easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A customer reports that their desktop computer…
A customer reports that their desktop computer randomly shuts down when they run video editing software. The system has a high-end GPU and 32 GB of RAM. During troubleshooting, you notice the CPU temperature quickly rises to 95°C under load. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
CPU cooler fan failure or poor thermal paste application
Overheating is a common cause of random shutdowns, especially under heavy load. The CPU thermal protection mechanism triggers to prevent damage. This scenario tests the understanding of thermal management and its impact on system stability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Insufficient power supply wattage
Why it's wrong here
Insufficient power supply wattage is unlikely to be the direct cause of a high CPU temperature leading to thermal shutdown. While an underpowered PSU can lead to system instability, random reboots, or failure to power on, especially under heavy load, it does not inherently cause the CPU to generate more heat or prevent its cooling mechanism from functioning. The symptom of elevated CPU temperature specifically points to a problem with heat dissipation rather than inadequate power delivery to components.
- ✗
Faulty RAM module
Why it's wrong here
A faulty RAM module typically manifests through symptoms such as Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors, application crashes, system freezes, or boot failures, particularly during memory-intensive operations. RAM issues do not directly contribute to the CPU generating excessive heat or impede the functionality of the CPU cooling system. Therefore, a high CPU temperature leading to thermal shutdown is not a characteristic symptom of defective memory.
- ✓
CPU cooler fan failure or poor thermal paste application
Why this is correct
A CPU cooler fan failure directly prevents the active removal of heat from the CPU's heatsink, causing heat to build up rapidly. Similarly, dried, cracked, or improperly applied thermal paste creates an inefficient thermal interface between the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) and the heatsink, severely impeding the transfer of heat away from the processor. Both scenarios lead to the CPU quickly exceeding its safe operating temperature, triggering thermal throttling or an emergency shutdown to prevent permanent hardware damage.
- ✗
Outdated BIOS firmware
Why it's wrong here
Outdated BIOS firmware can cause various system issues, including compatibility problems with newer hardware, incorrect fan speed reporting, or suboptimal power management settings. However, it is rarely the direct cause of a CPU physically overheating due to a failure in the cooling system. While a BIOS update might sometimes improve fan control algorithms, the primary symptom of a high CPU temperature points more directly to a physical hardware cooling defect rather than a fundamental firmware configuration issue.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
TCP/IP and Common Ports for A+
Key term
CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main electronic brain of a computer that carries out instructions from software by performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.
Key term
Dual In-line Memory Module
A Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) is a small circuit board that holds memory chips and plugs into a computer's motherboard to provide Random Access Memory (RAM).
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.