TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

What is the most likely cause of a computer spontaneously shutting down after only a few minutes of use?

1. Low battery

2. Overheated CPU

3. Software conflicts

4. Hard drive failure

The correct answer is: Overheated CPU

A computer that spontaneously shuts down after only a few minutes of use is most likely experiencing an overheating CPU. When a CPU overheats, it can trigger built-in thermal protection mechanisms to prevent damage, resulting in a sudden shutdown. This safeguard is critical because prolonged exposure to high temperatures can harm the CPU, potentially leading to permanent damage. Overheating can occur due to several reasons, such as inadequate cooling systems, dust accumulation in heat sinks or fans, or malfunctioning thermal paste that prevents efficient heat transfer. Monitoring the CPU temperature using firmware utilities or third-party software can help identify if overheating is the issue. While low battery may cause unexpected shutdowns in laptops running on battery power, it typically doesn’t apply to desktops or when devices are plugged in. Software conflicts can lead to system instability and crashes, but these do not usually cause immediate shutdowns. Finally, a hard drive failure can result in system errors but is less likely to cause the computer to power down spontaneously; it would more often lead to data loss or system failure during booting.