CompTIA Server+ SK0-005 Practice Question
A rack-mounted virtualization host that has run problem-free for two years now shuts down several times per day. The server's lights-out management logs record repeated "CPU temperature exceeded critical threshold" events even when processor utilization is under 15 %. Facility monitoring shows an inlet temperature of 20 °C (68 °F) and relative humidity of 45 %, and no firmware or workload changes have occurred. Technicians observe that the server's fans ramp to maximum speed and the system status LEDs turn amber just before each shutdown. Which environmental condition is the most likely root cause of these hardware failures?
Low air density at the site's high altitude is preventing adequate heat dissipation.
Dust buildup inside the chassis is blocking airflow through the fans and heat sinks.
Electromagnetic interference from the nearby UPS is corrupting temperature-sensor readings.
Excessive humidity in the rack is causing moisture-related short circuits.