The Hardware Nightmare: Your Complete Guide to Crushing CompTIA A+ Performance-Based Questions

2:47 AM. Test Center. The Cold Sweat Moment. You had been a retail worker for six years and now finally decided to break into IT, spending three months studying CompTIA A+. You’re now in the test center!

Core 1 exam loaded. You clicked “Begin.”

Performance-Based Question #1 appeared: A PC won’t boot. A motherboard diagram fills the screen. Dropdown menus everywhere. “Identify the issue and select the appropriate solution.”

Wait… is that the CPU socket or the RAM slot? Why are there so many cables? Which one is SATA again?

You stared at the diagram for five full minutes. Your mind went blank. All those hours watching Youtube Messer videos suddenly felt useless because you’d never actually touched computer hardware.

By the time you finished the PBQs (badly), you had already burned 40 minutes and your confidence was shattered. The rest of the exam was a panic-fueled blur.

Final score: 620.

Passing score: 675.

Failed. Three months of study. $253 exam fee. Destroyed by questions that tested whether you could actually do IT work, not just memorize definitions.

Don’t be this person.

Today, we’re going to decode CompTIA A+ Performance-Based Questions so completely that when you see them on exam day, you’ll actually know what you’re looking at. Because while everyone else is panicking about RAM slots and printer jams, you’ll be systematically working through problems like the IT professional you’re about to become.

What Makes A+ PBQs Different (And Why They Terrify People)

CompTIA A+ isn’t just one exam—it’s TWO exams you must pass to get certified:

Core 1 (220-1201): Hardware, networking, mobile devices, troubleshooting Core 2 (220-1202): Operating systems, security, software troubleshooting, operational procedures

Each exam has a maximum of 90 questions with 90 minutes to complete them. You can expect anywhere from one to 10 PBQs appearing at the start of each exam, with three to six being most typical.

The Real-World Test

Here’s what makes A+ PBQs unique: they test whether you can actually do the job of an IT support technician.

Multiple-choice question: “Which component is responsible for temporarily storing data for quick access by the CPU?” A) Hard drive B) RAM C) CPU cache D) SSD

Performance-Based Question: “A customer complains their computer is running slowly. Here’s a Task Manager screenshot showing 98% memory usage. Here’s the system specifications. Identify the issue and recommend an appropriate RAM upgrade that’s compatible with this motherboard.”

See the difference? One tests memory. The other tests whether you can actually help a customer.

CompTIA A+ tests your ability to install, configure, and maintain hardware components and mobile devices, troubleshoot hardware and network issues, and use troubleshooting tools effectively.

The Three Types of A+ PBQs

Type 1: Drag-and-Drop/Matching Connect cables to ports, match components to specifications, order troubleshooting steps.

Example: Match each cable type (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA) to its connector image.

Type 2: Configuration Simulations Configure BIOS settings, set up RAID arrays, partition drives, configure network settings.

Example: Configure three hard disks from RAID 1 to RAID 0 to improve drive performance.

Type 3: Troubleshooting Scenarios Diagnose problems using provided information, select appropriate solutions, fix printer issues.

Example: A laser printer is producing pages with streaks. Given a diagram of printer components, identify which part needs replacement.

Core 1 (220-1201): Hardware & Networking CompTIA A+ Performance-Based Questions

Let’s break down what you’ll actually face in Core 1, domain by domain.

The PC Building Scenario (Most Common Core 1 PBQ)

What you’ll see:

• Customer requirements (“I need a PC for video editing” or “Build me a gaming rig”)
• Component selection lists (CPUs, RAM, GPUs, power supplies)
• Budget constraints
• Compatibility requirements

What’s being tested:

• Do you know the difference between workstation builds and gaming builds?
• Can you select compatible components?
• Do you understand bottlenecks?
• Can you stay within budget while meeting requirements?

Example scenario: “Build a virtualization workstation for a developer who needs to run 4-6 virtual machines simultaneously. Budget: $2,000. Select appropriate CPU, RAM, storage, and GPU.”

The right approach:

• CPU: High core count (Ryzen 9 or i9) – VMs need cores
• RAM: 64GB minimum – VMs are RAM-hungry
• Storage: NVMe SSD – Fast VM loading
• GPU: Basic – Virtualization isn’t graphics-intensive

Common mistakes:

• Choosing a gaming GPU when workstation doesn’t need it
• Insufficient RAM (32GB won’t cut it for 4-6 VMs)
• Forgetting about power supply wattage
• Selecting incompatible motherboard/CPU combinations

Cable and Connector Matching

What you’ll see:

• Images of various cable connectors
• Images of ports on devices
• Drag cables to correct ports

Cables you MUST recognize:

• USB types: USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, Micro-USB, Mini-USB
• Video cables: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, Thunderbolt
• Network cables: RJ45 (Ethernet), RJ11 (phone)
• Storage cables: SATA, eSATA, USB
• Power connectors: 24-pin motherboard, 4/8-pin CPU, 6/8-pin PCIe

The trap: You’ll see similar-looking connectors. Know the difference between:

• USB-C vs. Thunderbolt (Thunderbolt has the lightning symbol)
• DisplayPort vs. HDMI (DisplayPort has the asymmetric shape)
• SATA data vs. SATA power (different sizes)

Pro tip: You must be able to install, configure, and maintain hardware components effectively. This means KNOWING what cables go where, not guessing.

Printer Troubleshooting (The Nightmare Scenario)

Printer questions terrorize A+ candidates because most people haven’t actually worked on printers.

Common laser printer PBQ: “A laser printer is producing pages with evenly-spaced black marks. Identify the problem component.”

The answer: Photosensitive drum or fuser. Evenly-spaced marks = something rotating is the problem.

Other printer issues you’ll see:

• Streaky output: Dirty printhead (inkjet) or low toner (laser)
• Paper jams: Pickup rollers worn or wrong paper type
• Faded prints: Low toner/ink or incorrect print settings
• Ghosting: Problem with drum or fuser
• Connectivity issues: Driver problems or network configuration

What they’re really testing: Can you systematically troubleshoot using the symptoms provided? Not “do you memorize every printer problem,” but “can you think logically about what component could cause this symptom?”

Network Configuration

What you’ll see:

• Configure IP addresses (static vs. DHCP)
• Set up wireless networks (SSID, security type, passphrase)
• Troubleshoot connectivity issues
• Configure SOHO (small office/home office) routers

Example: “Configure this wireless router. SSID: CompanyWiFi, Security: WPA3, Channel: Auto, DHCP: Enabled with range 192.168.1.100-192.168.1.200.”

Common mistakes:

• Confusing IP address with subnet mask
• Not knowing DHCP range format
• Selecting WPA2 when WPA3 is available
• Forgetting to save/apply settings

Core 2 (220-1202): OS & Software CompTIA A+ Performance-Based Questions

Core 2 tests your ability to work with operating systems, troubleshoot software, and follow proper procedures.

Command Line Scenarios (Guaranteed to Appear)

You’ll get a simulated command prompt and need to use specific commands to diagnose or fix problems.

Windows commands you MUST know:

ipconfig – Shows IP configuration

• /all – Shows detailed info
• /release and /renew – DHCP troubleshooting
• /flushdns – Clear DNS cache

ping [address] – Tests connectivity

• ping 127.0.0.1 – Tests your network card
• ping [gateway] – Tests local network
• ping 8.8.8.8 – Tests internet connectivity

tracert [address] – Shows path to destination

netstat – Shows network connections

• netstat -an – All connections, numerical format

nslookup [domain] – Tests DNS

chkdsk – Checks disk for errors

• /f – Fixes errors
• /r – Locates bad sectors

sfc /scannow – System File Checker

gpupdate /force – Updates Group Policy

Example PBQ: “A user cannot access websites by name but can ping 8.8.8.8. What command should you run to diagnose the issue?”

Answer: nslookup google.com – If IP works but names don’t, it’s DNS.

Disk Management (The RAID Nightmare)

Performance-based questions often include RAID configuration scenarios where you need to change RAID levels to meet specific performance or redundancy requirements.

What you’ll see:

• Disk Management interface
• Requirements to create/delete/resize partitions
• Format drives (NTFS vs. FAT32 vs. exFAT)
• Convert between MBR and GPT
• Configure RAID arrays

RAID levels you MUST know:

RAID 0 (Striping):

• What it does: Splits data across multiple drives
• Advantage: Maximum performance
• Disadvantage: No redundancy – one drive fails, all data is lost
• Minimum drives: 2
• Use case: Video editing, gaming (speed > safety)

RAID 1 (Mirroring):

• What it does: Duplicates data on two drives
• Advantage: Full redundancy
• Disadvantage: 50% storage efficiency
• Minimum drives: 2
• Use case: Critical data that must not be lost

RAID 5 (Striping with Parity):

• What it does: Stripes data with parity across drives
• Advantage: Balance of performance and redundancy
• Disadvantage: Slower writes due to parity calculation
• Minimum drives: 3
• Use case: Servers, databases

RAID 10 (1+0):

• What it does: Mirrors striped sets
• Advantage: Best performance + redundancy
• Disadvantage: 50% storage efficiency, expensive
• Minimum drives: 4
• Use case: High-performance servers

Example scenario: “Your customer has three hard disks configured for RAID 1. He is not satisfied with read/write speed and wants optimal performance. Redundancy is unimportant. Reconfigure the RAID.”

Answer: Convert to RAID 0 (striping) for maximum performance.

Windows Settings and Tools

What you’ll see:

• Configure Windows settings (display, network, devices)
• Use Task Manager to end processes or check performance
• Configure User Accounts and permissions
• Set up printers
• Manage startup programs

Example PBQ: “A computer is running slowly. Task Manager shows:

• CPU: 15%
• Memory: 97%
• Disk: 5%

What action should you take?”

Answer: The bottleneck is RAM (97% usage). Recommend adding more RAM or closing memory-intensive programs.

Help Desk Ticket Simulation (The People Skills Test)

This tests whether you can actually communicate like a professional.

What you’ll see:

• Multiple support tickets
• Priority levels to assign
• Professional responses to write

Example: Three tickets come in:

1. “My mouse isn’t working”
2. “Server is down, entire office can’t access files”
3. “Can you install Chrome for me?”

Correct prioritization:

1. Critical: Server down (affects everyone)
2. Medium: Mouse not working (affects one person’s productivity)
3. Low: Chrome installation (convenience, not blocking work)

Response tone requirements:

• Professional but friendly
• Don’t use jargon with non-technical users
• Acknowledge the user’s frustration
• Provide clear next steps

Bad response: “The HDD might be corrupted. Run chkdsk /f /r from an elevated CLI and monitor SMART data.”

Good response: “I understand how frustrating this is. I’d like to run a diagnostic test on your hard drive to check for errors. This should take about 15 minutes. I’ll walk you through the steps.”

The Strategy That Actually Works

Skip PBQs and Return (Usually)

PBQs appear at the start of the exam but can be time-consuming. Many candidates recommend skipping them initially and returning after completing multiple-choice questions.

Why this works:

• Multiple-choice questions remind you of concepts
• You build confidence and momentum
• You ensure easier points aren’t left on the table
• You have a better sense of remaining time

When to do PBQs first:

• If it looks quick (cable matching takes 2 minutes)
• If you’re extremely confident in your answer
• If you’re bad at multiple-choice but good at practical work

Read Instructions THREE Times

Jessica’s mistake wasn’t lack of knowledge—it was missing key requirements.

First read: Understand the overall scenario Second read: Identify specific requirements Third read: Check for constraints or limitations

Example: “Configure this RAID array for a customer who needs maximum storage space. The customer has four 2TB drives available. Redundancy is not required.”

What people miss: “Redundancy is not required” means RAID 0, not RAID 5 or RAID 10.

The Submit Button Will Destroy You

Unless you click Submit before hitting Next, your work will not be graded and will be lost.

This is THE most common way people lose points on PBQs. You finish the simulation, click “Next,” and your answer disappears into the void.

The process:

1. Complete the PBQ
2. Look for the “Submit” button (usually bottom right)
3. Click “Submit”
4. Wait for confirmation message
5. THEN click “Next”

Use the Reset Button Wisely

Every PBQ has a reset button that returns it to the initial state.

When to reset:

• You’ve completely misunderstood the requirements
• You’ve made multiple conflicting changes
• You’re more than 50% done but know it’s wrong

When NOT to reset:

• You’ve made one small mistake (partial credit exists)
• You’re 90% done (finish and move on)
• You have less than 10 minutes left

The Practice Plan That Prevents Panic

Jessica failed because she’d never actually touched hardware. Don’t make that mistake.

Week 1-2: Get Your Hands Dirty

Minimum requirements:

• Take apart an old computer (or watch someone do it)
• Identify every component physically
• Install/remove RAM
• Connect SATA cables
• Identify all cable types

Where to practice:

• Ask to shadow IT at work
• Volunteer at a computer repair shop
• Buy a cheap used PC ($50) and disassemble it
• Watch teardown videos but also DO it yourself

Week 3-4: Virtual Practice

Free practice resources:

• Professor Messer’s YouTube channel
• CompTIA’s official practice PBQs (limited but free)
• TestOut or similar lab platforms
• Your own computer (practice disk management safely)

Daily drills:

• Day 1: Cable identification quiz (make flashcards)
• Day 2: Command line practice (actually use the commands)
• Day 3: RAID configuration scenarios
• Day 4: Printer troubleshooting flowcharts
• Day 5: Help desk responses (write professional tickets)

Week 5-6: Timed Simulations

The final test:

1. Set timer for 15 minutes
2. Complete a full PBQ simulation
3. Check your answer
4. If wrong, understand why
5. Reset and do it again until perfect

Goal: Complete any PBQ in under 12 minutes consistently.

The Hidden Knowledge: What They Don’t Tell You

Port Numbers Matter (Yes, on A+)

While A+ isn’t as port-heavy as Network+ or Security+, you should know these:

• 80: HTTP
• 443: HTTPS
• 21: FTP
• 22: SSH
• 23: Telnet
• 25: SMTP
• 110: POP3
• 143: IMAP
• 3389: RDP (Remote Desktop)
• 137-139: NetBIOS
• 445: SMB (file sharing)

Why: Network configuration PBQs might ask you to allow/block specific services.

Troubleshooting Methodology (Memorize This)

CompTIA has a six-step troubleshooting process that appears in PBQs:

1. Identify the problem
2. Establish a theory of probable cause
3. Test the theory to determine the cause
4. Establish a plan of action
5. Implement the solution or escalate
6. Verify full system functionality and implement preventive measures
7. Document findings, actions, and outcomes

Wait, that’s seven steps. CompTIA combines steps 6 and 7 into one sometimes. Know both versions.

The Compatibility Matrix

RAM:

• DDR3 won’t fit in DDR4 slots (different notch position)
• Speed must match or use lowest common denominator
• Capacity must match for dual-channel

CPUs:

• Intel and AMD use different sockets
• Socket type must match motherboard
• TDP (power) must be within motherboard capabilities

Power supplies:

• Wattage must exceed total system draw
• Modular vs. non-modular (cable management)
• Efficiency ratings (80 Plus Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)

The Mistakes That Cost Points

Mistake #1: Overthinking Simple Questions If a printer has streaks and the scenario mentions “low toner,” the answer is probably… replace the toner. Don’t look for complex solutions when simple ones fit.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Visual Clues That diagram isn’t decoration. It contains critical information. Actually LOOK at what’s shown.

Mistake #3: Forgetting Compatibility You can’t just throw any RAM in any motherboard. Check compatibility before answering.

Mistake #4: Skipping the Obvious “Computer won’t turn on” → Check if it’s plugged in. Seriously. CompTIA tests basic troubleshooting first.

Mistake #5: Not Clicking Submit This bears repeating because it’s how people lose easy points.

Your A+ PBQ Checklist

Before the exam:

• [ ] Physically handled computer components
• [ ] Can identify all cable types on sight
• [ ] Know RAID levels and their purposes
• [ ] Practiced command line in actual Windows
• [ ] Completed at least 20 PBQ simulations
• [ ] Can troubleshoot printer issues from symptoms
• [ ] Understand IP addressing and DHCP

During the exam:

• [ ] Skip PBQs initially (unless quick)
• [ ] Read instructions THREE times
• [ ] Look for the Submit button before clicking Next
• [ ] Use process of elimination
• [ ] Check compatibility before selecting components
• [ ] Leave 30-40 minutes for PBQs at the end

After each PBQ:

• [ ] Did I address every requirement?
• [ ] Did I click Submit?
• [ ] Does my solution actually work?

Your Redemption Story

Six weeks after your failure, you did something different. You bought a $40 used desktop from Goodwill and took it completely apart, identifying every component. You reassembled it, broke it and fixed it.

You practiced command line commands on your own computer. You built a virtual machine and practiced disk management. your made flashcards of every cable type and quizzed herself daily.

You retook Core 1. The PBQs appeared. You finished all PBQs and reviewed them within time without rushing.

Final score: 742. Same person. Same study materials. Different approach.

The difference? You stopped trying to memorize and started actually DOING.

Ready to Actually Pass A+?

Here’s the truth: A+ PBQs separate people who studied from people who practiced. You can watch every video, read every book, and still fail if you can’t apply knowledge hands-on.

Our CompTIA A+ training program makes you practice until PBQs become muscle memory.

What You Get:

✓ Interactive PBQ simulations for both Core 1 and Core 2

✓ Hands-on lab access where you configure real systems

✓ Component identification training with actual hardware images

✓ Command line practice environment with guided exercises

✓ RAID configuration simulator for practicing disk management

✓ Printer troubleshooting flowcharts for systematic diagnosis

✓ Help desk scenario practice with professional response examples

✓ Timed practice exams that are harder than the real test

✓ Expert support when you get stuck

Our Guarantee:

Complete our PBQ modules and you’ll walk into both A+ exams with genuine confidence. Not hope. Not luck. Actual earned confidence from doing these simulations dozens of times.  Also, it would also be a good idea to check out our CompTIA A+ Cheat Sheet as well.

The Investment:

Both A+ exams cost $253 each ($506 total). Our complete training costs less than retaking one exam.