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CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 - Domain 3 Hardware

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Question 1

A workstation's BIOS reports "SMART failure predicted on hard disk." What should the technician do IMMEDIATELY?

Answer choices

  • A. Replace the RAM modules

  • B. Run chkdsk /f and continue using the drive

  • C. Back up all data immediately and plan drive replacement (Correct)

  • D. Run a malware scan

Explanation

S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) failures indicate the drive's internal diagnostics have detected potential failure. The technician should immediately back up all data since the drive may fail at any moment, then replace it.

Question 2

Which type of RAM packaging is used in desktop computers with 240-pin DDR4 modules?

Answer choices

  • A. SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM)

  • B. DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) (Correct)

  • C. SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module)

  • D. MicroDIMM

Explanation

Standard desktop computers use full-size DIMMs (288-pin for DDR4, 240-pin for DDR3). SO-DIMMs (Small Outline) are the smaller form factor used in laptops, mini-PCs, and some all-in-ones. SIMMs are obsolete (pre-DDR).

Question 3

A PC has a 450W power supply. A technician is adding a discrete GPU that requires a 6-pin PCIe power connector and states 150W TDP. The existing components consume approximately 250W total. Can the current PSU support this upgrade?

Answer choices

  • A. No, the GPU's 6-pin connector exceeds the PSU capacity

  • B. Yes, 250W + 150W = 400W which is within the 450W PSU capacity with some headroom (Correct)

  • C. No, all GPUs require a minimum 500W PSU

  • D. Yes, but the technician must remove the optical drive to balance the power draw

Explanation

250W (existing) + 150W (GPU) = 400W, which fits within the 450W PSU with 50W of headroom (about 11%). This is tight but technically sufficient. Best practice is 20-25% headroom, so upgrading the PSU to 550W+ would be recommended.

Question 4

A technician needs to test whether a power supply is functional without a motherboard. Which method allows them to test PSU output voltages using a jumper?

Answer choices

  • A. Connect the PSU to a UPS to test voltage

  • B. Use the paperclip test — short the PS_ON pin (green) to a Ground pin (black) on the 24-pin connector to force the PSU on (Correct)

  • C. Use a 9V battery to trigger the PSU

  • D. Short the 12V rail to the 5V rail

Explanation

The "paperclip test" shorts pin 16 (PS_ON, green wire) to any ground pin (black) on the 24-pin ATX connector, causing the PSU to power on without a motherboard signal. Then use a multimeter to verify voltage rails (+12V, +5V, +3.3V).

Question 5

A technician is configuring a new server motherboard and needs to understand the difference between ECC and non-ECC RAM. What is the PRIMARY advantage of ECC RAM?

Answer choices

  • A. ECC RAM is faster than standard DDR4

  • B. ECC (Error-Correcting Code) RAM detects and corrects single-bit memory errors automatically, improving reliability (Correct)

  • C. ECC RAM is cheaper than standard DIMM modules

  • D. ECC RAM allows overclocking of the memory bus

Explanation

ECC RAM contains an extra chip that uses mathematical algorithms to detect and automatically correct single-bit errors (and detect multi-bit errors). This is critical in servers and workstations where memory errors could cause data corruption or crashes.