Why when my computer starts up does it sound like its about to take off?

Answer 1

Check inside the case and make sure that none of the cables are resting on any of the internal fans as this makes one hell of a noise as the cable catches on the fan blades.

Answer 2

There are generally several fans inside the computer case. There are usually high-speed fans in your power supply (at least 1, but 2 on more expensive ones); there is one on your CPU heatsink, and there is usually at least one mounted on the back of the case near the CPU fan.

When you hear that 'jet engine' noise, it usually means that the bearings in one (or more) of them are failing, it's clogged with dirt, it's off-center (could be related to the previous two items), or it's got an electronic speed controller that's gone nuts.

Either way, try to figure out which one it is, and you are now 75% of the way to fixing the noise. If it's the case fan and it's just dirty, make sure the computer is off, then remove the fan and clean it. If it's the CPU fan, just try to clean what you can without removing it (it's better to remove it, but for a non-geek, it's a pain in the butt to remove and replace). If it's power supply fan, make sure the power is off, take off the fan grille (if you can) and clean off what you can.

If the case fan is actually bad (not dirty) you can get a replacement one for about $10, quick fix. If the CPU fan is bad, have a friend or a shop replace it - hardware is about $30 - $100 (depending on quality and bells-n-whistles). If the power supply fan is bad, get a new power supply. Please. The PS is only around $75 for a decent one. PLEASE don't get cheap on this - remember that if you get the cheapie $20 model, you just saved $50 but now your $1000 computer is in real danger of frying because the PS is made of cheap crap. (I've killed thousands of $ in hardware because I was cheap on the PS.)

While you've got your case open, this is a good opportunity to get a can of compressed air and blow out all the dust bunnies. Do this OUTSIDE. Or not, but it may get you in trouble. =)
When cleaning the components inside the case, don't spray anything inside the case, just dampen a lint-free cloth with water (not dripping wet). Don't get funky with the lint-free cloth stuff - coffee filters work awesome. Make sure everything is 100% dry before plugging the power cord back in...

Sorry for the small book... Hope this helps, and I hope this works for you.

Answer 3

I can relate. My HP sounded like that from the first day I turned it on. The units in the store behaved the same way. The startup is loud (hard drive & fan spinning), but it calms down after a few seconds. I keep the unit clean with no change in startup noise level. After two years, I learned to just ignore it.

If it isn't the normal behavior, I suggest you get your cpu fan checked out or replaced ASAP. The cpu generates heat. If your fan malfunctions, your cpu can lose performance (at best) or burn out (worse case).

Answer 4

agree with all the cleaning suggestions, well worth giving a pc a clean every 6 months or so....even if your hous eis kept in pristeen condition, the fans in a pc will draw dust in on a regular basis.
another problem could be a cd rom lef tin the drive, this can sound terrible when booting.
i use an old make up brush to help clean the fans.

Answer 5

I have the same problem and was told its either the cooling unit or the vents want cleaning. Try cleaning out all you can on the tower, you will find its got loads of dust on it. If that doesn't work a new cooling unit/fan may be needed. D

Answer 6

Sounds like problems with the fan.

Answer 7

THrow Ur CPU Fan out

Answer 8

You need to either clean your fan or buy a new one.