CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)HardwareHard
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop computer that powers on but displays no video output. The technician has already verified the monitor and video cable are working. Upon opening the case, the technician observes that the CPU fan is spinning, and some case fans are also active, but there are no POST beeps. Which of the following components is the MOST likely cause of the lack of video output?
- AHard drive
- BNetwork Interface Card (NIC)
- CRAM
- DPower Supply Unit (PSU)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. RAM
If a computer powers on, fans spin, but there's no video and no POST beeps, a common cause is faulty or improperly seated RAM. The Power-On Self-Test (POST) often fails at the memory check stage before generating video or error beeps if RAM is compromised.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A failing hard drive would typically prevent the OS from booting but would not prevent video output or POST beeps.
- B. A faulty NIC would affect network connectivity but has no bearing on video output during boot or POST.
- D. If the PSU were failing significantly, the system likely wouldn't power on at all or would have inconsistent power delivery to fans, which isn't the primary symptom here.
No POST/No Video Troubleshooting
A common troubleshooting scenario where a computer powers on but fails to complete the Power-On Self-Test (POST) and displays no video output.
- Common causes include RAM, CPU, or motherboard issues.
- Absence of POST beeps is a key indicator.
- Often requires component isolation and testing.
Memory trick: Black screen, silent machine? RAM's the rogue, or CPU's unseen.