A 2-socket blade server in an enclosure powers itself off 10-15 minutes after the CPUs are driven to 90 % utilization. The management controller logs repeated "CPU_THERMAL_ASSERT" events, and real-time telemetry shows the processors exceeding their thermal throttle point. All four hot-swap fan modules report normal RPM, the fan tray and heat sinks have been re-seated, and fresh thermal compound was applied, yet the issue persists. Which of the following is the MOST likely root cause of the overheating?
Out-of-date baseboard management controller firmware cannot interpret current CPU thermal sensors.
Faulty DIMM temperature sensors are triggering erroneous critical-temperature alerts for the CPUs.
Dust clogging the intake and exhaust vents is restricting airflow through the chassis.
The single-phase PDU is delivering 200 V instead of 208 V, reducing fan motor efficiency.
Even when fans appear healthy and spin at their expected speed, cooling depends on a clear intake and exhaust path. Dust or debris that clogs front bezels, air filters, or heat-sink fins restricts airflow, so the same volume of air can no longer carry heat away from the CPUs. Server vendor documentation lists airflow blockage from dust as a primary cause of over-temperature shutdowns even when fan modules are reported "OK". Undervoltage from the PDU would normally trigger power or fan fault alerts long before thermal events. Out-of-date BMC firmware can cause reporting anomalies, but the processors would not consistently exceed their thermal limits within minutes if airflow were adequate because a physical shutdown indicates a real thermal event, not just a reporting error. Faulty DIMM temperature sensors would raise memory-not CPU-thermal faults and would not force the server to shut down only under high CPU load. Therefore, dust-induced airflow restriction is the most probable remaining cause.
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What is the role of intake and exhaust vents in server cooling?
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Why doesn’t undervoltage from the PDU cause overheating directly?
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How does dust clogging impact cooling even if fans are functioning properly?