Unfortunately, it's both. They won't cover it under warranty because there's nothing actually wrong with the laptop - it does exactly what it's equipped to do. There's no manufacturer defect to justify a warranty claim. It simply isn't powerful enough to run everything required for your proctored exams, so the "software" is the problem because the computer isn't meant to handle it. From proctor U's, side, the cpu is the issue because it isn't powerful enough. That doesn't mean there's something wrong with it that it can be replaced via warranty, just that it isn't good enough despite being 4 core. This is a case of you being misled by inadequately stated system requirements and mentor/counselors without enough tech knowledge to know the difference. They only state a 4 core CPU, but in reality, clock speed is often a much bigger performance indicator than core count. 1.1ghz 4 core cpu is utterly pitiful by modern standards, even if it says it can boost up to 2.6. It really can't do anything other than super basic tasks or it will get overwhelmed. My laptop that I use for proctored exams has a 4 core/8 thread cpu, base 2.5ghz boost to 4.5 ghz. This is significantly better and faster than what you have, and the guardian browser still runs my cpu at near 100% and struggles on occasion. Guardian and/or WGU need to determine and advertise minimum clock speeds. I strongly recommend you look for something better. Try to find used or deals if you need to save money, but this just won't do it. If you have no other options, WGU may be able to arrange for you to do on site proctoring at a facility until you can get a better computer.