KB 579052 - CPU Temperature Warning - Troubleshooting Guide

KB 579052 - CPU Temperature Warning - Troubleshooting Guide

Purpose

Provide a troubleshooting guide for engineers when a CPU Temperature Warning alert is triggered on a Node/Server.

This KB helps engineers quickly identify the issue and perform initial remediation before escalation.


When to Use

Use this KB article when the monitoring system generates the alert:

CPU Temperature Warning

This alert typically occurs when the CPU temperature rises above the warning threshold but has not yet reached critical levels.


What the Alert Is

The CPU Temperature Warning alert indicates that the processor temperature is higher than normal operating conditions.

This can occur due to:

  • High CPU workload

  • Cooling system inefficiency

  • Fan speed issues

  • Airflow blockage

  • Environmental temperature increase

If ignored, this warning may escalate to a CPU Temperature Critical alert, which can cause system throttling or shutdown.


Alert Summary

The system sensors detect that the CPU temperature is approaching unsafe operating levels.

This warning acts as an early indicator allowing engineers to investigate before the system reaches a critical state.


Severity

Warning

Immediate investigation is recommended to prevent escalation.


L1 Engineer Actions

Follow these steps when the alert is received.

Step 1 – Verify Alert

Check the monitoring dashboard and confirm:

  • Node hostname

  • Timestamp of alert

  • Temperature value

  • Alert severity


Step 2 – Wait and Monitor

  • Wait 25–30 minutes


Step 3 – Escalate if Alert Persists

If the alert does not clear after monitoring:
  1. Create an internal ticket
  2. Inform L2 Engineer

Step 4 – Documentation

After confirming with L2:

  • Update the Issues Master Sheet



L2 Engineer Actions

If the issue persists after L1 checks, escalate to L2.

Step 1 – Check CPU Load in Detail

Investigate high CPU utilization or abnormal workloads.

Step 2 – Verify BIOS / BMC Fan Profile

Check if the fan profile is configured correctly in:

  • BIOS

  • BMC / IPMI settings

Ensure the system is not running in low fan speed mode.

Example : ASUS Server BMC portal available fan options as below:


Need to select full speed mode

Step 3 – Analyze Workload

Check if Schedule jobs  OR consumption of workload are causing sustained high CPU usage.

Investigate:

  • Running applications

  • Cron Jobs / SLURM Jobs

  • Resource utilization patterns

Step 4 – Verify Airflow Obstruction

Inspect the physical environment:

  • Blocked air intake

  • Faulty rack cooling

  • Improper cable routing affecting airflow

Step 5 – Escalate to OEM

If the warning persists after troubleshooting:

  • Collect sensor logs

  • Record node serial number

  • Capture temperature readings

Raise a case with the hardware OEM for further investigation.