Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting

What is a diagnostic sequence run by the BIOS or UEFI when the system is powered on that checks whether essential hardware components are functioning correctly before attempting to load the OS.

POST (Check motherboard BIOS manufacturer to identify beep codes)

What is the stop error screen that appears in Microsoft Windows when the system encounters a critical error it cannot recover from that displays technical details that may help advanced users diagnose the cause of the error.

BSoD

What do you need to check when a blank screen appears after system startup to verify that the system is receiving power

1. Check the connections on the Motherboard, RAM, CPU, or GPU which can prevent the system from passing POST.

2. Reseat the RAM, GPU, and confirm proper CPU installation

3. Clear the CMOS to reset BIOS settings

4. Check cables and replace if needed, test the monitor on another system

What do you check if the PC shows no sign of receiving power

1. Ensure that the power cord is securely connected to both the wall outlet and the PSU

2. Confirm that the outlet is delivering power by testing it with another device or using a circuit tester

3. Examine the power cord for physical damage or fraying

4. Verify that any surge protector or power strip is turned on and functioning properly

5. Plug the system directly into the wall outlet to eliminate the surge protector as a factor

What steps do you take to troubleshoot a PSU not turning on

1. Confirm that the PSU’s power switch is turned on

2. Inspect the PSU for any signs of physical damage, burning smells, or unusual noises

3. Performing a paperclip test (ATX jumper test) to verify PSU fan activation

4. Testing the PSU with a PSU tester or replacing it temporarily with a known-good unit

What internal power delivery checks are useful when troubleshooting a PC that is not powering on

1. Performing a visual inspection of internal components for signs of damage

2. Ensuring that the motherboard is installed correctly with no grounding issues

3. Confirming that the CPU is properly aligned, securely locked, free from damage and debris, and in optimal contact with the cooling solution

4. Ensuring that all internal power connectors are firmly seated on the motherboard

5. Verify that the power button cable from the case is correctly connected to the appropriate motherboard header

6. Trying a minimal boot configuration to determine if any additional component is causing a conflict that prevents power from being delivered or recognized

What motherboard related issue can result in degraded performance without triggering errors or shutdowns

Swollen/leaking capacitors

What is the cause of high disk activity without large file transfers, slow application loading, and slow system response

Insufficient amount of RAM

What is the effect of mixing RAM modules of different sizes and speeds on system performance

1. The system will use the total combined memory size of all installed RAM modules

2. The system will automatically downgrade performance to the speed of the slowest RAM module

What could cause the CPU to operate well below advertised speed and lower frequency with correct CPU model

1. Enabled power-saving mode

What could cause sluggish performance in a gaming PC after upgrading with a high-performance GPU

Overloaded PSU

What component in Microsoft Windows Task Manager allows users to identify hardware components affecting system performance

The Performance Tab

What component in Microsoft Windows Task Manager can be used to identify compute-intensive applications and process that may be the cause of sluggish system performance

The Processes Tab

What can excessive dust buildup and overheating cause

1. Sluggish performance

2. Frequent system crashes

3. Unexpected shutdowns

4. Irreversible hardware damage

What is the process of the CPU reducing its operating speed to avoid damage

Thermal Throttling

What is the first thing to do when you smell burning from the computer case

Shut down the system and unplug it from a power source

What can lead to unexpected shutdowns

1. Dust buildup restricting airflow

2. Overheating CPU/GPU

3. Memory errors or failing RAM modules

4. Failing or underpowered PSU

5. Software corruption or misconfiguration

What actions can help maintain system stability and prevent hardware-related crashes

1. Cleaning internal components with compressed air

2. Replacing or reapplying CPU thermal paste as needed

3. Conducting memory diagnostics tests

4. Installing a PSU that meets or exceeds power requirements

What tools in Windows can help troubleshoot unresponsive apps and identify potential causes of application crashes

1. Event Viewer

2. Reliability Monitor

3. Task Manager

What is the most probable cause of a popping sound after shutting it down

Blown capacitor

What is the best course of action when you see a capacitor with a rounded top

Replace the motherboard or affected component

What should you do if the computer’s system date and time reset every time it is powered off

Replace the CMOS battery