The answer is a failed CPU fan bearing. The grinding noise you hear is the mechanical sound of the bearing wearing down, which causes the fan to struggle or seize under the increased thermal load of active use. While the CPU temperature may appear normal at idle because the fan can still spin slowly, the bearing cannot maintain proper speed when the processor heats up during tasks, leading to a rapid temperature spike and an automatic shutdown to prevent damage. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to link auditory symptoms—specifically a grinding noise—with a specific hardware failure, a common trap being to misdiagnose it as a failing hard drive or power supply. A useful memory tip is to associate the sound of grinding with “gritty bearings,” and remember that a fan that fails under load will cause a thermal shutdown even if idle temps look fine.
220-1201 CPU Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cpu. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user reports that their computer is making a loud grinding noise and then shuts down after a few minutes. The CPU temperature is normal at idle. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
CPU fan bearing failure
A grinding noise typically indicates a mechanical bearing failure in a fan. The CPU fan may still spin but fail under load, causing overheating and shutdown. This scenario tests the ability to correlate auditory symptoms with hardware failure.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Hard drive failure
Why it's wrong here
A failing hard drive can make noise, but it would not cause the CPU to overheat and shut down.
✓
CPU fan bearing failure
Why this is correct
A failing fan bearing causes grinding noise and can lead to inadequate cooling under load, triggering thermal shutdown.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Power supply fan failure
Why it's wrong here
A PSU fan failure could cause noise but would not directly cause CPU shutdown unless the PSU overheats.
✗
Loose CPU cooler
Why it's wrong here
A loose cooler might cause noise but typically a rattling or clicking sound, not grinding.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
CPU — This question tests CPU — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: CPU fan bearing failure — A grinding noise typically indicates a mechanical bearing failure in a fan. The CPU fan may still spin but fail under load, causing overheating and shutdown. This scenario tests the ability to correlate auditory symptoms with hardware failure.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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