The issue described in the scenario is most likely caused by the incorrect heat sink being used on the CPU.
The heat sink plays a critical role in dissipating heat from the CPU to prevent overheating. If the incorrect heat sink is used, it may not fit properly, leading to insufficient contact with the CPU. This can cause inadequate heat transfer, resulting in the CPU overheating. Overheating can lead to thermal stress on the motherboard, potentially causing shorts near the CPU location as the excessive heat can damage the motherboard's circuits and components.
References:
* CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Exam Objectives, Section 3.0 Hardware, specifically the subsection on cooling mechanisms and their importance in maintaining the optimal operating temperature for CPU and other components.
* General knowledge on the importance of proper heat dissipation in preventing hardware damage, particularly in scenarios involving CPU replacements and upgrades.