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Question

Difficulty: MediumMotherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power Issues

A technician is troubleshooting a desktop workstation that fails to complete POST and emits a continuous beep code immediately after a memory upgrade. Place the following troubleshooting steps in the correct sequence to isolate the issue according to standard CompTIA hardware diagnostic procedures.

  1. 1Power off the workstation, disconnect the AC power cord, and hold the chassis power button for 5 seconds to drain residual electrical charge.
  2. 2Remove the newly added memory module, leaving only the original, known-working RAM installed.
  3. 3Reconnect power and boot the workstation to verify if the baseline system completes POST successfully.
  4. 4Install the new memory module individually into a known-good slot to test the module for defects.

Answer

The correct sequence begins with disconnecting AC power and draining residual electricity, removing the newly installed RAM module to re-establish a baseline, powering on the system to verify baseline operation, and finally testing the new RAM module independently in a known-good slot.
CompTIA hardware troubleshooting principles mandate establishing safety first by removing power and draining residual charge, returning to a known-good baseline by removing newly added RAM, verifying baseline system operation, and then testing the new module independently to isolate component versus slot failure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Disconnect AC power and drain residual motherboard voltage.
Prevents electrical discharge damage and hazards during component handling.
Safety procedures mandate de-energizing the power supply unit and clearing capacitors before working inside the chassis.
2
Remove the newly added RAM module to establish a baseline.
Isolates the new hardware variable from the system.
Standard troubleshooting methodology dictates undoing recent hardware modifications first.
3
Reconnect power and verify baseline POST.
Determines whether original hardware functions without emitting beep codes.
Confirms system health under pre-existing hardware conditions.
4
Test the new module separately in a known-good DIMM slot.
Pinpoints whether the failure is caused by a bad RAM module or a damaged motherboard slot.
Isolated hardware testing reveals the exact root cause of the error.

Key Concept

Isolating Memory POST Failures using Systematic Component Testing
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Motherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power Issues

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