CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)HardwareMedium
A client reports that their desktop computer occasionally freezes completely, requiring a hard reboot. The event viewer shows no critical errors related to software, but the system's fans seem to be running at unusually high speeds just before a freeze. After inspecting the computer, the technician notices that the CPU heatsink is loose and covered in a thick layer of dust. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the system freezes?
- AFailing hard drive
- BInsufficient RAM capacity
- CCPU overheating
- DCorrupted operating system files
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. CPU overheating
A loose heatsink and excessive dust prevent efficient heat transfer from the CPU, leading to overheating. Modern CPUs automatically throttle performance or shut down (freeze) to prevent damage when critical temperature thresholds are exceeded, which aligns with the observed high fan speeds and system freezes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A failing hard drive would likely cause boot issues, data corruption, or I/O errors, not directly CPU fan speed increases or freezes without other error logs.
- B. Insufficient RAM would typically cause slowdowns or 'out of memory' errors, not sudden freezes with high fan speeds.
- D. Corrupted OS files usually manifest as boot failures, application crashes, or specific error messages, not typically high fan speeds and complete system freezes without error logs.
CPU Overheating Symptoms
Indicators that a CPU is operating at dangerously high temperatures, often leading to system instability or damage.
- System freezes or unexpected shutdowns.
- Excessively loud fan noise.
- Performance throttling.
- Can be caused by poor cooling, dust, or failed thermal paste.
Memory trick: When the system stalls, check what heats and falls.