Computer Noise Fan or Hard Drive ?

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by workathomeshop, Jan 30, 2009.

  1. #1
    Sorry if this is the wrong section, couldn't find the correct place, mods please move if I've placed in wrong section :)


    When I open certain programs my pc is making an awful winding up noise almost like it's about to take off and fly away.

    My first thought was perhaps the fan, but you'd think this would make the noise all the time not just when I open certain programs or browsers.
    It's under warranty so I will take in back to get checked but in the meanwhile anyone have ideas why? could this be the hard drive about to fail? when the noise occurs the pc slows down abit too, freezing for a few seconds.

    I've only had this pc for roughly 12 months (freakin vista is a pain in butt)

    When I take it in to be looked at I'm told could take 5 weeks, I'm going to be lost without my pc. :eek:

    Any ideas?
    Cheers
    Samantha
     
    workathomeshop, Jan 30, 2009 IP
  2. cool_78

    cool_78 Guest

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    #2
    I am quite certain it's the fans, can you disconnect the fans of your case to check if it's erally making that noise?
     
    cool_78, Jan 30, 2009 IP
  3. allout

    allout Prominent Member

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    #3
    I had a similar problem on mine and it was something messed up in the hard drive. I had to replace the hard drive. If you send it in, make sure to back up everything and erase any private information.
     
    allout, Jan 30, 2009 IP
  4. falguni1

    falguni1 Peon

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    #4
    my fan makes noise like it is a grinder. not that loud but yes it is disturbing.
     
    falguni1, Jan 30, 2009 IP
  5. donlin

    donlin Active Member

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    #5
    If it only happens when you open certain programs......it sounds like your hard drive is going bad to me, but I'm just guessing.
     
    donlin, Jan 30, 2009 IP
  6. RightMan

    RightMan Notable Member

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    #6
    I have had this problem too....but then...it is ON and OFF at times...For some days...the fan noise bothers me a lot....while some days...the PC runs as silently as ever....

    I did show it to one hardware vendor and I was informed that on very heavy load on processor, the fan had to cool it faster and hence the noise...:(

    Even I was worried for the state of hard disk, but the same pc functions on...since last 2-3 years...in the same condition....

    Regards,

    RightMan
     
    RightMan, Jan 30, 2009 IP
  7. viron86

    viron86 Active Member

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    #7
    viron86, Jan 30, 2009 IP
  8. mybluehair

    mybluehair Peon

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    #8
    from what you said that sounds like the hard drive. Most computer fans don't speed up or slow down - they stay constant. If this only happens when you're starting a new process like opening a new window then it is definitely your hard drive. your hard drive starts spinning discs faster as it's trying to retrieve data faster. Hard drives don't have fans but they do spin inside. you may need new spindle or just buy a new hard drive. But there is a risk that your hard drive will break so I advise for you to backup all your data before you do anything.
     
    mybluehair, Jan 30, 2009 IP
  9. justinlorder

    justinlorder Peon

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    #9
    IMO, most of the noise are from fans which is continuous .
    Only the very old hard disk have noises which is not continuous.
     
    justinlorder, Jan 30, 2009 IP
  10. mmerlinn

    mmerlinn Prominent Member

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    #10
    Sounds like hard drive to me. But before you do anything TEMPORARILY disconnect the fan and see if that makes a difference. DO NOT RUN ANY LONGER THAN NECESSARY WITH THE FAN DISCONNECTED.
     
    mmerlinn, Jan 31, 2009 IP
  11. Mark The Bull

    Mark The Bull Well-Known Member

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    #11
    this Problem is not related with your Pc's Fan, This is the Problem of Multitasking which is Related to your CPU. CPU is Responsible for Multitasking means you can run Several Programs at a time. so if your CPU having Lower Configuration and you are Opening More then One Program at a Time so it will start Heating and your CPU fan will run fast to keep it cool and that is the reason of Noising, there is no any other Problem. you can do one thing Exceed your Memory using extra RAM or increase your system PAGING FILE or Virtual Memory, If prolem still occured then Please upgrade your CPU without any Delay.
     
    Mark The Bull, Jan 31, 2009 IP
  12. workathomeshop

    workathomeshop Notable Member

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    #12
    Thanks everyone for your tips, I'm thinking hard drive too so will do a backup and get it in asap.
    The problem with warranty I cannot remove the stupid sticker case they have in place to check the fan, if I do the warranty is void.

    I've had nothing but trouble with this pc, even after adding more memory, I might just demand a new one altogether :)

    Cheers
    Samantha
     
    workathomeshop, Jan 31, 2009 IP
  13. Colbyt

    Colbyt Notable Member

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    #13
    One thing to try first.

    Run defrag on your drive. If the file parts for a particular program are greatly fragmented the drive must really spin and read spin and read to load the program. It will only take a couple of hours.
     
    Colbyt, Jan 31, 2009 IP
  14. bangalore

    bangalore Peon

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    #14
    I had similar problem. In my case fan got some disfunction and it was working at top speed regardless of temperature inside.
     
    bangalore, Jan 31, 2009 IP
  15. plomagli

    plomagli Peon

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    #15
    Be careful doing a defrag. If your hard drive is on the way out a defrag might kill it.
     
    plomagli, Jan 31, 2009 IP
  16. I'mPossible

    I'mPossible Banned

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    #16
    Might be there are vibrations in the body due to the fast speed of the fans .
     
    I'mPossible, Jan 31, 2009 IP
  17. j_eclipse

    j_eclipse Member

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    #17
    to test the fans. first you said it does it every time you start your computer, so to see if it your power supply fan, put a pencil in the back of the power supply fan just far enough to stop the fan from turning then start the PC and see if the noise is gone. do this one at a time for each fan. but with the CPU only do it for like 25 seconds.

    As for the Hard Drive you can unplug it then start the PC, and see if the noise is gone, but with the Hard Drive unplugged your computer will not start into the OS, as the OS is installed on the Hard Drive. shut the computer off before you plug it back in.

    most case fans run always at the same speed like another member said. but the cpu fan will run at different speed depending on what you are doing, same with the Video card fan, as you are doing more demanding things, the CPU, and the GPI on your video card run hotter so the fans spin faster to cool them.

    you can all so see how the manufacturer is for the hard drive, and goto there website and get a diagnostic tool to test your HD. your HD is most likely Maxtor, western digital, or seagate. they are the most used, other then samsung, hatachi, toshiba.
     
    j_eclipse, Jan 31, 2009 IP
  18. Colbyt

    Colbyt Notable Member

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    #18
    For the OP.

    Try this before you do anything else.

    Today I was watching a wmv with muddy sound so I turned up the volume just a little.

    A little later I noticed "bad sounds" like a fan or a HD problem. Turned off the speakers and everything was good again.

    Turn off your speakers and see if you still have a problem before you do anything else. It might just be stray noise that you are hearing.
     
    Colbyt, Jan 31, 2009 IP
  19. cupid007

    cupid007 Peon

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    #19
    When ever you open an application which requires more system resources,it adds burden to your hardware.
    this results in faster heat up of your hardware and the processor fan starts to rotate in a faster speed to sink the heat......
     
    cupid007, Jan 31, 2009 IP
  20. workathomeshop

    workathomeshop Notable Member

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    #20
    When I purchased I had extra memory installed. BUT..
    I've since found out Vista needs 2gb just to run that alone, has anyone heard of this? Perhaps I will need more memory..

    I'm not happy about a 5 week wait to be fixed, I have put it off this week, must book in tomorrow before it completely crashes..:mad:

    Thanks again everyone for your fast replies, much appreciated :D
     
    workathomeshop, Jan 31, 2009 IP