Power Supply

Correct Answer: Faulty power supply

A faulty power supply is the most likely cause of intermittent shutdowns in a PC. Power supply issues can cause the system to suddenly lose power and shut off unexpectedly. Loose RAM may cause system instability or boot failures, but it typically wouldn't lead to complete shutdowns. Imbalanced CPU usage or outdated graphics drivers might cause performance issues or crashes, but they are less likely to directly cause a PC to shut itself off intermittently compared to a failing power supply.

Correct Answer: Replace the power supply with a higher wattage unit

The correct answer is: Replace the power supply with a higher wattage unit Explanation: If the computer loses power when connecting an external hard drive, it indicates that the power supply is not providing enough power to support the additional device. The power supply may be underpowered or failing. Replacing the power supply with a higher wattage unit will ensure that there is sufficient power to support the computer and any connected devices. The other options are incorrect: - Updating the BIOS would not address the power issue caused by an underpowered or failing power supply. - Defragmenting the computer's hard drive is unrelated to the power issue and would not solve the problem. - Disabling the USB ports in the BIOS would prevent the use of the external hard drive altogether, rather than solving the power issue.

Correct Answer: Test the power supply for defects

Testing the power supply for defects is the best next step. A burning smell often indicates an issue with the power supply overheating or failing. Since no visible damage was found, systematically testing components is necessary. The power supply is the most likely culprit and should be checked first. Inspecting RAM, replacing the graphics card, or reinstalling the OS would not address the root cause of the burning smell, which is likely a hardware issue originating from the power supply.