A systems administrator has recently deployed a new virtualization server. The server operates without issue during standard business hours when hosting a few low-utilization virtual machines. However, the server consistently crashes and displays a kernel panic screen late each evening when a high-performance computing (HPC) virtual machine begins a complex data analysis task. A review of the server's event logs prior to the crash shows CPU utilization at 100% and fans running at maximum speed. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
The correct answer is an improperly seated heat sink. The combination of symptoms-crashing only under high CPU load, 100% CPU utilization, and fans at maximum speed-points directly to a thermal issue. When the CPU is under heavy load, it generates significant heat. The system attempts to compensate by spinning the cooling fans at their highest speed. A crash or kernel panic under these conditions indicates the cooling system is failing to dissipate the heat effectively. An improperly seated heat sink prevents proper thermal transfer from the CPU to the cooler, which is a common reason for CPU overheating. While a failing PSU, defective memory, or incompatible drivers can all cause system crashes, they do not align as closely with the specific combination of thermal-related symptoms described.
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What is a heat sink and why is it important?
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How does improper seating of a heat sink cause CPU overheating?
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What steps can be taken to fix an improperly seated heat sink?
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What is a heat sink, and why is it important?
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What happens when a CPU overheats?
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How can you confirm if a heat sink is improperly seated?
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What is a heat sink and why is it important in a server?
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How can a systems administrator identify and fix an improperly seated heat sink?
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Why do servers experience higher heat generation during high-performance computing (HPC) tasks?