A customer calls and states that when they have been using their computer for a long time the computer reboots itself with no error. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the issue?

Question

Options

• ABIOS settings
• BFaulty RAM
• CFaulty processor
• DOverheating

• A
  3% (1)
• C
  7% (2)
• D
  90% (26)

Explanation

The key clues in this scenario are: (1) the reboot only occurs after extended use, and (2) there is no error message. These two factors together are the hallmark of a thermal shutdown. As a computer runs, its CPU, GPU, and other components generate heat. If cooling is inadequate (blocked vents, dried thermal paste, failing fan), temperatures rise over time until the system's thermal protection triggers an emergency shutdown/reboot to prevent permanent hardware damage - and this happens without displaying a typical error code because it is a protective hardware-level action. Faulty RAM would typically cause Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors or random crashes not correlated with usage duration. A faulty processor would likely produce errors immediately. BIOS settings issues would usually manifest at boot or consistently, not just after prolonged use.

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