What external factors can affect laptop performance?

The correct choice highlights several critical external factors that can impact laptop performance. Overheating can severely degrade a laptop's functionality; when a laptop's internal components get too hot, thermal throttling can occur, which clocks down the CPU or GPU speeds to cool down the device. This means that even powerful hardware won't perform optimally if it cannot maintain a safe operating temperature.

Inadequate power supply also plays a significant role in the performance of a laptop. If a laptop isn't receiving enough power, especially during intensive tasks, it may not operate at full speed or could even shut down unexpectedly. This scenario can arise if the power adapter is not providing sufficient voltage or if battery health has declined.

Peripheral interference represents another external factor; using devices or equipment that interfere with the laptop's operating environment can lead to performance issues. This includes faulty USB devices, inadequate connections, or even some wireless devices that may cause disruptions in network connectivity or data transfer rates.

In contrast, the other options either describe internal characteristics or are too narrow in scope. For instance, while cool ambient temperatures and updated software do contribute positively to performance, they do not necessarily represent a range of external factors that universally affect all laptops. High RAM usage, while a performance factor, does not encompass