Reference number: CH000302

Noise from computer.

Issue:

Noise from computer.

Causes:

Any other types of noises being heard from the computer could be caused by any of the below devices.

1. CD-ROM
2. Fan
3. Floppy
4. Hard drive
5. Modem
6. Power supply
7. Speakers
8. Monitor

Solutions:

Below is a listing of components within the computer that may cause unusual noises to be generated. To determine which of these components are causing your issue, first verify that lights on your hardware devices, such as the floppy drive, are not on. If you are only encountering excessive noise when a device is accessed, it is likely that device is causing your issue.

If the noise you are experiencing is occurring the entire time the computer is on, it is possible that any of the below devices may be causing your issue. Attempt to distinguish what device is causing the noise by reading through each of the below sections.

CD-ROM

CD-ROM drives may generate various types of noises when the drive is accessed. This noise should be a soft whirling noise when the CD-ROM drive is accessed. This noise should only be generated when the CD-ROM is accessed.

It is abnormal for a CD-ROM to experience any of the below symptoms.

• No noise

• Clicking during accessing the CD-ROM.

• Noises when the CD-ROM is not being accessed.

If you are exhibiting any of the above issues it is likely that the CD-ROM drive is defective and it is recommended that it be replaced.

• Additional help with CD-ROM drives can be found on our CD-ROM help page.

• Additional buying tips on CD-ROM drives can be found here.

Fan

There are several fans in computers that help provide ventilation to the computer's components. Below is a listing of the fans that may be causing noises in your computer.

• Case Fans Case fans are fans commonly attached to the front or back of a computer. It is normal for most additional case fans to generate additional noise (usually a low hum). However, you should not expect to hear any type of clicking noise or high pitched noise from any of the case fans. When this occurs it is a good indication that the fan is failing or has already failed.

• CPU fan Although not installed on all computers, some computer heat sinks may also contain a fan to help with keeping the processor cool.
  
  You should only expect to hear a slight hum from the CPU fan; below are some issues that may cause additional noise from your CPU fan.
  
  - Cable is hitting the fan causing a vibration.
  - CPU fan is loose causing vibration
  - CPU fan is bad causing additional noise.
  
  

• Power supply fan  See below, power supply section.

Floppy drive

Troubleshooting noises that may be coming from the floppy drive can be found on document CH000427.

Hard disk drive

The computer hard disk drive is a common issue for additional noise. It is normal for a hard drive to produce noise. Normal types of noises you should expect to hear include a low humming or quiet whistling sound.

Noises you should not expect to hear are any type of repetitive clicking, very noticeable humming or any type of hard thump. If any of these noises are experienced it is recommend that the hard disk drive be looked at or replaced as it may be going bad.

Note: You will notice an increased volume in sound from a SCSI hard disk drive when it is compared to a standard IDE / EIDE hard disk drive.

Modem

When connecting to the Internet or another computer you may hear a loud screechy or high pitched noise. This noise is the onboard modem speaker and is the two computers connecting to each other. This noise should only be heard when the computer is establishing a connection with the other computer.

If you wish to disable this speaker please see document CH000439.

Power supply

The power supply is a common hardware component to cause an excessive amount of noise. This component provides your computer power as well as ventilation to the computer. It is possible for the fan within the power supply to become bad or dirty causing the fan to make an excessive amount of noise.

If an excessive amount of noise is coming from the fan next to where you plug your computer power cable into, it is likely that the power supply fan is failing or bad. We recommend that you first attempt to clean the fan by using compressed air to blow out any dust, dirt, or hair. If this does not resolve your issue you will need to have the power supply replaced.

• Additional help and information about power supplies can be found on our power supply page.

Speakers

Troubleshooting computer speaker noises can be found on document CH000205.

Monitor

Troubleshooting computer monitor noises can be found on document CH000489.

Additional information:

• If you are receiving beeps from the computer when it is first booting up, please see document CH000232.
• If you're looking for information about making your computer quieter please see document CH000696.