If I run a program such as a virus scan I can really hear it churning away. If there is minimum use it quietly makes a small noise. Its not a hum, its kinda like a thick ticking sound. Sometimes faster sometimes slower.
This is the computer in my room, we have another in the front living room. Its even louder. At night thats how I know how late the kids stay up cause I can hear the computer going.
Does anyone else have a noisy computer? And please if someone knows enough about computers and this is a bad thing, please let me know. Thanks everyone!
[question posted by devideddi]
responses and comments:
Noise are usually generated by devices with motor on it. What are those? 1. CPU Cooling Fan, if it is too noise, it means that it has accumulated too much dust, and cause for to it to produce a cranking sound. It is bad? Yes, it is, since the life of you processor is depending on how good you cooling fan, it will eventually kill your processor for a poor cooling performance. 2. Video Card Cooling Fan, same function of CPU Cooling Fan. 3. Hard Drive, if this produces sound, I regret to tell you that your Hard Drive is nearly dying. [cruzades]
Hi devideddi, I will start by saying if it is the hard drive and by what yousaid it could very be that issue."Back -up your files" with either Cd or dvd.but there are a few things it could be like the heat sink fan, it could be the main CPU cooling fan.But to play it safe back up-your files. Cheers [decrepit]
you need not to worry about that.. It's only smps that sounds in your cpu...Try to repair that thing or change it...And one more thing you should know and that is you do not place your woofer near to your UPS..otherwise it sounds very bad after sometime coz I have that problem too and one of my friend told me about that.. So, beware of that..hope your problems will solve.. [mx_aman]
cruzades, yes it's the same way for me everytime my computer makes a sound now im so nerves that my computer just may catch on fire right there and I will probally look into this discussion everyday to make sure that if there is something I can do to make my computer better and not burn up I will do it. [silver1beans]
In your case it's quite hard to assess if there's something wrong with your computer because I can't really hear the sound of it. But what I know that CPUs really generate sound. It also happens to me. But you should also be careful of the weird sounds that you haven't heard since you had the computer. There was one time I heard an odd sound generated by my CPU I thought it was from the fan but I discovered that my hard disk has cracked on it and that's the reason why my computer has weird sounds. [klystron635]
Ok, just shotting in the dark here but yes, if the computers are noisier than they were in the past it's a good indication that there is something wrong or going wrong. I would really need to know a bit more information but will give a short list of possiblities. Kids downloading "junk" - music and videos put a strain on computers particularly older ones. Spyware downloaded Fan may be going out I suggest: Clear out cookies file Run scan disc Run defrag If you don't have a firewall get one (zone alarm is great and free) [byfaithonly]
maybe your computer have been experiencing malfunction ..i do not know how to fix it but you can ask here in my lot..i hope your problem can be responded soon.. [gemini1960]
yes, dust will defantly make your pc last less. it slows the fan speeds, lets lass air flow, and makes your pc overheat. [Phatmat]
do you clear your history, cookies with disk clean up if not do so. then defrag your hard drive should sound better after thats done. makes a difference if every things in one place instead of being scattered all over the hard drive... [NewHeart]
The first thing I would think of are the fans(they do have bearings that go out). I had that problem with an old computer and it ended up being the fan in the power supply. You can buy fans at radio shack or any computer store for just a few dollars. If you know how to open your case, you should be able to tell where the sound is coming from and go from there. [twils2]
I strongly advise that you back up all of your important documents immediately! If it is your hard drive making the noise it could be a matter of days before it crashes. Once it crashes it is often impossible to retrieve anything from it. Back everything up right now because your hard drive may be on its last legs. If you know your way around the inside of the computer, try to open up the side of the case and determine where the sound is coming from. Hopefully it is just a dirty fan. [marcau]
you do one thing..check out if the cabinet is really tightly bolted or not!!!!! even after correction if it still makes sound..chack out with the fan or moving parts...or better consult a professional!!! [d4deepaksurya]
the main reason for nises are the fans and the hard disk, make sure that the fans especially the one on the graphinc card is working propelry,since the fan on the graphic card , makes the most noise when it is broken down. [miladsafa]
Hi there. Being my self a system administrator i have seen quite a lot of same problems as u are talking about. The possible causes are that your hard drive has become too old and needs to be replaced due to the development of bad sectors on it or the second problem might be that Your operating system has got corrupted and needs to be reinstalled. It is either one of these two. Do write back will be glad to help further. [ryl_dsz]
If it is a clicking noise I would seriously recommend having the hard drive looked at. Ryl_dsz is right where he says that is usually the result of a hard drive on its way out. If you want to keep the data on the hard drive, I would look into a new drive now before the drive fails :) I just check BestBuy.com and you can buy a new drive from $60+ so it doesn't have to be an expensive problem... just a nasty one if it fails and you lose everything... [comedyaddict]
you will hear the churning sound may be because if any dirt is there in the fan, and if the machine is not getting adequate cooling. First of all you open the cabinet clean away the dust. If you are using AMD based computer then in bios you can have some features like cool and quite technology. so in bios you can turn on Q-fan control that will reduce the sound of the fan to a great detail. If you are not using AMD check how many fans you have in the cabinet and you can have a ventilated cabinet. [platinum_vin]
you have to clean the processor fan. then the noise will stop. IF it doesnt work then check your harddisk drive if it is loose or something [evrenl]
Yes i think if your computer makes a lot of sound you should take care of it.If it is a small sound then it does'nt matter but if it is large sound then you should check it.When my brother brought a computer for me from U.S it made a lot of sound through its fan in the C.P.U.The sound was enormous that I used to switch of the computer as soon as it makes sound.When we changed the S.M.P.S it created the problem.Now our computer is not making much sound and we are using it quite easily. [Bshivakumarchary]
if its noisy when scanning then probably its also noisy when you're using the hard disk or when the activity light blinks. in that case fist thing i would do is to back up all your files just to be safe. second if you can try to open the computer case then try cleaning the inside its probably that the fans are so dirty that its causing noise. just try to vacuum and clean them [im2good4u]
Well mine has been doing that too for a long time now I so use to it that I doing really here it anymore. I dont think its anything I think its just the motor. I also think that the noise has been there since day 1 and we never noticed it, thats all. [TerryZ]
i had the same thing too.i buy a new cpu fan to replace the old one,then problem is solved.you can try.or you can think the noise is rock-roll,then will make you feel better(just a joking) [newtopwin]
I'm no expert so dont take my advice as gosspil, but it does sound like your hard drive is on the way out. I would back up all your important files now and if you can delete as much off your hard drive as possible. It's not the end of the world if your hard drive fails and needs replaced but if you have not got a hard back up of everything you want to keep this can be unbelievably annoying and very time consuming to replace. I would also check your cooling fans both on the power supply and on the cpu, there's no harm in keeping them clean, it helps your computer to run cooler and more efficiently. [jay20ab]
I suggest taking a moment to visit http://www.smartcomputing.com/techsupport They can provide easy to understand assistance with your problem(s)... In fact there was an article about this very same thing in their latest issue. [peaceful]
No There is no problem wid ur computer its bcoz when u put load on aur computer or either when u r working on ur computer the cpu temprature gets high or there is no ventilation in ur room so do change the location that helps u.visit http://unkut.wordpress.com/ and get some intresting stuff [565787]
My computer also makes more noise during a virus scan. Just seem to be the norm. Computers also like it cool and in the house may be too warm where you have them. Also you need to vacuum out the fan area since it gets alot of dust in there and it works harder and could fail. Check these things out and see it makes a difference. [Willowlady]
If you hear noises only when you try to run a program you will find the problem on your hard drive. That's because you probably hit it or probably he cannot run many programs in the same time. So I suggest you to change it because you don't have a choice. He's to old. I've make the same thing with my hard drive and my CPU cooler because they make to mush noise and it's really disturbing. Hope I've helped you. [brabus13]
i am acomputer software engineer and studied and practically experienced with hardware so you don't worry about your system but try to find out from which part noices are coming because if it is from hard disk drive (some noices like to breaking things or difficult to run like kirr kirr kirrr etc.)then chek it becaus eit can be dangerous or in cause to lost your data but if noices from CR-Drive or processor or fan or any other part resisting so no need to think, just consider that your system is working properly. [smartpk]
My computer also makes a lot of noise. When I switch it on, a loud sound like a roller rolling inside the tower, arises. Then when the booting process gets completed, the noise lowers down to a soft humming. During large operations, like when I am working on any special applications, the noise once again gets loud. I consulted some computer savy, and many of themn said that it is caused mainly due to dust. I have also heard that there is a fan inside the CPU, which creates this bad noise. Once I tried a thing. I opened the tower, and cleaned the dust inside. it did little help, and the sound didn't vanish. It came up once again in a few days. I don't know any remedy for that. If I get to know I will post a topic with that. [moumitamazumder]
Please check it first, you can find where the noise come from.The noise usually comes from the fans(power fan,cpu fan,graphic card fan,etc.)and hard disk.Then you focus on it in the next step. [liu_hongdi361]
as far as i understand, there could be a physical problem in you hard disk.... I fear if the sound is more or continues as if the disc is rotating or revolving when you give an application command, then it is a possibility that it needs a servicing or a change over. better take back up in some cd or sort to avoid any future crashing of the system... good luck [mgtextek]
My parents' computer used to make too much noise when it was running and it sounded like it was going to explode or something. They did not want to have it fixed and thought buying another computer would be better. They picked a good choice too. My parents' old computer was very old. [emskoneko]
When our desktop PC starts making churning or humming noises, I know that the insides are getting clogged up with dust. One time, I thought I had a virus because it would only stay on for minutes at a time (duh). It was really the fans clogged up with dust. I bought a can of air, opened up the PC and blew all the dust out. It worked fine after that. Now I know when it starts humming and churning, it's the dust accumulation on the fans internally. I'd start with the can of air, (they're about $5 each) and blow out the whole insides and then see if it's quieter. Mine is everytime. Hope this helps!! :) [classyphotobuggy]
Mine was making a noise like a helicopter ready to take off, it was a bad motor fan.It sounded just how you described yours as sounding. [pendragon]
Yes, that sounds indicate that there's something wrong in one of your computer hardwares. you have to prevent it from totally distraction. I encountered the same thing before, thats why i know. [roelie_17]
as you have said the noise increases when you run programes then it should be your hard disk making the sound.and i guess its time to change if you feel that the computer has become slow too.if possible run a scandisk,reload windows and if still the problems there then get your hard disk changed. [dip_cool]
From what I gather from your description, the noise is from the hard disk. When was the last time you defragged it (the one you will see in Start-programmes-accessories-system tools). Over a period of time, too many things are installed and deleted and these leave empty spaces on the hard disk, and the data gets cluttered on the hard disk and the head (a data reading tool in the hard disk) has to move a lot to fetch your required data or run a particular program. Fragmenting the hard disk will sort out all the data closer, and the head will not have to move much. Even after defragging, if the sound persists, I think it is better to back up all you important data, and change the hard disk. [christophermaloth]
This is the sound created due to movement of read and write head of the hard disk. Normally this symptom is noticed in old hard disk and is an indication that you are in the danger phase. Take backup of the imp data on regular interval. You must be noticing that when you are not working and the system is idle, there is no kit kit sound. [cashcrop]
Hi Its not a bad thing, its just checking for the bad stuff [spr1967]
well it means ur hard disk is about to bid goodbye so do get it chnaged before u lose ur all data or may be the fan makin noise better get it chked to avoid in convienence. [mywords18]
Well if it's do to use such as your example it could be your cpu's over heating. I remember a simular discussion and the trick worked. Try opening it and cleaning it with a small brush to get rid of the dust and this should allow you computer to breat. There's a few things it could be generally you shouldn't worry, although a professional check is recommended as we can only go by what you say. Goodluck and i hope this helps. Kudos! ~Joey [joey_matthews]
i will advice u to start search ebay and amazon for another pc. and try to cd write all ur important ducuments [leonardakpaniwo]
Hmmm... Let's see mine do a bit too but only when it's starting, well, Look, It is because your computer is too full or something like, I recommend you using a program named 'Ccleaner', use it and your computer will get better for sure... I've used and improved my conection speed and computer speed!; Also if really doesn't works, you always can format your computer hehe, so it's almost new xD.. Use Ccleaner, after you use come here and say the results ^^, I'm sure it will help. [SolanumThur]
I think you should get that checked out. Most of the time it is nothing at all, but it may also be something serious. There is the slight possibility that you may have a virus on your computers that shuts off your fan and this is you computer overheating. I say get it checked out [RogerRover]
i dont think there is anything seriously wrong with your computer.it might be the processor cranking away or the computer might be a little old.have you tried formatting it or try cleaning it out of the unwanted programs. [dbeast]
yes you should probably be worried. something might br wrong with it. i for one had a computer that blew up. you should check yours out. [Lardiel]
Hi devideddi!! well as from My experiece and my Knowledge I think u shoud do a DATA BAcakup As Soon as possible as this sounds like Your Hard Drive is about to Die Soon and believe me you won't be able to get the data after it dies :( as I have been working for Hp, Dell and IBM and now I know how frustrating it is if you loose you Images and songs and If u think or if some one advice you to take the harddrive to Radio shack or any other place it will cost you $350-$500, so make sure you do this on time 1. do a data backup 2. find your windows Xp CD and the Product key 3. look out for a Harddrive on Ebay as a new hard drive from radioshack will be very costly If you need my assistance to tell you what kind of harddrive you need please contact me :D Take Care Stay Beautiful [sumitoberoi]
well for me you must check it to a computer technician for safety and ask him why is your computer has a sound ticking.. [sienne25]
its probly going to blow up and kill you [communistsanta]
It rather depends on what kind of sound do you hear but based on what you say, I would assume that it is signs of your hard drive nearing its failure. This is because whenever you run a virus scanning program, the computer rigorously checks the hard drive for viruses thus making the platters inside your disk spin. This spinning makes the sound much like when you pop a cd in a cd drive. [envynitar]
Hmm.. its either the motherboard speaker beeping saying there´s something wrong (overheating or corrupt BIOS) or the CPU that is overheating. [juliocstryfe]
It's the hard drive, mine is almost 10 years old and still kicking. I clean it out every now and then(open case, use a vacuum but don't touch anything, just hold the end right above the dust bunnies in there. That will keep the airflow going smoother and keep it cool, prolonging the life of the drive. [jjones474]
The computer could be doing noise because of the fan. The fan has to do its job of cooling the computer so that the processors and the chips of the computer will retain their health and extend the life of the computer. My computer does have noise but the sound is regular and doesnt change in its sounding. It does well though the noise sometimes causes disruption of thinking. The disruption make me keep an earplug in my ears. [smirkingmonkey3]
I also have that same "problem". But they say it is just a normal thing so there is no need to be worried about it. My computer cries like a baby everytime I turn in on in the morning, like a humming sound like you have describe. At first I thought there was something wrong so I asked the technician. But he said that it is okay, everything is fine with the computer. [ernst111]
hey there, mine was s loud and ive only had it for a year now, i pay insurance for it and for service charges incase anything goes wrong with it so i called the place where i got it from and they came to look at it, what it was is that the fan inside needed cleaning, you have to open it up, well woah when i opened mine up the dust was thick that i couldn't even find the fan, lol! i cleaned it out anyway and since then it's alot quieter! maybe this might be the problem! hope you get it sorted! :o) [xXmeganxX]
I also had a noisy computer before, and sad to say it died a few weeks after being noisy! LOL! It seems that your hard drive is going down the drain. The reason why it is making a funny ticking sound is caused by the mechanism on the hard drive. If there is no or little hard drive activity, the noise is faint, while if there is heacy use, like for example doing a virus scan, you can really hear it churning. That's an indication that it is aging, and needs to be relpaced. If you have lots of important stuff on your computer, like maybe documents and pictures, then you should be really worried. Start saving them to blank CDs (or floppies?) because anytime soon, your hard drive might go dead. How long have you had this computer? Maybe it needs a rest. :) [ryanrudolf]
yes this problem related to power supply it might be a fan or othe failing noise of ps but annother expect is related for hard disk [mshoaibbimcs]
I have an older computer and some times it starts making noises when I run certain programs like what you are describing. I thing that sometimes the computer has a harder time running newer programs that are faster and more complex than what this computer was designed to handle. If you are worried about it, I would always make sure you back up any important info to CD or disk so you don't loose it. Also you can take it to Best Buy and they can do a diagnostic check up on it for a small fee. [cayennepepper]
Think of it this way your hard drive is kind of like a record player with a needle going across it, That is how it reads the data. My last a compaq was really loud when the hard drive was being read. It was not a problem but If you need reassurance take it in and have the hard drive checked. [Impervious]
you might want to check the fan as that the normal case for it having a loud noise. [fub21a]
Before thinking of serious concern, check the fans. Do they need to be cleaned or serviced in any way? [Xanatos390]
don't worry about anything ... if the noises change to louder and softer, its not a fan. its your hard drive. if you realise data is getting corrupt, get a new hard drive. but if all your data is ok, it may just be the design of the drive what makes the noise. a fan would have a constant noise, not a changing one. i would 99% guaantee its your hard drive, and its nothing to worry about. [Phatmat]
i think the problem is with ur exhaust fan. You should get it checked by ur mechanic coz there are two fans basically one just over the processor and the other in the rear of the cpu. If the rear one is causing noise then it isnt a serious issue but in case of the other one it is a issue which can sometimes stop n cause the processor to burn [sid_is_crazy]
You're computer shouldnt make any loud noises. It can be coming from your Hard Disk, the CD-Rom or DVD drive or the fan inside the computer. You can check where it is coming from so you can isolate the source of the problem. If you suspect that is coming from the Hard Disk, you can defragment and perform a disk check on the Hard Disk just to be sure that it does not have any bad sectors. This happened in a number of our computers here at work. The noise is coming from the hard Disk. It is making that sound because it is having a hard time reading the contents of the Hard Disk. Lucky us we we're able to back up the files on the Hard DRive because after several days, the Hard Disk failed. I suggest you have your PC looked at just to be sure you won't loos any valuable data if ever your Hard Disk fails. [clod0327]
I think, maybe there is wrong inyour computer. Better call someone that can check it up. Maybe there's some problems in the inner part of your CPU. I'm a Computer Engineer, I know if there was wrong or not. I guess, it's better to inspect before it's too late. [hellkybabe]
you know you better bring it to the repair shop to make sure what the problem of your computer why it making noise!!! [sakura08]
yes mostly all pc occurs this noise problem, n my pc also create alot of noise, even whn my pc gets restarting.. n it makes myself so irritate, bt i duno why it happens, bcz i havnt much knowledge abt hardware, my bros have much knowledge abt this, well i ignores this noise before, bt after reading ur discussion nw i m also worrying abt this..n whn my bro will cume, i will discuss abt this, n if he knws anything thn will sure guide u.. [bacardiblast_K]
Indeed! Like my pitiful PC. But PC are worsen with 333Mhz Celeron en only 1.27 Gb Hd. Ha...108x. [ZEROARMZ]
Yes u should worried if u r computer is p4(Pentium 4).Then search frm where that noise is coming some times fan of cpu or smps fan makes noise like a water drifting pump makes so it dangerous as it making noise due to dust is gather over the fan.If the noise like somewhat crrrrr..... then it processing noise if u have installed a software which needs higher configuration and u r computer is of less configuration then their is a need of upgration. So when u upgrade the noise will automatically stops and u will be satisfy and the speed of computer will also increase. An hint to u is their is two ram slots in our computer so fill it up with ram so the data input output will become faster and compuer speed increases (i m telling u this bco'z i m computer engineer). [shashidom]
Hi again.. I did a quick post yesterday saying that it is probably your hard drive failing. I frequently visit a site called giveawayoftheday.com and they give away a different software title each day. Todays one is something you might like to try out. Hard Drive Inspector. http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/hard-drive-inspector/ I've been using the software this site recommends for ages, and it is always good stuff. I would download it today white it is free, and let it check your hard drive out. I've just installed it myself since I hard a hard drive error yesterday, and windows wouldn't boot :( If you have any questions.. either ask here or send me a PM... :) [comedyaddict]
I've just finished installing it, and it certainly has some interesting information. My drive that had an error yesterday, has a reliability rating of only 74% where as my other drive is still on 100%. It also tells me how long the hard drive has been powered on for, temperature, plus a lot of other info that might help tell you if it is a hard drive problem... [comedyaddict]
From what you've said "sometimes faster sometimes slower" would indicate your harddrive is the culprit, since most fans run at a constent rpm, dirty or not. I run 6 fans in my home built unit, cpu fan, dual fans on the hdd, graphic card fan and 2 case fans and not as noisy as one would think. I did have a Maxtor 160Gb ATA/133 which made a ticking or clicking noise and you only heard it when running programs and would speed up and slow down like yours. I recently changed to Maxtor SATA Hope this helps [Adamsappleone]
I am thinking the hardware is in trouble myself [msqtech]
looking at the responces you have been receiing on the issue i must says that you should be worried about the stuff you have on the compuer, try to make a back up of all the important stuff. and about the noise you are referring to that can be any thing lot of stull or softwares loaded on the computer which would be running at the background which make the processor and the memory keep working at the time. if its software that is doing that you can try this step click start >go to run > type msconfig > look for a tab at the top right hand side and lick on start up > then click on disable all at the bottom > then click apply and close > which will prompt you to restart the computer go ahead and do that. this might stop the noises from the cpu and also increase the computer speed. [shoebdll]
Without hearing the sound I can't tell you exactly what it is. All hard drives make noise and it's not necessarily bad. If your hard drive is clicking, then you should start backing up your data now. That is often known as the click of death. Have a professional look at your computer though. it's possible something is just caught in one of your fans making a clicking noise. [Taskr36]
Yours is an old computer & its time to get rid of it now. Usually old computers flywheel gets spoiled & it makes noise. Even after repairs, the problem persists because of maladjustments. [sanjeev8302]
it could just be the layout in your computer if it isnt then you have a fan or drive going bad [msqtech]