A server administrator recently performed maintenance inside a rack server's chassis. Shortly thereafter, users reported that the server was performing sluggishly and would intermittently shut down without warning. A review of the system's management logs shows multiple critical alerts for high CPU temperature and thermal throttling preceding each shutdown. The logs also confirm that all cooling fans were operating at maximum RPMs during these events. What is the MOST likely cause of these issues?
The correct answer is an improperly seated heat sink. The combination of recent physical maintenance inside the chassis, specific high CPU temperature alerts, and subsequent thermal shutdowns strongly points to a problem with the CPU's cooling assembly. When a heat sink is not making proper contact with the CPU, it cannot effectively dissipate heat, causing the CPU to overheat rapidly under load. The system's fans running at maximum speed is a reaction to the high temperatures, indicating the fans themselves are likely functional but unable to compensate for the poor heat transfer between the CPU and the heat sink. A failing power supply could cause unexpected shutdowns but would not typically generate CPU-specific temperature alerts. Malfunctioning fans are unlikely, as the logs report them running at maximum speed. While a defective CPU could cause similar issues, the problem's appearance immediately after physical maintenance makes the improperly seated heat sink the most probable cause.