PC won't POST: beep codes, minimal config and CMOS for A+

Try 3 questions on this

Pick an answer to see why each option is right or wrong.

1. A newly built desktop powers on and its fans spin, but it does not POST. The technician removes the GPU and storage, leaving only the CPU and one memory stick in the first slot, and it still fails. Which of the following should the technician do next?

   Right. In the game that’s Renown for your Hardware and Network Troubleshooting building.

   Not that one: B is right. In the game your Hardware and Network Troubleshooting building would lose a little Renown, and this question would come back later.

   Your answerA.Replace the motherboard.The motherboard may be at fault, but the one memory stick has not been ruled out. Swapping it is cheaper and is the documented step before condemning the board.The answerB.Swap in a different RAM module.The documented minimal-configuration method strips the system to the CPU and one RAM stick in the first slot, then adds parts back one at a time.Your answerC.Replace the power supply.Spinning fans show the power supply is delivering power. Replacing it skips the cheaper check of the single memory stick that is still a suspect.Your answerD.Add a second RAM module.Adding a second module makes the configuration larger before it has posted. Parts are added back only after the minimal configuration boots.

   Show the full explanation and doc quotes

   It also says to swap the RAM module at least once, because the stick in use could be the culprit. Swapping that stick is the next check before replacing the motherboard.

   Written from www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/gaming/resources/why-wont-my-computer-turn-on.html

2. After a user installs an additional memory module, a desktop computer repeatedly sounds its documented memory-error beep code at power-on. The technician reseats every module and locks the latches, but the beeps continue. Which of the following should the technician check next?

   Right. In the game that’s Renown for your Hardware and Network Troubleshooting building.

   Not that one: C is right. In the game your Hardware and Network Troubleshooting building would lose a little Renown, and this question would come back later.

   Your answerA.Replace the CMOS battery.A weak CMOS battery loses the clock and firmware settings. It does not make the board report a memory error after new memory is added.Your answerB.Test each memory module one at a time.Testing modules one at a time finds a defective module, and it comes later in the maker's steps. A new module the board does not support would fail every test, so its speed and size are checked first.The answerC.Verify the new module's speed and size are supported.The board's memory beep code means the memory is not usable. Intel's documented steps for that code are, in order: install the modules properly and lock the latches, then make sure the memory is supported by the board by checking its speed and size, then test the modules one at a time.Your answerD.Reseat the graphics card.Some boards do use a beep pattern for a missing graphics card, but this board's code is documented as a memory error, so the graphics card is the wrong subsystem.

   Show the full explanation and doc quotes

   Seating is done and a module was just added, so compatibility is the next check.

   Written from www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005765/boards-and-kits/desktop-boards.html

3. After a user changed several firmware settings, a desktop now powers on with its fans spinning but shows only a blank screen, so the setup utility cannot be opened. Which of the following components should the technician remove for a few minutes to restore the default settings?

   Right. In the game that’s Renown for your Hardware and Network Troubleshooting building.

   Not that one: C is right. In the game your Hardware and Network Troubleshooting building would lose a little Renown, and this question would come back later.

   Your answerA.Video cardPulling the video card does not reset anything the user changed. The settings live in CMOS memory on the motherboard.Your answerB.RAM moduleRemoving memory tests for a memory fault; the firmware settings are stored elsewhere and stay in place.The answerC.CMOS batteryThe processor maker's page says CMOS is a small amount of memory on the motherboard that stores the BIOS settings, and that clearing it restores the default BIOS configuration and may help resolve boot or display issues.Your answerD.Heat sinkThe heat sink cools the processor and stores nothing. The settings are kept in CMOS memory.

   Show the full explanation and doc quotes

   One documented way is to remove the motherboard battery and wait before reconnecting it.

   Written from www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000025368/processors.html