TestOut 3.6 Processor Troubleshooting

After working without problems for a couple of years, your computer has begun to lock up. You suspect that it is a thermal issue, but you can't find any component that is not functioning correctly. You have not replaced the CPU or installed any new devices. The CPU cooling fan and the power supply fan are working properly. The lock-ups are happening with increasing frequency. Which of the following is the MOST common condition that might explain these symptoms? The power supply has been switched to the wrong voltage setting. The internal temperature sensor is beginning to malfunction intermittently. An accumulation of dust has gradually built up. The BIOS has never been flashed and has gotten more and more out of date.

An accumulation of dust has gradually built up.

To improve system performance, you have configured a motherboard to run with a higher multiplier than what the CPU is specified to use. Since doing this, the system has become unstable and crashes frequently. To restore system stability, which of the following should be completed? Replace the CMOS battery to make sure the real-time clock has the correct time. Back off on the overclocking settings until the system runs in a stable manner. Make sure the BIOS firmware supports the overclocking settings you're using. Make sure the switch on the power supply is set to the correct voltage.

Back off on the overclocking settings until the system runs in a stable manner.

Since it has no moving parts, a CPU will usually work properly for several years. Which of the following is a common factor that MIGHT cause a CPU to fail prematurely? Electromagnetic interference Magnetic field Unsupported memory modules Electrostatic discharge (ESD) High CPU usage

Electrostatic discharge (ESD)

Zoey has brought her computer in for servicing. When she dropped off her computer, she mentioned that her computer will sometimes spontaneously reboot and freezes occasionally. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this problem? Failing drive Overheated CPU Bad network card Failed UPS

Overheated CPU

Steve, a computer technician, received a helpdesk ticket for a computer that will not start. When Steve powered the computer on, there was one long and two short beeps. Which of the following programs is reporting this error condition? CMOS POST initramfs ESP

POST

Your system crashes at various times: sometimes on startup, sometimes when running a software application, sometime when a certain group of applications is running. You suspect a malfunctioning CPU, but none of the common issues seem to be present. You have not configured overclocking. There is no overheating. The CPU is seated correctly and locked into its socket. What can you do to definitively determine if the CPU is causing the system crashes? Switch to a comparable CPU from a different manufacturer. Downgrade to a CPU that has fewer cores and is less demanding on your system resources. Throttle the processor to reduce the operating frequency and minimize power consumption. Replace the suspect CPU with a known good CPU of the same make and model.

Replace the suspect CPU with a known good CPU of the same make and model.

A few of your employees have complained that their computers sometimes shut down spontaneously. You have noticed that these employees all work in a part of the building where the air condition does not adequately cool the room. These employees also use CPU-intensive programs. You suspect that the spontaneous shutdowns are caused by overheating. Which of the following is the SIMPLEST way to monitor the temperature of the computer's CPU? Touching the PCs with your hand or fingers. Placing a thermostat on the PC at the warmest location. Placing a thermostat on the CPU. Viewing the temperature from within the BIOS.

Viewing the temperature from within the BIOS.

What is a major symptom of a failing CPU

system usually doesn't boot

You have just finished upgrading the CPU in your desktop system. After running for about 15 minutes, the system spontaneously shuts down. Which steps should you take to begin troubleshooting the issue? (Select TWO). Check the thermal shutdown threshold in the BIOS. Check the power supply voltage switch. Replace the power supply. Remove any unnecessary components and run the system. Check the CPU fan power.

• Check the thermal shutdown threshold in the BIOS. • Check the CPU fan power.

You have just upgraded the CPU on your computer. You consulted the motherboard documentation to make sure the CPU is compatible with the motherboard. However, when you turned the system on, it locks up shortly after startup. While troubleshooting this issue, which of the following are the BEST steps to try first? (Select TWO). Look for something that could be causing the new CPU to overheat. Make sure the power cord is plugged in and the power supply switch is in the On position. Make sure the CPU is seated properly, oriented properly, and locked into the socket. Test the power supply using a multimeter. Replace the CMOS battery.

• Look for something that could be causing the new CPU to overheat. • Make sure the CPU is seated properly, oriented properly, and locked into the socket.

What are possible causes of the system locking up shortly after startup

• Overheated CPU • clock or system timers in BIOS/UEFI

What are some other symptoms of a failed or failing CPU

• System boots but OS fails to load • System has POST parity problems with number of devices • System locks up shortly after startup • POST beep code indicating CPU fault • System crashes on startup or when running software application or group of applications

You work at a computer repair store. You just upgraded the processor (CPU) in a customer's Windows-based computer. The customer purchased the latest AMD Phenom II processor, and you installed it in the computer. When you power the computer on, you only see a blank screen. Which of the following is MOST likely causing the computer displaying a blank screen? (Select TWO). Someone unplugged the computer without performing a proper shutdown first. The heat sink and fan were not installed correctly. The power connector for the fan was not connected to the motherboard. The CPU is not supported by the BIOS. The CPU is bad.

• The CPU is not supported by the BIOS. • The CPU is bad.

Lately, your computer is spontaneously shutting down after only a few minutes of use. What is the likely cause? (Select TWO). The heat sink and fan were not installed correctly. Someone unplugged the computer without performing a proper shutdown first. The CPU is not supported by the BIOS. The power connector for the fan was not connected to the motherboard. The CPU is bad.

• The heat sink and fan were not installed correctly. • The power connector for the fan was not connected to the motherboard.