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Question

Difficulty: MediumMotherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power Issues

A technician is troubleshooting a newly built desktop workstation that powers on, but fails to complete POST or display video output. The system fans run at continuous maximum speed, and the diagnostic status LED on the motherboard remains illuminated red on the CPU indicator. Which of the following are the MOST appropriate initial troubleshooting steps to perform? (Select TWO.)

  1. Verify that the 8-pin EPS +12V power connector is securely plugged into the motherboard near the CPU.Answer
  2. B
    Reinstall the operating system using a bootable USB recovery drive.
  3. Remove the CPU cooler to inspect for bent socket pins and verify proper seating.Answer
  4. D
    Replace the installed desktop memory modules with SO-DIMM modules.

Answer

Verifying the 8-pin EPS power connection and inspecting the CPU socket for bent pins or improper mounting are the correct diagnostic steps.
When a computer powers on with continuous high-speed fans and a lit CPU diagnostic LED without completing POST, the issue stems from power delivery or physical connectivity to the CPU. Confirming that the 8-pin EPS cable is connected supplies necessary power to the processor VRMs. Inspecting the socket for bent LGA pins ensures physical electrical continuity across all land pads.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the symptoms
System powers on with max fan speed, no POST/video, and a solid red CPU diagnostic LED.
Indicates hardware failure specifically during early CPU initialization prior to POST completion.
2
Check power delivery to the CPU
Ensure the 8-pin EPS 12V connector from the power supply is firmly latched to the motherboard socket.
Without dedicated 12V CPU power, the processor cannot initialize even though the main 24-pin ATX power supply feeds motherboard standby/fan headers.
3
Inspect CPU physical installation
Remove heatsink/fan assembly, open socket retention arm, and check LGA pins.
Damaged or bent pins prevent signals between motherboard chipsets and CPU, leading to persistent POST halt on CPU diagnostic check.

Key Concept

CPU POST Diagnostics and Auxiliary Power Connection Isolation
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Topics

Motherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power Issues

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