Loud Reving sound from pc tower

Lady_K

For some months now the pc tower has made a loud buzzing reving sound when I start it up but once its on it goes away. Today though the noise has stayed and doesn't seem like it will be going away. Its working as I'm using it now. I have closed down and re-started but it's still there.

Also when I started it this morning it sounded like it was doing something for quite a long time like you hear when the tower is busy but louder so I just left it to do what it was doing which took a while, I hadn't even touched the computer at all.

Is there any way I can get an idea if its the hardrive or a fan or something? I've never cleaned it out myself but should I try? Bit concerned though in case it's hardrive problems

Belnahua

Could be the processor cooling fan bearings going? Take the top off and listen for where the sound comes from.

If it's the processor fan, they're dead easy to replace and cost about a tenner. If it's the power supply, again easy to replace, and not too expensive! But don't ignore it, as it could be costly.

If it's a Dell GX280 and it's revving up and down, then get ready to say bye bye to the PC, it's not got long to live!

Red_Rose_Exile

Could also be that the processor fan is working extra hard to overcome the amount of dust that has built up over the year.

Because of the inclement weather outside, despite the fact it is supposed to be spring, it may well be a good time to give the inside of your pc a good spring clean inside and out

I find that a soft toothbrush can do wonders for removing the dust that accumulates

Lady_K

I will have to have a look inside but I'm a bit nervous about that as I've never cleaned inside a tower before. Its not any brand it was made up somewhere for a relative who gave it to my daughter as they upgraded, it's not a bad spec though. It was cleaned out about a year ago when it went to the shop to have a new power supply put in as it was loose and kept disconnecting so perhaps it wouldnt be the power supply now.

Is there anything I need to know before attempting to clean it out or anything I might need apart from a toothbrush? I don't even know what the inside of a blummin case looks like.

Dennis99

http://www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2_JmVVDRrE

NOT like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIFuA3w0F5g

want2bmortgage3

lady k - you should easily be able to remove one side of the computer case, and get a good idea of where the noise is coming from. if you look at the pc from the back, look for where the usb ports, keyboard and mouse connectors are and remove the other side to this. it should just be two x screws or thumbscrews. or even a release catch if its a dell or other modern pc.

you can safely switch the pc on with the side off and should be able to see where the noise is coming from. i would guess its either the power supply or the cpu fan. but it could also be the hard drive or graphic card fan (if it has one). let me know if this helps.

also, for cleaning i wouldnt go as far as using a toothbrush. the best way is to get a can of compressed air ( i think maplin or pc world sell them), take the box outside and spray the air inside the pc and it will clear the dust. spray the air in the fans so it makes them spin as a lot of dust gathers here. it means you dont have to touch any components, and you wont damage anything with static from your body. hope this helps.

BillScarab

If you switch it on while the side is off just make sure you do NOT touch anything. Just identify where the nosie is coming from. WHen you're cleaning it make sure it is powered off. I always switch it off at the mains but leave the lead plugged in so it is earthed. Then before I do anything touch the metal case to discharge any static build up.

Lady_K

Oh heck it sounds a bit scary.

Looking at that youtube vid I didn't know you had to take the fans out completely :eek: I don't think I dare do that and would prefer to try and clean it with everything intact if possible.

Why would I have to disconnect the mouse etc from inside? can't I just disconnect them outside or better stillleave everything connected but switch everything off by mains before I begin cleaning?

Would they sell compressed air at tesco coz I don't think many shops are opn today are they? and do you think I should buy a computer vaccum?

want2bmortgage3

lady k, sorry i dont always use correct punctuation, lol. what i mean was remove the correct side of the pc. you want to remove the side so you will see the inside of the pc and all the components, not the underside of the motherboard. if your pc is standing up as a tower, this will be the left hand side cover. as the other poster said, leaving the mains lead in keeps the case grounded. if you are taking the pc outside then dont worry about touching the inside of the pc, you might need to push some cables out of the way to blow the air around fully. i wouldnt recommend a vacuum as they can sometimes suck small components off the board such as jumpers. it should only take a few mins to blow out the dust with compressed air. not sure if tesco will have it but pc world/maplin definitely should!

Lady_K

Took the side off (wrong flippin side at first) and it seems like its coming from the small fan comin off what prob is the motherboard. It doesnt look massively dusty although there is a cover of it everywhere.

I want to get it done now but dont have the stuff

BillScarab

If you're doing it inside you can leave the mouse and keyboard etc. connected. Obviously if you take it outside you'll need to remove them.

If you vacuum the PC be very careful as vacuums can cause static that can damage components. Having said that I've vaccumed lots of PC's and never had a problem.

If you don.t have compressed air you can always use a bike pump or footpump. Bit more akward but it will work. Blowing dust out is the safest way to remove it but is very messy so is best done outside.