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Difficulty: HardMotherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power Issues

A desktop workstation containing a single 16 GB DDR4 memory module fails to complete the Power-On Self-Test (POST) after a technician installs a second 16 GB memory module. Upon pressing the power button, the system fans spin at maximum speed, no video display signal is produced, and the motherboard speaker emits a repeating series of short beep codes indicating a memory initialization failure. Following standard CompTIA troubleshooting methodology, which of the following actions should the technician perform first to isolate the cause of the POST failure?

  1. Remove the newly added memory module and attempt to boot the system using only the known-good original RAM module.Answer
  2. B
    Perform a clean reinstallation of the operating system to resolve corrupted memory controller system drivers.
  3. C
    Install a SO-DIMM adapter card to adapt the new memory module to the motherboard expansion slot.
  4. D
    Immediately replace both the motherboard and the power supply unit to fix a suspected short circuit.

Answer

The technician should remove the newly added memory module and test the system with only the original known-good RAM module.
The correct action is to remove the newly installed memory module and attempt to boot with only the original known-good RAM module. Reverting the most recent hardware modification isolates whether the newly added module is defective, incompatible, or misseated, adhering to CompTIA diagnostic isolation principles.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the point of failure in the startup sequence.
The failure occurs during hardware POST (indicated by beep codes and lack of video display), pointing to a hardware issue introduced by the recent change.
POST errors happen before the OS loads, indicating a physical component, compatibility, or seating problem.
2
Apply isolation techniques by reversing the most recent system change.
Removing the newly installed memory module restores the system to its previous baseline hardware configuration.
If the system POSTs successfully with only the original module, the new RAM module is either defective, seated improperly, or incompatible with the existing module or motherboard.
3
Verify dual-channel slot population rules and module specifications if testing individually passes.
Ensures memory modules meet motherboard speed, timing, voltage, and slot pairing specifications.
Mismatched RAM speeds or improper channel slot placement can cause memory controller POST initialization failures.

Key Concept

RAM Diagnostic and POST Failure Isolation
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Topics

Motherboard, RAM, CPU, and Power Issues

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