What reasons would make a computer get noisy or make whirring noise?

Question

I'm not talking about the monitor, I'm talking about the "box" where the cpu, etc, are.

It makes noise sometimes and I don't know why?

what should i do about it?

Answer 1

It's hot and your fan is turning on.

Answer 2

Most likely your fans are either gunked up with dust, or they're breaking down.

Unplug all of the cables going into the system box, then open the case side panel and blow out all the fans with a can of compressed air. If the noise persists, perhaps the fans are breaking down, and it's time to get them replaced. Talk to an authorised and experienced computer technician to have this done.

Also, it's possible that some CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives make a considerable amount of whirring noise when "spinning up". This is normal, but can be an indicator to drive failure in an older system.

Answer 3

When a user complains to you that his or her computer is making a loud whirring noise, there are really only two types of components that can make that type of noise: disk drives and cooling fans. A problem with either type of component could spell disaster. Show related articlesBut in most cases, you'll discover that the noise is being generated by one of the cooling fans inside the computer. Most computers have three cooling fans, one inside the power supply, one on the case itself, and one on the CPU. Of course, each of these cooling fans is designed to keep the whole system as cool as possible by generating a constant airflow inside the case that will bring cool air in while moving the hot air out. If any of these cooling fans fails, the system could overheat and cause data loss. So your first inclination might be to just replace the noisy fan. While doing so is a fairly easy operation, it's not always necessary. In many cases, the fan, like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz, needs only a drop of oil. Choosing your oil As you read the introduction to this article, the first question on your mind was probably, "What kind of oil should you use?" And, that's actually a very good question, because using the wrong kind of oil can have adverse effects. To begin with, let me say: You shouldn't use WD-40 on a computer fan! Many folks use WD-40 to lubricate all kinds of squeaky or noisy mechanical components around the home and office. In fact, WD-40 is such a great multi-purpose problem solver that you might assume that you can quiet a noisy computer fan with a quick spray of WD-40. However, that's not the case. The reason that you shouldn't use WD-40 on a computer fan is that while it is indeed a lubricant it's mainly designed as a cleaner/degreaser, that loosens stuck parts, prevents corrosion, and displaces water-obviously not the types of problems found in computer cooling fans. Furthermore, it's a light lubricant that is better for lubricating something like a hinge that only moves occasionally rather than a component that moves continuously and at high speeds such as a computer fan. That said; what type of oil should you use? Well almost any lightweight mechanical oil, such as 3-in-1 household oil, will do just fine. I prefer to use sewing machine oil, because, in addition to being a lightweight oil, it has excellent viscosity, holds up well at high temperatures, and is specifically designed to lubricate moving parts that operate at high speeds. You can pick up a tube of sewing machine oil at almost any sewing machine dealer or even at a fabric store for about £2 to £3.

Answer 4

The probability of noice would be the microprocessor fans that cool the heat sinks inside the CPU. What happens with age and use is that the fans, heat sinks, transformers, and diodes aquire dust. Not just dust however the materials within them get old and start to break down. This generates heat within the CPU. Most CPU's have heat sensors that tell the fans when to work and at what speed. Which means that the noise you could be hearing is the fans bearings starting to lose lubrication and create galling.

Another reason could be is the computer being overwhelmed with info and applications that it is using most of its power to accomplish a simple task. This may require you to save all of your valuable info onto a CD, delete your version of window, and then reinstall the version.

Answer 5

Usually its a fan, probably your graphics card fan. Open up the computer case, and insert a bent paperclip into the fan housing on the card, if the sound immediately goes away, you've found your answer (be sure to remove the paper clip). A couple drops of mineral oil at the center of the fan will usually solve the issue. If it isn't the fan, and it occurs at specific times (such as saving files or during boot) it could be a platter in your hard drive, in which case it would be wise to back up your information.

Answer 6

It sounds like the fan has a few problems - the ball bearings in it may need oiling however this is something I wouldn't attempt to do myself/ If the fan gets unbalanced it can whirr quite loudly. If it's bothering you go to a computer shop & get it seen to. The only problem I could see it causing is for the fan to stop working altogether & might overheat.

Answer 7

It could be dust inside of it. Take the side panel off and clean dust from the fan and from the heat sinc
You can buy a can of compressed air to blow it out at any electronic store

Answer 8

Its the CPU fan that causes the noise.

if its too loud, that you can hear it 2 meters away, you should have it checked.
Or maybe it the hard drive. Did you encounter problems like computer "hangs" or stopped processing?
if so, have your hdd checked.

Answer 9

It could be the power supply fan, an indication of an aged or dying one. or, it could be one of the several other fans inside the case, of which would only cost you $3-5 to replace if you found a bargain one to order online.

Answer 10

mine did the same thing. At the repair center they replaced the power source. And it now needs another one. This computer is less than one year old. I guess that is what you get buying from a company that cheats its customers.

Answer 11

If it is getting pretty loud, it is probably a defective cooling fan.
I fixed mine by sticking a nail file in it to shut-it-up.
It worked great.
I'm a computer genius!

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