CompTIA 220-1201 Practice Test 19
Question 180
During Fountain Transport's computer equipment refresh, the technician encounters this condition: A long graphics board physically fits but the system resets because its auxiliary power is missing. The desired outcome is to check slot, PSU and physical-clearance dependencies for an expansion card. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which verification result supports the intended technical outcome?
- Verify signed media boot and unsigned test boot is rejected by policy
- Verify the machine remains stable under expected combined CPU and GPU draw
- Verify stable output and no PSU overload when rendering
- Verify sustained workload temperatures stay within processor limits and throttling ceases
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Verify stable output and no PSU overload when rendering. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a long graphics board physically fits but the system resets because its auxiliary power is missing. The support goal is to check slot, PSU and physical-clearance dependencies for an expansion card; this validate action specifically addresses pcie slot and gpu power constraints without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify signed media boot and unsigned test boot is rejected by policy. This action is appropriate for uefi secure boot versus boot order, normally when a laptop can start a trusted OS but prompts when an unsigned bootloader is inserted. Here the observed facts require pcie slot and gpu power constraints instead.
B:
Verify the machine remains stable under expected combined CPU and GPU draw. This action is appropriate for psu wattage and 20+4 atx connector, normally when a desktop upgrade adds a high-power GPU and the PC abruptly powers off during intensive graphics workloads. Here the observed facts require pcie slot and gpu power constraints instead.
D:
Verify sustained workload temperatures stay within processor limits and throttling ceases. This action is appropriate for cpu heatsink thermal interface, normally when a workstation reaches a thermal limit seconds after a cooler was replaced. Here the observed facts require pcie slot and gpu power constraints instead.
Question 181
On a service ticket for Orchard Services, the team observes: A repair shop accidentally ships laptop-size RAM to a tower PC that takes full-size modules. The desired outcome is to recognize memory module form factors and physical socket compatibility. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify improved access latency and acceptable write endurance for the workload
- Verify firmware exposes ECC mode and error reporting rather than merely booting
- Verify memory training succeeds at an approved speed with no diagnostic errors
- Verify secure latching, firmware recognition and memory diagnostics
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Verify secure latching, firmware recognition and memory diagnostics. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that a repair shop accidentally ships laptop-size RAM to a tower PC that takes full-size modules. The support goal is to recognize memory module form factors and physical socket compatibility; this validate action specifically addresses sodimm versus dimm form factor without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify improved access latency and acceptable write endurance for the workload. This action is appropriate for ssd versus hdd latency and interface, normally when a mobile user needs low-latency storage and shock resistance but a procurement request specifies a 5400 RPM hard disk. Here the observed facts require sodimm versus dimm form factor instead.
B:
Verify firmware exposes ECC mode and error reporting rather than merely booting. This action is appropriate for ecc memory error correction compatibility, normally when a workstation used for scientific computation requires supported correction of single-bit RAM errors. Here the observed facts require sodimm versus dimm form factor instead.
C:
Verify memory training succeeds at an approved speed with no diagnostic errors. This action is appropriate for ddr generation electrical compatibility, normally when a replacement RAM order has the correct capacity but the wrong DDR generation. Here the observed facts require sodimm versus dimm form factor instead.
Question 182
On a service ticket for Harborworks, the team observes: A machine passes idle checks but reboots when the GPU and CPU draw peak power together. The supporting record states that the PSU is below vendor recommended capacity and its protection event appears in a diagnostic log. The desired outcome is to differentiate load-related power failure from random OS application crashes. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. What should support monitor to catch a recurrence of the same failure?
- Monitor new POST codes or display initialization failures after component changes
- Monitor new memory errors and recurrence after the chassis is moved
- Monitor incompatible label rolls and printhead wear
- Track power event logs and thermal or electrical excursions
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Track power event logs and thermal or electrical excursions. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that the PSU is below vendor recommended capacity and its protection event appears in a diagnostic log. The support goal is to differentiate load-related power failure from random OS application crashes; this monitor action specifically addresses psu instability under peak component load without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor new POST codes or display initialization failures after component changes. This action is appropriate for post beep code interpretation and expansion-card isolation, normally when a newly upgraded desktop beeps at startup and shows no BIOS screen. Here the observed facts require psu instability under peak component load instead.
B:
Monitor new memory errors and recurrence after the chassis is moved. This action is appropriate for desktop memory fault preventing post, normally when a desktop powers on but gives a repeating memory-related beep pattern and no display. Here the observed facts require psu instability under peak component load instead.
C:
Monitor incompatible label rolls and printhead wear. This action is appropriate for thermal printer paper orientation, normally when a shipping label printer feeds paper but produces completely blank labels. Here the observed facts require psu instability under peak component load instead.
Question 183
On a service ticket for Juniper Tech, the team observes: Authentication logs from two branch routers show conflicting timestamps during the same event. The supporting record states that their clocks drift because NTP synchronization is disabled; syslog collection itself is functioning. The desired outcome is to identify the role of network time synchronization separate from log transport. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. What observation would verify successful service restoration?
- Verify correct pin continuity and pair mapping after re-termination
- Verify healthy nodes continue serving requests and unhealthy nodes leave rotation
- Verify independent device logs use consistent event times after synchronization
- Verify hostname access returns while the assigned IP lease remains unchanged
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Verify independent device logs use consistent event times after synchronization. It proves the required function with an observable result instead of assuming the change worked. The relevant observation is that their clocks drift because NTP synchronization is disabled; syslog collection itself is functioning. The support goal is to identify the role of network time synchronization separate from log transport; this validate action specifically addresses ntp time service versus centralized syslog without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Verify correct pin continuity and pair mapping after re-termination. This action is appropriate for cable tester versus toner and probe, normally when a technician must determine whether a terminated Ethernet run has crossed wires and split pairs. Here the observed facts require ntp time service versus centralized syslog instead.
B:
Verify healthy nodes continue serving requests and unhealthy nodes leave rotation. This action is appropriate for load balancer versus proxy server functions, normally when a web service needs requests distributed across three application servers with failed nodes removed automatically. Here the observed facts require ntp time service versus centralized syslog instead.
D:
Verify hostname access returns while the assigned IP lease remains unchanged. This action is appropriate for dns resolution versus dhcp address assignment, normally when a workstation has a valid IPv4 address, gateway and lease but cannot reach services by hostname. Here the observed facts require ntp time service versus centralized syslog instead.
Question 184
During Seabright Supplies's IT virtualization planning, the technician encounters this condition: A help desk engineer needs an isolated test operating system on an existing laptop. The supporting record states that the laptop must continue running its normal desktop OS and does not need dedicated bare-metal hosting. The desired outcome is to choose a hosted virtualization approach suitable for local test development. The customer requires a verified fix rather than a guess based on one symptom. What should the technician recommend as the corrective approach?
- Select a supported Type 1 bare-metal hypervisor for the production host requirement
- Deploy a supported VDI solution with centrally hosted desktop sessions
- Enable the appropriate CPU virtualization feature in firmware under change control
- Use a Type 2 hosted hypervisor for a nonproduction guest on the existing OS
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Use a Type 2 hosted hypervisor for a nonproduction guest on the existing OS. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that the laptop must continue running its normal desktop OS and does not need dedicated bare-metal hosting. The support goal is to choose a hosted virtualization approach suitable for local test development; this design action specifically addresses hosted type 2 virtualization for testing without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Select a supported Type 1 bare-metal hypervisor for the production host requirement. This action is appropriate for type 1 versus type 2 hypervisors, normally when an organization needs multiple production VMs on a dedicated virtualization host without a general-purpose desktop OS layer. Here the observed facts require hosted type 2 virtualization for testing instead.
B:
Deploy a supported VDI solution with centrally hosted desktop sessions. This action is appropriate for vdi versus local desktop processing, normally when a company wants centrally managed user desktops accessed from inexpensive endpoints. Here the observed facts require hosted type 2 virtualization for testing instead.
C:
Enable the appropriate CPU virtualization feature in firmware under change control. This action is appropriate for virtualization cpu extensions, normally when a new virtual machine cannot start a 64-bit guest even though the host processor supports virtualization. Here the observed facts require hosted type 2 virtualization for testing instead.
Question 185
During Acorn Foods's desktop hardware service bench, the technician encounters this condition: A replacement RAM order has the correct capacity but the wrong DDR generation. The supporting record states that the motherboard's socket and memory controller only support DDR4, not DDR5. The desired outcome is to check memory generation and supported speeds before replacement. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. Which controlled service test best evaluates the planned approach?
- Install a compatible test DIMM with power disconnected and ESD precautions
- Use a known-supported test module and confirm safe seating and POST
- Model two drive failures on a disposable RAID 6 lab array
- Test an ECC-capable workstation using manufacturer diagnostics and supported event reporting
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Use a known-supported test module and confirm safe seating and POST. It tests the proposed solution safely on an approved representative system. The relevant observation is that the motherboard's socket and memory controller only support DDR4, not DDR5. The support goal is to check memory generation and supported speeds before replacement; this pilot action specifically addresses ddr generation electrical compatibility without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Install a compatible test DIMM with power disconnected and ESD precautions. This action is appropriate for sodimm versus dimm form factor, normally when a desktop repair requires replacement memory but the spare part comes from a notebook. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
C:
Model two drive failures on a disposable RAID 6 lab array. This action is appropriate for raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity, normally when a four-disk production array must remain available during any two simultaneous drive failures. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
D:
Test an ECC-capable workstation using manufacturer diagnostics and supported event reporting. This action is appropriate for ecc memory error correction compatibility, normally when a workstation used for scientific computation requires supported correction of single-bit RAM errors. Here the observed facts require ddr generation electrical compatibility instead.
Question 186
During Evergreen Manufacturing's laptop and mobile device repair, the technician encounters this condition: A user's phone receives mail but calendar edits never appear on the company laptop. The supporting record states that both devices use different cloud accounts despite similarly named calendar applications. The desired outcome is to restore synchronization by matching the authorized account and sync service. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. Which post-repair signal best detects regression or repeat exposure?
- Monitor carrier provisioning failures and profiles unexpectedly disabled
- Monitor repeat weak-signal reports associated with lid movement
- Review work-app policy compliance and data-leak exceptions, not personal browsing history
- Monitor sync errors, account duplication and mobile data restrictions
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Monitor sync errors, account duplication and mobile data restrictions. It tracks recurrence of the specific failure mechanism over time. The relevant observation is that both devices use different cloud accounts despite similarly named calendar applications. The support goal is to restore synchronization by matching the authorized account and sync service; this monitor action specifically addresses mobile calendar and contact synchronization without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Monitor carrier provisioning failures and profiles unexpectedly disabled. This action is appropriate for mobile esim carrier activation, normally when a company phone has cellular signal bars but cannot attach to its assigned business data plan. Here the observed facts require mobile calendar and contact synchronization instead.
B:
Monitor repeat weak-signal reports associated with lid movement. This action is appropriate for laptop wi-fi antenna reconnection, normally when after a laptop display assembly replacement, Bluetooth works but Wi-Fi signal is very weak. Here the observed facts require mobile calendar and contact synchronization instead.
C:
Review work-app policy compliance and data-leak exceptions, not personal browsing history. This action is appropriate for byod mobile application management, normally when staff use personally owned phones to read corporate mail but refuse full device enrollment. Here the observed facts require mobile calendar and contact synchronization instead.
Question 187
At Amberline Finance, a technician working in desktop hardware service bench identifies this issue: A workstation reaches a thermal limit seconds after a cooler was replaced. The supporting record states that the heat sink was not firmly fastened and the thermal interface compound was omitted. The desired outcome is to restore reliable heat transfer from the processor to its cooling assembly. Service work must follow power isolation, ESD, and manufacturer instructions when applicable. What should the technician recommend as the corrective approach?
- Select a compatible SSD rather than a spinning HDD for the specified latency and shock profile
- Enable approved Secure Boot controls without assuming boot order provides signature checking
- Install the cooler with appropriate pressure and thermal interface material
- Select a listed compatible processor and cooling solution for the board
Explanation
Correct Answer
C:
Install the cooler with appropriate pressure and thermal interface material. It corrects the documented cause using the compatible technology and support constraints. The relevant observation is that the heat sink was not firmly fastened and the thermal interface compound was omitted. The support goal is to restore reliable heat transfer from the processor to its cooling assembly; this design action specifically addresses cpu heatsink thermal interface without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Select a compatible SSD rather than a spinning HDD for the specified latency and shock profile. This action is appropriate for ssd versus hdd latency and interface, normally when a mobile user needs low-latency storage and shock resistance but a procurement request specifies a 5400 RPM hard disk. Here the observed facts require cpu heatsink thermal interface instead.
B:
Enable approved Secure Boot controls without assuming boot order provides signature checking. This action is appropriate for uefi secure boot versus boot order, normally when a laptop can start a trusted OS but prompts when an unsigned bootloader is inserted. Here the observed facts require cpu heatsink thermal interface instead.
D:
Select a listed compatible processor and cooling solution for the board. This action is appropriate for cpu socket matching motherboard, normally when a gaming PC has a motherboard with an AMD processor socket but an Intel CPU was ordered. Here the observed facts require cpu heatsink thermal interface instead.
Question 188
A support request at Crescent Operations presents this problem: A mobile user needs low-latency storage and shock resistance but a procurement request specifies a 5400 RPM hard disk. The supporting record states that a supported SSD slot is available with the correct SATA interface. The desired outcome is to choose a solid-state storage device for random-access latency and portability. User data and business service continuity must be preserved. Which diagnostic check best distinguishes the relevant fault?
- Check usable capacity, minimum disk count and failure tolerance for RAID 5 and RAID 6
- Read motherboard M.2 keying and SATA or PCIe lane support alongside drive protocol
- Compare capacity and fault tolerance of two-disk stripe versus mirror
- Inspect workload random I/O, storage interface, capacity and endurance
Explanation
Correct Answer
D:
Inspect workload random I/O, storage interface, capacity and endurance. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a supported SSD slot is available with the correct SATA interface. The support goal is to choose a solid-state storage device for random-access latency and portability; this diagnose action specifically addresses ssd versus hdd latency and interface without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Check usable capacity, minimum disk count and failure tolerance for RAID 5 and RAID 6. That action is appropriate for raid 5 versus raid 6 dual parity, normally when a four-disk production array must remain available during any two simultaneous drive failures. Here the observed facts require ssd versus hdd latency and interface instead.
B:
Read motherboard M.2 keying and SATA or PCIe lane support alongside drive protocol. This action is appropriate for nvme pcie versus sata storage interface, normally when a technician orders an M.2 SSD for a motherboard slot that supports only SATA signaling. Here the observed facts require ssd versus hdd latency and interface instead.
C:
Compare capacity and fault tolerance of two-disk stripe versus mirror. That action is appropriate for raid 1 mirror capacity and resilience, normally when a file server has two equal 2 TB disks and needs redundancy against one disk failure. Here the observed facts require ssd versus hdd latency and interface instead.
Question 189
On a service ticket for Falcon Transit, the team observes: A technician tries to use headphone Bluetooth pairing steps to enroll an NFC employee access card. The desired outcome is to match NFC and Bluetooth to their intended interaction distance and purpose. The goal is to restore required function without creating a new security or safety problem. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Inspect cable labels, both jack ends and tester wiremap indications
- Inspect reader specifications, expected distance and supported mobile radio interface
- Survey RSSI, interference sources, client capabilities and required throughput on both bands
- Check adapter specifications, OS support, channel regulations and required security configuration
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Inspect reader specifications, expected distance and supported mobile radio interface. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that a technician tries to use headphone Bluetooth pairing steps to enroll an NFC employee access card. The support goal is to match NFC and Bluetooth to their intended interaction distance and purpose; this diagnose action specifically addresses nfc short-range tap versus bluetooth pairing without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Inspect cable labels, both jack ends and tester wiremap indications. This action is appropriate for cable tester versus toner and probe, normally when a technician must determine whether a terminated Ethernet run has crossed wires and split pairs. Here the observed facts require nfc short-range tap versus bluetooth pairing instead.
C:
Survey RSSI, interference sources, client capabilities and required throughput on both bands. This action is appropriate for 2.4 ghz versus 5 ghz wi-fi trade-offs, normally when a warehouse needs coverage through walls at modest data rates while a crowded office needs faster nearby links. Here the observed facts require nfc short-range tap versus bluetooth pairing instead.
D:
Check adapter specifications, OS support, channel regulations and required security configuration. This action is appropriate for 6 ghz wi-fi client compatibility, normally when a new 6 GHz SSID is invisible to several laptops even though 5 GHz works. Here the observed facts require nfc short-range tap versus bluetooth pairing instead.
Question 190
During Brookside Agency's computer equipment refresh, the technician encounters this condition: An office wants automatic two-sided printing from the legal-size tray but jobs pull A4 from the default bin. The desired outcome is to correct printer job configuration rather than replacing hardware. Any configuration change must be reversible and validated on a controlled test device. Which inspection most directly confirms the likely cause before changing components?
- Check toner level, cartridge seating, toner-save mode and page examples
- Inspect application print preferences, default tray, media size and duplex capability
- Inspect GPU power connectors, PSU rating, PCIe slot availability and enclosure clearance
- Check printer identity settings, secure queue capability and retained output policies
Explanation
Correct Answer
B:
Inspect application print preferences, default tray, media size and duplex capability. It checks the likely failure boundary before altering working parts or settings. The relevant observation is that an office wants automatic two-sided printing from the legal-size tray but jobs pull A4 from the default bin. The support goal is to correct printer job configuration rather than replacing hardware; this diagnose action specifically addresses printer duplex and tray settings without confusing a different subsystem.
Incorrect Answers
A:
Check toner level, cartridge seating, toner-save mode and page examples. This action is appropriate for laser printer faded output and toner, normally when a monochrome laser printer produces uniformly faint pages after many high-volume print jobs. Here the observed facts require printer duplex and tray settings instead.
C:
Inspect GPU power connectors, PSU rating, PCIe slot availability and enclosure clearance. This action is appropriate for pcie slot and gpu power constraints, normally when a designer's PC has an available physical PCIe x16 slot but an upgraded graphics card fails under load. Here the observed facts require printer duplex and tray settings instead.
D:
Check printer identity settings, secure queue capability and retained output policies. This action is appropriate for secure pull-print and release authentication, normally when confidential reports regularly sit unclaimed in a shared hallway printer's output tray. Here the observed facts require printer duplex and tray settings instead.
