WGU D316 Final Practice Assessment
EXAM REVIEW 2025/2026
A new computer experiences a malfunction with a touch input device. A support engineer disassembles the computer to diagnose the problem. While troubleshooting, which component would the technician find as a 9-pin header on the motherboard - ANSWER USB port -
Explanation:
Internal USB 2 connections are made via 9-pin headers, which accept up to two 4- pin port connections while the 9th pin is to orient the cable correctly.
A PC tech plugs a x8 PCIe adapter card into a x16 socket. What speed would the card be capable of running? (Select all that apply.) - ANSWER x1 x8
Explanation:
Each PCIe adapter card supports a specific number of lanes. Ideally, the card should be plugged into a port that supports the same number. Often a card will only work at x1 if in a mismatched port.
If insufficient slots are available, a card will fit in any port with an equal or greater number of lanes. The card may work at x8.
A technician plugs a USB device into a computer and notices that the speeds are slightly less than expected. The USB port and device are USB 3.x devices, and the achieved speed is roughly 9 Gbps. What USB standard is in use? - ANSWER USB 3.2 Gen 2x1
Explanation:
Variations of USB 3.x introduced new connector form factors and faster transfer rates than previous versions. USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 is capable of speeds up to 10 Gbps. 1 / 3
A user tries to connect a second monitor to a computer. The computer has an available digital visual interface (DVI) connector that outputs a digital signal and the monitor has a video graphics array (VGA) connector. A technician recommends a VGA to which type of cable? - ANSWER DVI-I
Explanation:
DVI-I is a technology that is capable of connecting a digital source to a digital display or an analog source to an analog display. A VGA to DVI-I cable will connect your digital computer to an analog monitor.
Which current USB standard supports 2 x 10 Gbps speeds and uses a USB-C connector type? - ANSWER USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Explanation:
The universal serial bus (USB) 3.2 specification deprecated some of the older terms used to describe the supported transfer rates. USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 SuperSpeed USB is capable of 2 x 10 Gbps.
A hardware technician replaces the central processing unit (CPU) on an Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) motherboard. What must be applied when connecting the heat sink to the CPU? - ANSWER Thermal grease
Explanation:
During the installation of the heat sink on top of the CPU, a small amount of thermal grease must be applied in an X-pattern to allow for heat transference to be most successful.
A laptop technician replaces the power supply in a desktop system. To do this, the technician needs to know the output of the current power supply unit (PSU). What is the PSU output capability measured as? - ANSWER WATTAGE
RATING 2 / 3
Explanation:
The PSU's output capability is measured as its wattage rating. Power is measured in watts (W), calculated for electrical components as voltage multiplied by current
(V*I).
A technician builds a spare computer with an older motherboard and purchases a new modular power supply. What type of motherboard connector will the power supply most likely provide? - ANSWER 20+4-pin
Explanation:
Most modular power supply units (PSUs) have a 20+4-pin P1 adapter cable for compatibility with older motherboards with a 20-pin port.
A technician installs memory into a computer that supports a multi-channel configuration. A 4GB module is placed in bank A1 and a 16GB module is placed in bank B1. A diagnostic tool reports that 12GB is useable, but not as multi- channel. What mode does the system use in making all of the memory available? - ANSWER Flex
Explanation:
In flex mode, memory that is of equal value within each channel can work as dual- channel while the remainder of the memory will work in single-channel mod
A user complains that a computer is too slow when opening numerous applications. A technician suggests purchasing a new computer that features CMP capabilities to handle the user's workload. Which statement describes the technician's suggestion? - ANSWER Two processors combined in the same package
Explanation:
A multi-core central processing unit (CPU) is multiple processors combined in one. This means that there are multiple execution units and registers. This is referred to as chip level multiprocessing (CMP).
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