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220-1201 Practice Question: That their computer is making a loud grinding…
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?
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
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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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Hard drive failure
Why it's wrong here
A failing traditional hard disk drive (HDD) can certainly produce various noises, including clicking, scraping, or even grinding sounds, as its internal platters or read/write heads malfunction. However, a hard drive failure, regardless of the noise it makes, does not directly impact the CPU's temperature regulation or cooling system. Therefore, it would not cause the CPU to overheat and trigger a thermal shutdown.
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CPU fan bearing failure
Why this is correct
A failing bearing within the CPU fan is a common and direct cause of a distinct grinding or whirring noise, as the internal components rub against each other due to wear. This mechanical failure significantly reduces the fan's rotational speed and efficiency, impairing its ability to dissipate heat from the CPU heatsink. Consequently, under load, the CPU's temperature will rise rapidly, eventually exceeding its thermal threshold and initiating an automatic shutdown to prevent damage.
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Power supply fan failure
Why it's wrong here
A failing fan in the power supply unit (PSU) could produce grinding or whirring noises, similar to a CPU fan bearing failure, as its internal bearings wear out. While a severely overheated PSU due to fan failure could potentially cause a system-wide shutdown to protect itself, it would not directly lead to the *CPU* overheating specifically and triggering its thermal shutdown mechanism. The CPU's cooling system operates independently of the PSU's internal cooling, making this an indirect and less probable cause for the described CPU-specific symptoms.
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Loose CPU cooler
Why it's wrong here
A loose CPU cooler might produce rattling or clicking sounds due to vibration or improper seating, but it is highly unlikely to generate a distinct grinding noise. While a poorly seated cooler can indeed lead to inadequate heat transfer and subsequent CPU overheating, the thermal issue would typically manifest as throttling or shutdown without the specific grinding sound originating from the cooler's components.
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JA
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.