Cooling Solution Compatibility

Correct Answer: Replace the exhaust fan

The most effective solution to resolve thermal shutdowns caused by a non-working exhaust fan is to replace the faulty exhaust fan. The exhaust fan plays a crucial role in removing hot air from inside the computer case, maintaining proper airflow and cooling. If the exhaust fan is not functioning, hot air will accumulate, leading to overheating and potential thermal shutdowns. While increasing case fan speed or adding additional case fans can help improve overall airflow, they will not address the root cause of the issue, which is the non-functional exhaust fan. Similarly, replacing the CPU cooler may help with CPU-specific cooling but will not solve the problem of inadequate exhaust airflow. Therefore, replacing the exhaust fan is the most targeted and effective solution to resolve the thermal shutdown issue caused by a faulty exhaust fan.

Correct Answer: Hot aisle/cold aisle configuration

The hot aisle/cold aisle configuration allows for the most efficient air circulation by directing hot and cold air in opposite directions. The other options might provide some level of cooling, but they are not as effective as a properly designed hot aisle/cold aisle configuration.

Correct Answer: Check the cooler dimensions and case clearance

When upgrading a cooling system for a gaming PC, it's crucial to ensure compatibility with the existing components. The best answer is to check the cooler dimensions and case clearance. This step is essential because the new cooler must fit properly inside the case and not interfere with other components such as the RAM or graphics card. Upgrading the power supply is not necessarily required for a cooler upgrade unless the current PSU is insufficient. Buying the highest TDP cooler available may not be the best choice, as it might be overkill for the system's needs and could cause compatibility issues. Checking only GPU compatibility is not sufficient, as the cooler must be compatible with the CPU socket and the case dimensions. By verifying the cooler dimensions and case clearance, the gaming enthusiast can ensure a successful and compatible cooling system upgrade.