CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)HardwareHard
A technician is troubleshooting a desktop computer that experiences intermittent system freezes and blue screen errors, especially during graphically intensive tasks. The CPU temperature monitoring software shows spikes up to 95°C (203°F). What is the MOST likely cause of these symptoms?
- AOverheating CPU
- BOutdated graphics driver
- CFailing hard drive
- DInsufficient RAM capacity
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Overheating CPU
Intermittent freezes and blue screen errors, particularly under load (graphically intensive tasks), combined with high CPU temperatures (95°C is well above safe operating limits for most CPUs), are classic symptoms of an overheating CPU. The system is likely throttling performance or crashing to prevent thermal damage.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. An outdated graphics driver can cause graphical glitches, application crashes, or poor performance in games, but it's less likely to directly cause CPU overheating or system-wide freezes/BSODs unless it's a very unstable driver causing system instability.
- C. A failing hard drive would cause data corruption, boot issues, or slow loading times, not directly cause high CPU temperatures or freezes during graphically intensive tasks.
- D. Insufficient RAM typically leads to slow performance, excessive disk swapping, or application crashes, not usually system freezes with high CPU temperatures.
CPU Overheating Symptoms
Indicators that a CPU is operating at temperatures beyond its safe limits, leading to performance degradation or system instability.
- Common symptoms include system freezes, blue screens (BSODs), unexpected shutdowns, and performance throttling.
- Often exacerbated by heavy CPU load.
- Can be caused by inadequate cooling (fan failure, poor thermal paste, dusty heatsink).
Memory trick: Hot Hardware Hinders Happy Operation.