SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management Practice Question
Exhibit
[ 5.234567] CPU Fan Error: No fan detected on CPU_FAN header. [ 5.345678] System halted due to critical thermal event.
Refer to the exhibit. During boot, the server displays this error and shuts down. 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
✓
The CPU fan is not connected to the CPU_FAN header.
The log explicitly states 'No fan detected', which directly points to a missing connection on the CPU_FAN header. The shutdown is a protective response.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The CPU heatsink is not properly installed.
Why it's wrong here
While this could cause overheating, the system would still detect a fan if it were connected. The error specifically mentions no fan detection.
- ✓
The CPU fan is not connected to the CPU_FAN header.
Why this is correct
The error message 'No fan detected' strongly indicates a physical disconnection. The system halts to prevent thermal damage.
- ✗
The BIOS fan profile is set to 'Silent' mode.
Why it's wrong here
A silent profile might stop the fan under light load, but the BIOS would still detect its presence during POST. 'No fan detected' indicates an electrical disconnection.
- ✗
The CPU has failed.
Why it's wrong here
A CPU failure would typically result in no POST or a different beep code, not a fan-specific error message.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed July 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This SK0-005 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 SK0-005 exam.