A user reports that their desktop computer has recently started making a loud, intermittent grinding noise. Which of the following components is the MOST likely cause of this issue?
An overheating CPU
A corrupted operating system file
A faulty RAM module
A failing mechanical hard drive
The correct answer is a failing mechanical hard drive. Grinding or clicking noises are classic symptoms of a mechanical hard disk drive (HDD) failure, often indicating a problem with the read/write heads or the platter motor. While cooling fans can also make noise, it is more often described as whirring or buzzing. Corrupted operating system files and faulty RAM modules are software and memory issues, respectively, and do not produce physical, mechanical sounds.
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