A newly built desktop boots and passes POST, but it powers off without warning about five to ten minutes after Windows loads. The Windows System log shows a Kernel-Power 41 event with no bug check. When the technician leaves the system sitting in UEFI Setup, the CPU temperature quickly climbs past 95 °C and the machine shuts down again. Which of the following is the MOST likely root cause of these random shutdowns?
An unsigned display driver was installed during Windows setup.
The installed DIMMs run at mismatched speeds in single-channel mode.
The SATA controller is configured for IDE instead of AHCI.
The CPU cooler's fan is not connected to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
A rapid rise to 95 °C indicates the CPU is not being cooled. If the CPU cooler's fan is plugged into the wrong header or left unplugged, the fan will not spin, heat cannot dissipate, and the motherboard's thermal protection will force an immediate power-off, creating a Kernel-Power 41 event. Incorrect RAM speed, IDE storage mode, or an unsigned display driver may cause performance issues or system crashes, but they will not cause an almost instant temperature spike followed by a protective shutdown.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is the CPU_FAN header and why is it important?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How does thermal protection on motherboards work?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What does a Kernel-Power 41 event indicate in Windows?