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Question

CPU Fan Whistling Issue?

Apr 12, 2017 8:46AM PDT

Hey everybody I was wondering if anyone has ever had an issue with what I believe is the CPU fan whistling? It will whistle for 2 seconds, stop whistling, and then whistle again for 2 seconds and it will repeat while the computer is running. I just received this computer a few weeks ago and as much as I want to enjoy it, the whistle is a killer. I checked if the fan was correctly installed and I believe it is...

This is the fan and while it is relatively cheap it apparently is reputable for producing low noise, my CPU temperature is less than 20 degrees C when idle...
https://www.amazon.com/Intel-E97379-001-Connector-Aluminum-Heatsink/dp/B00XD041DQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492011603&sr=8-1&keywords=intel+fan+e97379#customerReviews

Should I try to buy the same CPU fan and hope the one I have is just faulty? If so, do I need the new heat sink or can I keep the one already attached and just replace the fan?
Thanks for the help in advance everyone.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
I guessing that you cleaned the fan ?
Apr 12, 2017 8:57AM PDT

I went with This Fan and it comes with some very good thermal paste to apply on the heat sink..

I love this fan , quiet as a mouse and keeps things really cool

Note: Moderator edited for spelling.

Post was last edited on April 12, 2017 9:10 AM PDT

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Super clean
Apr 12, 2017 9:09AM PDT

Haha yeah it is cleaned it's not even a month old and there is no dust or any wires in the way that could be causing it. I appreciate the link before I commit to buying a new fan I wonder if it could be the over clocking settings that were already set on the computer?

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I dunno about that OC'ing .....
Apr 12, 2017 9:11AM PDT

Better ask BOB !

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Same
Apr 12, 2017 9:28AM PDT

Thanks for helping though...BOB! Where are you?? Sad

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Just below this.
Apr 12, 2017 9:33AM PDT

As to where, Earther on Earth. Watching The Expanse.

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R. Proffitt is BOB
Apr 12, 2017 9:41AM PDT

He's been doing this a long time
They discovered some of his early work here > Bob's early work

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You're sleaning me here.
Apr 12, 2017 9:57AM PDT
Devil
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Answer
Just an idea.
Apr 12, 2017 9:13AM PDT

I've seen a few whistlers over the years. I sometimes find there is a small scrap of paper or plastic that makes the whistling.

This can be hard for new PC techs to deal with or if you have a warranty (you let the maker fix it.)

A new fan almost always cures it.

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Overclocking.
Apr 12, 2017 9:18AM PDT

Since whistling is mechanical I can't point to overclocking as the cause. My view on overclocking is it's your choice. But when we get an overclocked machine, it all goes back to stock since the reason it's here has always been "it's crashing." So we go back to stock to see if the problem vanishes which it does most of the time.

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Hmm
Apr 12, 2017 9:34AM PDT

Good to know thanks Proffitt...my thought is this is an IBUYPOWER PC and it was customized by one of their technicians. I wonder if its possible they messed with the bios to what IBUYPOWER recommends causing a strain on the CPU fan considering its more of a cheaper end fan and they usually sell expensive products. I'm just a little nervous playing around and disabling certain overclocking settings as I have never done it before...

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Thank you
Apr 12, 2017 9:26AM PDT

Yeah I went from top to bottom with the fan. I checked the back of the motherboard to make sure the pins were all the way through and I checked each individual blade for an paper or plastic. It seems like I might just replace it and see what happens however I'd kick myself if it was something with the overclocking settings that I am just not seeing. For measure i case anyone is an overclocking pro, here is the CPU overclocking settings https://preview.ibb.co/jxCod5/20170412_120631.jpg

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Just to prove things out ....
Apr 12, 2017 9:29AM PDT

Why not return to stock and see what happens ?
That way no questions. You can OC again later ...
Let us know ....

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Answer
Fan
Apr 12, 2017 9:55AM PDT

If it does this whistle often enough use the eraser on the end of a pencil to slow or stop the fan when it whistles.
Should tell you if it's the fan or not.

As for just changing the fan check how it's attached to the heatsink.
Should tell you how doable that is.

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Thank you
Apr 12, 2017 10:05AM PDT

Update: I disabled overclocking and as you guys expected, nothing has changed.
I disabled the fan to the CPU and the noise did cease so it is definitely 100 percent the fan attached to the heat sink.

I checked the pins of the fan. 3 are difficult to turn and re click into the heat sink. One turns as if it is relatively loose and is offering no resistance when I turn to loosen the pin. Would that possibly be the issue? However the loose pin does click in, and on the back of the motherboard I see that the pin is all the way through like the other ones.
I just find it odd that there are no obstructions, the fan seems in good shape and the blades aren't touching the heat sink, yet it produces this annoying whistling noise. Buyers on amazon claim this fan is great. I'm thinking maybe the technician didn't do a great job at placing the fan on the CPU. Would I be able to remove the fan without taking off the heat sink? Thanks for the help guys I really appreciate it.

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Sure
Apr 12, 2017 10:15AM PDT

Here's a bunch of tutorials on that

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oops again
Apr 12, 2017 10:16AM PDT
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Sorry*
Apr 12, 2017 10:10AM PDT

*Sorry I think I can remove the fan from the heat sink, it just appears as if its pinned to the motherboard.* I must head to class unfortunately however I'm going to give it a try tonight when I get home from class. Hopefully I can take the fan off and really investigate into the issue. I will update on here again tonight. To be safe, I'd assume it would be smart to buy some Arctic Silver Thermal Adhesive. Thanks again everyone.

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Answer
Solution Found Thank you Everyone
Apr 13, 2017 4:15PM PDT
Grin Grin Grin Grin Grin Thanks for the help everyone! I have found the problem and it turns out it wasn't completely the fans fault... I bought some arctic silver thermal paste and it came in today. I just used a coffee filter and 99 percent alcohol with Isopropyl to clean off the cpu and the fan. I put a pea sized amount of thermal paste on the cpu, reattached the fan, and it appears to be 10x as silent. No more headaches!! Woohoo!

Lesson learned, if you buy from a computer business such as IBUYPOWER or other third party computer builder, make sure they didn't chaotically cover the cpu in thermal paste! I'll probably upgrade to a liquid cooler eventually but for now, the headache is cured!

You guys are awesome. Thanks again for the support! You all rock!
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Thank's for the update
Apr 13, 2017 4:18PM PDT

Good to see things turn out right Cool
Come back and see us again,
Maybe you can help others ....

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All hail the power of the paste!
Apr 13, 2017 4:21PM PDT

The paste god is truly awesome.
Dafydd.