A curious noise

[Amethyst Hunter]

Lately I've noticed that my computer (desktop) has been IMO making an odd noise when I first turn it on. It's not a very loud noise - you have to be sitting right next to the hard drive to hear it (Mine is on top of my desk, so I can always hear it humming along). But to me it seems odd. It starts off as a very quiet "whistling" type of sound, and it doesn't last long, maybe about 2 minutes tops, before it goes away and everything's cool (Inasmuch as a slow old (5 years) computer can be 'cool', but that's beside the point).

Do I hit the panic button, or not?

[Broomjockey]

Dusted out your computer lately? Could just be the fan.

[Blade_Raver]

I agree with Broomjockey. I think it's a fan.

Either a case fan, CPU fan, or power supply fan might have a loose bearing and it'll rattle at first when it starts up and over a little bit of time it'll rotate back into place, making operations quiet.

Normally I wouldn't worry about it.. however if it bothers you that much and you aren't afraid to take the computer apart...

Open up the case, listen for the fan that's causing the trouble.. replace the fan.

If it's a case fan, should be pretty easy. It's just a matter of finding the right size. Typically they're 80mm in size (There are exceptions.)

A CPU fan replacement might be a little tricky and complex. Sometimes those fans are proprietary and in that situation you may have to buy a new heatsink/fan assembly. If it turns out being like that, I'll gladly discuss and help you research it.

A power supply fan can be resolved one of two ways, replace the entire power supply (easy) or open up the power supply and replace the fan (a bit more difficult and risky because you are exposing yourself to the risk of getting an electric shock.) New power supplies are roughly US$50 for a simple 300w-350w power supply. Fans on those power supplies are standard 80mm which are like US$6-$10.

I hope this helps.

[lordlundar]

or open up the power supply and replace the fan (a bit more difficult and risky because you are exposing yourself to the risk of getting an electric shock.

I would just like to point out that this is not really an option. The risk is very high and the danger is entirely not worth it. There have been people who have tried this and wound up dead from the shock causing a heart attack. There is a reason why they are sealed units with a number of warning stickers on them.

Please, if it is a power supply fan, do not try to save some money by cracking it open. Even the pros won't open them up, instead will toss the old one out and get a new one.

[Broomjockey]

Even the pros won't open them up, instead will toss the old one out and get a new one.

*sheepish look* My friend cracked mine open and swapped the fan for a quieter one. And he's done his own on previous occasions.

[dalesys]

Even the pros won't open them up, instead will toss the old one out and get a new one.

The reason the 'pros' won't open them up has little to do with safety.
It's simply not economical: $10 part + $30 to $100 labor + something other component might blow within a year = much less hassle to junk it.
I've replaced 6-10 power supply fans, but I've been an electronics tech for 40 years and know where not to go gerfingerenpoken!

The hazard level is similar to fueling a vehicle with gas/petrol - uncommon sense works, idiocy (& Lord Murphy) kills.