SIMULATION 7 A customer built a computer for gaming, sourcing individual components and then assembling the system. The OS starts up, but within a few minutes the machine locks up. The customer…

Submitted by lars.no· Mar 30, 2026CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) - Domain 5: Hardware & Network Troubleshooting; specifically troubleshooting common hardware problems including overheating and component compatibility in custom-built systems.

Question

SIMULATION 7 A customer built a computer for gaming, sourcing individual components and then assembling the system. The OS starts up, but within a few minutes the machine locks up. The customer brought the computer to a technician to diagnose the issue. INSTRUCTIONS Click on each component to view the specification. Select the appropriate cause and resolution for the issue. If at any time you would like to bring back the initial state of the simulation, please click the Reset All button. Answer:

Exhibits

Explanation

When a custom-built gaming PC boots into the OS but locks up within minutes, the most common cause is thermal throttling or overheating due to improper CPU cooler installation, mismatched TDP ratings, or insufficient thermal paste application - the system runs until heat builds to a critical threshold and then freezes or shuts down. The resolution is to verify the CPU cooler's TDP rating matches or exceeds the CPU's thermal requirements, reseat the cooler with proper thermal paste, and ensure all fans are functioning correctly. This scenario is a classic POST-boot stability issue rooted in thermal management rather than software or storage failure.

Topics

#Thermal Management#CPU Cooler Compatibility#Custom PC Troubleshooting#Hardware Diagnostics

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