CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Hardware and Network TroubleshootingMedium
A technician is troubleshooting a client's desktop computer that randomly reboots and occasionally displays a 'blue screen of death' (BSOD) with varying error codes. The system has been running fine for over a year without any hardware changes. Which component is the MOST likely cause of these symptoms?
- ANetwork Interface Card (NIC)
- BGraphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- CHard Disk Drive (HDD)
- DPower Supply Unit (PSU)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Random reboots and BSODs with varying error codes, especially after a period of stable operation without hardware changes, strongly suggest an unstable power supply. A failing PSU can deliver inconsistent voltage, leading to system instability.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A NIC issue would primarily affect network connectivity, not cause random system reboots or BSODs.
- B. A GPU issue usually manifests as display artifacts, driver crashes, or no video output, not general system instability with random reboots.
- C. An HDD issue typically causes boot failures, file corruption, or system freezes, not random reboots and varying BSODs.
Failing Power Supply Unit (PSU)
A power supply that is no longer delivering stable and consistent power to system components, leading to unpredictable behavior.
- Can cause random reboots, system crashes, and varying BSOD errors.
- Symptoms are often intermittent and difficult to diagnose.
- May also manifest as components failing to power on or system not booting.
Memory trick: Unstable power makes a computer's mind go blank.