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General discussion

Strange Noises

by mikexz Jul 12, 2006 11:47AM PDT

I have a new computer (1 years old in about a week).

Asus Motherboard
2.4ghz
512 mb RAM
3 fans (2 blowing air out, 1 blowing air in)

----------------

Recently (it was really hot), I noticed that my computer was making this really strangle high frequency noise (sounds like from the 1st fan [air out] OR behind that fan) and my whole cpu begins vibrating.

Even worse is that after I play a game for about 30 mins, the computer overheats and the fans go crazy. It goes to the point where you can't even sit beside the computer and have to get out of the room and close the door. It's so loud that my sister can even hear it from her room.

I did some virus and spyware scans but nothing. Also I checked if there was anything blocking the fans, nothing was there not even dust.

--any suggestions?

Discussion is locked

11 Posts
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Ball Bearing
by mike818181 Jul 12, 2006 12:18PM PDT

This usually happens when the ball bearing of the fan's fail. Identify which fan is making the noise usually it is:

1. The Power Supply's Fan (Bad - Cos you might have to replace the whole power supply)

2. General Exhaust Fan's (Easy... find which one and get a replacement from local computer shop or microcenter).

3. Processor Fan (Slightly tricky... be careful while removing and reinstalling).

4. Graphics Card Fan (In most cases you'll need a new card.. but some cards will work without the fan but with proper ventilation).

Also, make sure that there are no dust particles blocking the free movement of the fans.

Best.

ST

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The fan bearings can do that.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jul 12, 2006 12:44PM PDT

Since a fan failure can cause a lot of costly damage, I'd pinpoint which fan vibrates and replace it before its too late.

Bob

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Fan(s) at work
by Willy Jul 12, 2006 11:21PM PDT

I'm sure the other posters mentioned that a bad fan can be at fault. Replace ASAP to lessen any heat damage. BUT, if you have fan monitoring s/w that provides for higher RPMs in order to better cool the system or cpu, then it will kick-in and many times be louder than normal. Further, if you haven't cleaned out the system case inside, the fans being clogged don't operate well and could fail sooner but also due to monitoring kick-in sooner. The dust build-up unbalnces such fans and allows for louder operation. Intense system usage and/or game playing will increase system temps, so it isn't uncommon to have the fans go into high drive to keep the system cool, Check them out...

tada -----Willy Happy

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It's the 2nd fan
by mikexz Jul 13, 2006 12:41AM PDT

I checked where the noise was exactly comming from,
it seems like it's coming from the 2nd air out fan. There was no dust on it at all (cleaned it last week).

Since I have 2 [air out] fans can I just take that one out?

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It's the 2nd fan (edited)
by mikexz Jul 13, 2006 1:12AM PDT

I checked where the noise was exactly comming from,
it seems like it's coming from the 2nd air out fan. There was no dust on it at all (cleaned it last week).
How do I know if there's something wrong with the bearings?

Also I think there's more problems than just a noisy fan, I think when I got a 3rd fan installed the tech. placed it in a bad position. Here's a rough sketch of my fans:

FRONT BACK THE WALL
l----------------l l
l Fan out l
l l l
l Fan out l
l Fan in l
l l l
L________________l l

It seems that it might have been a bad idea to have an intake fan right below the fan out. Should I try to change this?

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If I find a noisy rattling fan, I replace it.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jul 13, 2006 1:16AM PDT

It's so much cheaper than what happens when some fans fail.

You can't check the bearings except to deduce that's the issue. I find such fans at newegg.com, geeks.com and 1coolpc.com to be not much and don't analyze this in any depth since it's a common part that wears out.

Bob

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.....thinking about changing the position as well
by mikexz Jul 13, 2006 5:37AM PDT

This is my plan (tell me if it's good or bad)

I replace the 2nd fan with a new one.

I completely remove the 3rd fan (air in) so that I only have 2 fans that move air out.

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Your choice here.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jul 13, 2006 5:43AM PDT

If you feel that is fine, why not.

Bob

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not sure....
by mikexz Jul 13, 2006 6:15AM PDT

I am not sure if only 2 fans which are both take air are enought to cool my computer.

Even now with 3 fans, my computer overheats when I play new games.

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Replace ASAP
by Willy Jul 13, 2006 9:21AM PDT

I'm sure you were happy when all fans were working, so if you like to continue in happy mode, replace the fan. You can operate w/o it for awhile but I wouldn't for extended periods of time. Since you place your system into extended play, replace ASAP. That way, nothing else will suffer from extended heat build-up. The cost of a fan is very low and easily replaced. go for it...

tada -----Willy Happy

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it didn't work
by mikexz Jul 16, 2006 2:56AM PDT

I replaced the fans & cleaned the computer but the high frequency sound is still there.

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