Annoying buzzing noise coming from tower only while playing games.

[Gnomestone]

I've had this computer since June of last year and just recently in the past 2 weeks it has been making a very annoying buzzing sound (the tower not the speakers) while playing games. It is a physical buzzing noise. Not a "alert beeping buzzing noise". It's physical and annoying. It only happens when I'm playing games. When I tab out of the game I'm playing the sound is gone. All I have to do to make the sound go away is minimize the game. But it's really annoying having to deal with this while I'm playing games.

Can you help? What are the main causes of this and how can I fix this in a simple way?

[rooskie94]

so its coming from the computer?

[JJ 3000]

When was the last time you cleaned the dust out of your computer using a can of compressed air?

[Gnomestone]

so its coming from the computer?

It is coming from the tower I said. AKA the motherboard or whatever you would like to refer to it as.

When was the last time you cleaned the dust out of your computer using a can of compressed air?

I've never cleaned it out yet. It isn't even a year old yet, you think cleaning it out could solve the problem? Also could I just use a fan instead of compressed air?

[JJ 3000]

I've never cleaned it out yet. It isn't even a year old yet, you think cleaning it out could solve the problem?

Yes. However, opening the case will, most likely, void your warranty. Is it still under warranty?

could I just use a fan instead of compressed air?

No. You want to really get in there and clean it thoroughly. Also, You want to take care to ground yourself before touching any internal components. Static electricity can fry your motherboard!

[hejlik]

Sounds to me like it could be the fan on the GPU, although I would think there would be at least a little delay from when you start the game and the noise starts. Same when you minimize the game. If it is the fan, the noise should continue for at least a couple seconds.

[Gnomestone]

What exactly is a can of compressed air? Is it something I get at a store?

Sounds to me like it could be the fan on the GPU, although I would think there would be at least a little delay from when you start the game and the noise starts. Same when you minimize the game. If it is the fan, the noise should continue for at least a couple seconds.

Well, when I start a game it takes about a minute for the sound to start. But exactly the second I minimize it's gone. There is no delay once I minimize. And when I bring it back it takes about 20 seconds for the sound to start again.

[Spoiler]

you can get the canned air at most computer stores and office supply stores....


staples....office max.....etc.

[Gnomestone]

Ok I'll get some compressed air and clean it out next time I have the chance. I don't think that is going to fix it though. It doesn't seem like dust could cause it to make such strange and loud noises. Any other suggestions if cleaning it out doesn't work?

[Gnomestone]

The main reason why I don't think that dust is the problem is because this only happens when I'm playing a game. Another thing is, if I'm at a loading menu during the game, the sound stops. I think if dust was the problem the sound would be constant. Any other ideas?

[Geek-9pm]

It is coming from the graphics card. 

[Gnomestone]

It is coming from the graphics card. 

Thank you for the input. I agree it's probably the graphics card. What would be your opinion on how to fix the sound?

[Geek-9pm]

The sound is coming from the heat sink and fan. When the graphics chip becomes hot the interface (or mount) between the heat-sink and fan becomes warped. The heatsink and fan can transfer the heat load very quickly. So when you stop playing your game, or even pause, the temperature drops rapidly and the fan mout is no longer under stress. Now if you want to prove this to yourself, open up the case and you'll need the help of a friend and a can of compressed air. Be very careful with the compressed air. If you get too close it can damage the fan. Would you want to do is win you get to the point where this thing is buzzing blow just a little bit of cold air into the fan area and the buzzing should stop. Please be careful not to blow the fan very hard and damage it. Just add a little bit more cool air for a couple of seconds and the thing should stop buzzing almost immediately.
please let me know if my answer is absolutely wrong, absolutely right or maybe close..

[Gnomestone]

Ok thank you. So I should leave the computer on when I open it up right? So I can cool the fan right when it's making the noise. There is no risk getting electrocuted right?

[cruisin702]

Ok thank you. So I should leave the computer on when I open it up right? So I can cool the fan right when it's making the noise. There is no risk getting electrocuted right?

You should first power your computer down and blow out everything. Geek's suggestion does not fix your problem, only verifies it, but I think it's already verified since the sound only starts when you play games and stops immediately when you stop playing. Just blowing the dust out could help.