5.2 Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to motherboards, RAM, CPU, & power Flashcards
A common cause if a PC won’t start or suddenly turns off?
Power problem
What should happen when the PSU supplies 12V power?
Fans & hard disks should spin up
What does the PSU test after supplying 12V power?
its 5V & 3.3V supplies
What signal does the PSU send once it provides a stable supply?
A power good signal to the processor
What should you check first when diagnosing no power symptoms in a PC?
If LEDs on front panel are lit & if you can hear the fans
What might cause a power issue in a PC?
Fault in the:
- PSU
- Electricity supply
- Power cables/connectors
- Fuses
How to check if no power in a PC is due to the power circuit or a blackout?
Checking if other equipment in the area is working
What if a device plugged into the same socket doesn’t work when diagnosing PC power issues?
Wall socket is faulty
Contact an electrician to investigate
What should you ensure about PSU cabling and switches when diagnosing PC power issues?
They’re connected correctly, & all switches are in the “on” position
What to try if you suspect a problem iwth a power cable or fuse?
When diagnosing no power symptoms in a PC
Use another power cable or check the fuse with a multimeter
What does disconnecting extra devices help diagnose in a no-power PC?
If the PSU is underpowered or if a device is faulty
When diagnosing no power symptoms in a PC, how can you test the PSU?
with a mltimeter or power supply tester
Ensure appropriate safety measures.
What could be the issue if no power issue is identified in a no-power PC?
A faulty motherboard or power supply
If its a faulty power supply, do not leave it turned on or unattended, & watch for smoke, fire, or unusual smells & nosies
What should you suspect if fans spin, but the computer doesn’t start, shows a black screen, and makes no beeps?
Display issue or POST isn’t running
Meaning of POST?
Power-On Self-Test
What is POST?
Firmware diagnostic program that ensures hardware needed for booting is present & working?
What to do if the system firmware was updated and the PC doesn’t boot?
Use reset procedure
The update may have failed
Why is checking cabling and connections important after PC maintenance?
Misaligned cables or loose adapter cards can halt POST
How can you identify a faulty interface or device that halts POST?
Remove devices individually or all non-essentials
Then add them back one by one
What might a spinning fan indicate if the computer doesn’t start?
PSU fault may block power good signal from reachinig the CPU
What could incorrectly set motherboard jumpers cause?
May prevent the computer from booting
If a computer will not work after being serviced, check that the jumpers have not been changed
POST error message
What does it mean when POST outputs 1 short beep
System is OK
However most modern PCs are configured to boot silently
POST error message
What does it mean when POST outputs 2 short beeps?
POST error
(the error code is shown on scren)
POST error message
What does it mean when POST outputs no beep?
Power supply, motherboard problem, or faulty onboard speaker
