easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: A user complains that their PC is running slowly…
A user complains that their PC is running slowly and the fan is constantly running at high speed. Task Manager shows the CPU is consistently at 100% usage even when idle. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A background process is consuming CPU cycles, such as a mining script or system update
High CPU usage at idle is often due to background processes, such as malware or a runaway application. The constant high fan speed indicates the CPU is generating excess heat from this activity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The CPU is overheating due to dried thermal paste
Why it's wrong here
Overheating due to dried thermal paste would primarily trigger the CPU's thermal throttling mechanisms. This means the CPU would intentionally reduce its clock speed and voltage to lower temperatures and prevent damage, rather than sustaining 100% usage. While throttling makes the PC run slowly, the CPU itself isn't operating at full load; it's actively slowing down to cool, which is distinct from a process demanding constant maximum utilization.
- ✓
A background process is consuming CPU cycles, such as a mining script or system update
Why this is correct
A background process consuming CPU cycles is a direct and common cause for a PC running slowly with high CPU usage. Malicious software, such as a cryptomining script, or a legitimate but stuck or resource-intensive system update, can monopolize the CPU. This constant demand for processing power leaves insufficient resources for other applications, leading to overall system unresponsiveness, high temperatures, and continuous fan operation.
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The power supply is failing and cannot provide enough power
Why it's wrong here
A failing power supply unit (PSU) typically manifests as system instability, random shutdowns, unexpected reboots, or components failing to power on. The PSU's primary function is to deliver stable and sufficient power to all system components. A failing PSU does not directly cause the CPU to run at 100% utilization; instead, it disrupts the entire system's ability to function reliably, often leading to power loss rather than sustained high CPU load.
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The CPU has been overclocked beyond its limits
Why it's wrong here
Overclocking a CPU beyond its stable limits primarily results in system instability, such as frequent crashes, Blue Screens of Death (BSODs), or boot failures. While overclocking aims to increase performance, pushing it too far does not inherently cause the CPU to operate at a sustained 100% usage during normal operation or idle. Instead, the system becomes unreliable and may fail to complete tasks, rather than running slowly due to constant full CPU utilization.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Thermal Paste Application
Key term
High CPU usage
A network device condition where processor utilisation reaches levels that degrade performance or cause service interruptions.
Key term
CPU
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the main electronic brain of a computer that carries out instructions from software by performing basic arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.