Cooling Systems

Correct Answer: Thermal paste

The most likely cause of the computer overheating and shutting down frequently, given that there is adequate ventilation and a clean interior, is an issue with the thermal paste between the CPU and heatsink. Over time, thermal paste can dry out or degrade, reducing its effectiveness at transferring heat away from the CPU. This can lead to the CPU overheating and the computer shutting down to protect itself from damage. Checking and possibly replacing the thermal paste should be the next step in troubleshooting this issue. The other options, such as CPU voltage, graphics card compatibility, and operating system updates, are less likely to be the primary cause of the overheating and shutdowns in this scenario.

Correct Answer: Liquid cooling

Liquid cooling is the most common recommendation for more efficient cooling systems in gaming PCs. It provides better heat dissipation compared to air cooling, and is more effective for maintaining lower temperatures.

Correct Answer: Install low-profile fans

Installing low-profile fans is the best solution to decrease overall system temperatures in a small form factor PC case. Low-profile fans are designed to fit in tight spaces and provide adequate airflow to cool the components. Removing the side panel would expose the components to dust and debris, and may not necessarily improve airflow. Applying more thermal paste would only help if the existing thermal paste was applied incorrectly or has dried out, but it does not address the underlying issue of limited airflow in a small case. Moving the power supply would not have a significant impact on system temperatures, as it is not a major heat-generating component. Therefore, installing low-profile fans is the most effective way to improve airflow and reduce temperatures in a small form factor PC case.