A desktop technician is troubleshooting a developer workstation that unexpectedly powers off during intensive CPU compilation tasks. When attempting to turn the system back on immediately following a shutdown, the cooling fans pulse for less than one second and immediately shut off, accompanied by an audible click from the power supply unit. The system only attempts to power on again after the main AC power cord is unplugged for 30 seconds and reconnected. Which of the following represent the most probable root causes or recommended diagnostic steps for this issue? (Select TWO.)
- The power supply unit (PSU) internal safety circuit is latching into a protection fault state due to an over-current or over-temperature condition under heavy load.Answer
- Inspect the CPU heat sink assembly, verify fan operation, and reapply thermal compound to resolve CPU thermal trip conditions.Answer
- CReinstall the operating system power management drivers and clear ACPI event logs to restore system power states.
- DReplace the installed memory modules with SO-DIMM unbuffered modules to reduce electrical load on the motherboard RAM bus.
Answer
The issues are caused by the power supply unit latching its internal protection circuit due to a thermal or electrical fault, requiring AC power disconnection to reset, and the appropriate corrective action is to inspect the CPU cooling assembly and reapply thermal compound.
When a power supply unit detects an over-current or severe over-temperature event, internal protection logic trips and latches off to prevent catastrophic damage. This latching state prevents restart until AC power is completely disconnected. Because shutdowns occur specifically under heavy CPU compilation tasks, inspecting the CPU cooling assembly, thermal paste application, and fan operation addresses the underlying thermal failure triggering the PSU protection circuit.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Power supply safety protection latching and CPU thermal isolation
Estimated Time:2m 0s