220-1101 Question 396
Single answerCapacitor swellingA technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that randomly shuts down after it has been running for 20 to 30 minutes. After opening the case, the technician notices several motherboard capacitors near the CPU socket have bulging tops and one shows a small amount of dried brown residue. What is the BEST next step?
- A
Replace the motherboard because the swollen capacitors indicate hardware failure
- B
Clean the residue with isopropyl alcohol and continue testing because the issue is likely dust-related
- C
Update the BIOS to improve voltage regulation and monitor whether the shutdowns stop
- D
Replace the power supply first because swollen motherboard capacitors are usually caused by low wattage
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Capacitor swelling is a recognized sign of motherboard failure and is commonly associated with overheating, age, or failed voltage regulation components. On A+ Core 1, candidates are expected to identify visual signs of failed hardware and choose the most practical field-service action. In a real support environment, motherboard replacement is the standard recommendation because most PC technicians do not perform component-level capacitor replacement on system boards. Best practice is to power down the system, disconnect it, document the failure, and replace the motherboard. CompTIA A+ Core 1 objectives for hardware troubleshooting emphasize recognizing failed capacitors as a cause of instability such as random shutdowns, lockups, and boot issues.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Bulging or leaking capacitors on a motherboard are a classic sign of component failure. In a typical A+ technician role, the appropriate action is to replace the failed board rather than attempt board-level capacitor repair. Swollen capacitors can cause instability, random shutdowns, failure to POST, and intermittent crashes, especially around the CPU voltage regulation area.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. While cleaning residue may be appropriate for dirt or spilled liquids, dried electrolyte from a leaking capacitor is evidence of hardware failure, not a contamination issue. Continuing to operate the system without addressing the failed motherboard can lead to ongoing instability and possible further damage.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A BIOS update can resolve certain compatibility or firmware-related problems, but it will not repair physically swollen or leaking capacitors. The misconception here is treating a hardware defect as a firmware problem. Visible capacitor damage requires hardware replacement.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A failing power supply can cause shutdowns, but visibly swollen motherboard capacitors are not normally fixed by replacing the PSU alone. Low wattage is also not the direct cause of capacitor swelling. The motherboard has confirmed physical damage, so replacing the board is the best next step.