question - noisy computer - Newark Senior Center Computer Club

question - noisy computer

8/6/2014

Submitted by LeeM

While on, my computer is very noisy. Sounds as if a fan is constantly running. Very, very annoying. Suggestion Noise of running fan very noisy and distracting. Have used hair dryer to blow out visible dust. Suggestions? Thank you.

1 Comment

-bb

8/6/2014 12:27:03 pm

Lee,
You are correct, the usual reason for the fan running at high speed is an overheating CPU. And the usual reason for the CPU to overheat is dust.

You don’t say whether your compute is a laptop or desktop. If desktop, cleaning is easy, just remove the side and blow out the dust with a can of air paying special attention to the heat sink on top of the CPU and the power supply.

If a laptop, the same principles apply, but it’s harder to get into the guts. For a first approximation, use a can of air (or, I use an air compressor) and blow in all the vents – sides, back and bottom. You’ll see a cloud of dust come out if that’s the problem. Sometimes disassembly is required and it that case every laptop is different.

An alternate reason for fan running fast is some process forcing the CPU to run at 100%, in Windows, use the task manager to see if that’s the case.

Lastly, it may be noisy simply because the fan itself is dying. Bad bearings can be loud! I’ve even seen paper getting stuck in the fan causing the ‘old card in a bicycle wheel’ effect!

p.s. I haven’t heard of using a hair dryer before - it’s a good idea. (heat off, of course!) However, the can of air or compressor does more precise application of the air blast.

p.p.s. Congratulations for being the first question submitted through our new web site!

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