore requires the system to display output first. If the system shows no video at all from the moment it powers on, driver updates cannot be applied. Because the problem occurs before the OS loads, software changes cannot address the immediate issue.
Reinstalling the operating system is far too drastic for a no-display symptom after hardware installation. OS corruption affects system operation after POST, but the issue here prevents the system from reaching that stage. OS-level troubleshooting is unnecessary until hardware-level verification is complete.
Replacing the monitor cable may be helpful in some video output issues, but the sudden appearance of a blank display after installing a GPU suggests a problem related to the new hardware. Unless the cable was damaged coincidentally or connected incorrectly, it is not the most likely initial cause. It is more practical to begin with the GPU’s power requirements, which often lead to this exact symptom.
The correct initial step is to ensure the GPU is receiving the required power for proper operation.
Question 18
A technician needs to connect a user’s laptop to a wired network, but the laptop has no Ethernet port. What should the technician use?
A) USB-to-Ethernet adapter
B) VGA-to-Ethernet converter
C) HDMI-to-Ethernet patch cable
D) RJ11 modem cable
Answer: A
Explanation:
A USB-to-Ethernet adapter allows devices lacking built-in Ethernet ports to connect to wired networks. Many modern laptops, particularly ultraportable models, do not include physical RJ45 ports due to slim designs. The adapter converts USB signals into Ethernet-compatible communication, enabling a direct connection to a network through a standard cable. It is widely used, reliable, and specifically intended for situations like the one described.
A VGA-to-Ethernet converter does not provide standard network functionality. VGA is a video output interface, and such converters are typically used for long-distance video transmission over Ethernet cables but do not convert signals into network communication formats. These devices are not networking tools and cannot serve as replacements for Ethernet ports.
An HDMI-to-Ethernet patch cable is not designed for true Ethernet networking. Despite packaging sometimes indicating “Ethernet support,” this typically refers to HDMI’s optional Ethernet channel used for media devices, not standard computer networking. It cannot connect a laptop to a traditional wired network because HDMI does not transmit network traffic in the manner required for LAN communication.
An RJ11 modem cable is designed for telephone line connections and dial-up networking. It cannot connect to Ethernet networks due to completely different signaling standards, physical connectors, and communication protocols. It is not compatible with modern LAN environments and does not support the speeds or technology used in Ethernet networking.
The correct solution is the adapter designed specifically for adding Ethernet capability to devices without built-in network ports.
Question 19
A technician notices that a desktop PC frequently becomes extremely noisy during large file transfers and software installations. What is the MOST likely cause?
A) High CPU utilization
B) Failing case fan
C) Hard drive activity
D) Incorrect BIOS settings
Answer: C
Explanation:
Hard drive activity increases significantly during large file transfers and software installations, especially on mechanical drives. As the drive spins rapidly and the actuator arm moves extensively, the device produces noticeable noise, including clicking, humming, or whirring. This behavior directly correlates with disk-intensive tasks and is the most likely explanation for noise that occurs only during heavy data operations.
High CPU utilization produces heat and may cause cooling fans to speed up, but it does not create noise tied specifically to file transfers. While CPU-heavy tasks can increase fan noise, the question describes noise that is closely associated with disk operations. Therefore, CPU utilization does not align as strongly with the noise pattern described.
A failing case fan can produce persistent noise regardless of system activity. Grinding or rattling sounds from fans typically occur continuously or intermittently but do not strictly correlate with file transfers or installations. Because the noise appears during specific types of tasks rather than at rest, a case fan is a less likely cause.
Incorrect BIOS settings may lead to performance problems, boot delays, or hardware misconfigurations, but they do not cause noise during data-intensive operations. BIOS issues do not typically produce audible symptoms and have no direct connection to sound patterns that occur only when the hard drive is active.
The pattern of noise occurring specifically during heavy read/write operations is characteristic of a mechanical drive working under load, making it the best explanation.
Question 20
A technician needs to connect multiple peripherals to a laptop that only has two USB ports. Which solution is MOST appropriate?
A) USB hub
B) KVM switch
C) RJ45 splitter
D) PCIe expansion card
Answer: A
Explanation:
A USB hub expands the number of available USB connections using a single port on the laptop. It is designed specifically for situations where multiple peripherals such as keyboards, mice, storage devices, or webcams must connect simultaneously. USB hubs can be powered or unpowered and are the simplest and most compatible solution for increasing accessible ports on laptops.
A KVM switch is intended for controlling multiple computers using a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor. It is not designed to increase the number of peripheral ports on a single system. Its functionality is directed toward managing multiple machines rather than expanding connectivity for one device.
An RJ45 splitter divides a single Ethernet cable into separate pathways but does not provide additional network ports in a functional sense. It certainly cannot expand USB connectivity and is completely unrelated to peripheral attachment. Ethernet splitters cannot be used as a substitute for USB expansion.
A PCIe expansion card adds additional ports inside desktop computers, not laptops. Laptops do not have open PCIe slots available for such upgrades. Because the system in question is a laptop, PCIe cards are not a compatible solution.
The most appropriate choice is the device specifically designed to expand USB availability quickly and easily using the laptop’s existing ports.
