A user reports that their desktop computer emits a loud grinding noise shortly after being powered on. When you open the case, all cables and other items appear clear of the cooling fans, and the fans spin freely. What is the most likely component you should investigate first to resolve this issue?
Check the optical drive while it is reading a disc
Check the hard drive for physical damage or failure symptoms
Grinding or scraping sounds inside a PC almost always originate from a mechanical part. Two primary suspects are cooling fans and traditional hard-disk drives (HDDs). In this scenario, the fans have no visible obstruction and turn smoothly, so the next-and more urgent-item to check is the HDD. A failing HDD can produce grinding or scraping noises when its spindle motor, bearings, or read/write heads are damaged, and continued operation risks data loss. If the noise persists with the HDD disconnected or the drive powered down, you would then revisit other moving components such as fans, but the hard drive is the first place to look given the evidence.
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