220-802 · Question #1026
A user states that their computer sounds like a hair dryer after being on for 15-20 minutes. The user also states that if they turn the computer off for 5-10 minutes and then turn it back on, it…
The correct answer is B. Heatsink is defective or needs to be reseated. The pattern described - noise after 15-20 minutes of use that goes away after a short cool-down - is a classic thermal throttling or overheating cycle. Since all fans check out, the issue is with heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink. A poorly seated or defective heatsink…
Question
A user states that their computer sounds like a hair dryer after being on for 15-20 minutes. The user also states that if they turn the computer off for 5-10 minutes and then turn it back on, it will run just fine for another 15-20 minutes before starting the noise again. The technician finds no problems with any of the internal fans. Which of the following is the MOST likely issue?
Options
- ADefective RAM has been installed in one slot
- BHeatsink is defective or needs to be reseated
- CIncorrect voltage selection on power supply
- DCPU is not compatible with the video card
How the community answered
(53 responses)- A4% (2)
- B79% (42)
- C11% (6)
- D6% (3)
Explanation
The pattern described - noise after 15-20 minutes of use that goes away after a short cool-down - is a classic thermal throttling or overheating cycle. Since all fans check out, the issue is with heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink. A poorly seated or defective heatsink fails to conduct heat away efficiently, causing the CPU to overheat. The fans then spin at maximum speed (sounding like a hair dryer) trying to compensate. After shutdown, the system cools and the cycle repeats. Defective RAM causes crashes or BSODs, not noise. Incorrect PSU voltage would cause instability, not cyclical noise. CPU/GPU incompatibility is not a real hardware issue.
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