220-1101 Question 465
Single answerGrinding noiseA user reports that a desktop PC makes a loud grinding noise for several seconds during startup and intermittently while files are being opened. The system occasionally becomes sluggish, but it still boots into the operating system. You open the case and notice that all case fans are spinning normally and there is no cable contact with the fan blades. Which component is the MOST likely source of the problem?
- A
The mechanical hard disk drive is failing
- B
The CPU is overheating because the heat sink needs reseating
- C
The power supply is delivering inconsistent voltage
- D
The system memory is causing read/write errors
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
This question tests recognition of hardware failure symptoms in a realistic support scenario. In CompTIA A+ Core 1 troubleshooting, grinding noises are strongly associated with moving mechanical components, especially traditional hard disk drives and sometimes fans. Because the scenario rules out fan obstruction and notes that the noise occurs during startup and file access, a failing HDD is the best answer. Standard technician best practices are to verify backups immediately, check SMART or vendor diagnostic tools if the drive is still readable, and plan replacement as soon as possible. This aligns with common manufacturer guidance and general A+ troubleshooting principles: identify the symptom, isolate the mechanical component involved, protect user data, and replace failing hardware before catastrophic loss occurs.
- A. Correct.
Correct. A grinding noise during startup and disk activity, combined with occasional sluggishness, strongly points to a failing mechanical hard disk drive. Traditional HDDs contain spinning platters and moving read/write heads, so physical wear can produce grinding or scraping sounds. In A+ troubleshooting, unusual noises from storage devices are a classic symptom of imminent HDD failure, and best practice is to back up data immediately and replace the drive.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. CPU overheating can cause shutdowns, thermal throttling, fan ramp-up, and instability, but it does not typically create a grinding noise by itself. If the CPU cooling assembly were the source, you would usually suspect the fan, but the scenario already states that the fans are spinning normally and there is no obstruction. A loose or poorly seated heat sink is not the most likely cause of grinding sounds tied to file access.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A faulty power supply can cause random reboots, failure to power on, instability, or device errors, but it is not commonly associated with a grinding noise that occurs specifically while opening files. Although some power supplies can have fan or coil-related noises, the scenario narrows the symptom pattern to startup and storage activity, making the HDD much more likely.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Bad RAM can lead to application crashes, POST errors, blue screens, and data corruption, but RAM has no moving parts and cannot produce a grinding noise. This option reflects a common misconception where general system sluggishness is blamed on memory, even when the more important clue is the mechanical noise.