CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1001) — Question 235

A user's workstation no longer boots. A technician arrives and confirms the workstation will not boot, and while troubleshooting notices a burning smell coming from the chassis of the workstation. The technician replaces the power cable and tries to boot again, but the smell returns and the machine does not boot. Which of the following components MOST likely needs to be replaced?

Answer options

• A. UPS
• B. RAM
• C. Heat sink
• D. Hard drive
• E. PSU

Correct answer: E

Explanation

The PSU (Power Supply Unit) is most likely the component that needs replacing since the burning smell indicates overheating or failure, which can prevent the workstation from booting. The other components listed, such as RAM, heat sink, hard drive, and UPS, are less likely to cause a burning smell or the inability to boot in this scenario.