CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) — Question 99

A user’s desktop computer slows down after a few minutes of use, and the fans alternate between silent and very loud. Which of the following is MOST likely failing, therefore causing these symptoms?

Answer options

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The symptoms described suggest that the CPU fan is likely failing, as it is responsible for cooling the CPU. If the fan is not functioning properly, the CPU can overheat, causing throttling and performance drops, while also leading to varying fan speeds as it attempts to cool itself. The other components listed, while they can cause issues, do not directly relate to the described fan behavior and performance degradation.