220-1101 Question 297
Single answerCoolingA technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that powers on but shuts down after about 10 minutes of use, especially when running updates or opening several applications. The user reports that the system recently became louder than usual. In the firmware hardware monitor, the CPU temperature climbs rapidly past normal operating range before shutdown. After opening the case, the technician finds a thick layer of dust on the CPU heatsink and fan. Which action should the technician take FIRST to resolve the issue?
- A
Clean the dust from the heatsink and fan using compressed air while preventing the fan blades from spinning freely
- B
Replace the power supply because unexpected shutdowns usually indicate insufficient wattage
- C
Apply a second layer of thermal paste on top of the existing paste without removing the heatsink
- D
Disable automatic shutdown in the BIOS/UEFI so the user can continue working while temperatures are monitored
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This question tests practical troubleshooting of overheating caused by inadequate cooling. In A+ Core 1 scenarios, symptoms such as loud fans, shutdowns under load, high CPU temperature readings, and visible dust accumulation strongly indicate restricted airflow at the heatsink/fan assembly. The best first action is to clean the cooling components. This follows standard PC maintenance best practices: remove dust from vents, fans, filters, and heatsinks; verify proper airflow; and preserve fan integrity during cleaning. If overheating continues after cleaning, next steps could include verifying fan operation, reseating the heatsink, and replacing thermal compound correctly. Firmware thermal protections should remain enabled because they help prevent permanent CPU damage.
- A. Correct.
Correct. Dust buildup on the CPU heatsink and fan restricts airflow and prevents efficient heat dissipation, which can cause rapid temperature increases and thermal shutdowns under load. Cleaning the cooling assembly is the first and most appropriate corrective action based on the evidence in the scenario. Best practice is to use compressed air and keep the fan from overspinning, which can damage the fan or generate electrical backfeed.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A failing or undersized power supply can cause shutdowns, but the scenario specifically identifies a thermal problem: the CPU temperature rises quickly in firmware monitoring, the system is louder than usual, and there is visible dust caked on the cooling components. Replacing the PSU would not address the confirmed overheating condition and is not the first step.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Thermal paste should not be added on top of old paste. If thermal compound replacement is needed, the technician should remove the heatsink, clean off the old compound from both surfaces, and apply a proper new amount before reinstalling the cooler. In this case, the most immediate and likely fix is removing the dust obstruction first.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Automatic thermal shutdown is a protective feature designed to prevent CPU damage. Disabling it would risk hardware failure and does not solve the underlying cooling issue. A technician should correct the airflow and cooling problem rather than bypassing a safety mechanism.