TOPIC: Strange Noises from your Computer

Hi Willie,
My computer is making some weird "whirring" sounds. My husband tells me to slap it on the side of the box and the noise will go away. Personally, I am not that aggressive and I don't believe this will help my computer very much. Am I right?

Willie Says:
Oh Yeah. Slapping the CPU is really going to fix the problem. If your car starts making funny noises, does your husband slap it around for a while too?

Here's the problem.
As a rule, your computer has only two parts that will cause "whirring" noises if you are not running a CD or DVD player at the time. The cooling fans on your processor and your power supply are what will cause this noise when they are worn out. These are highly precision motors, spinning at amazing speed. When they get old or really dirty, they start to make noise. This is usually a sign that the fan's bearings are going out. Time and crud has taken a toll on them and they are crying out for some attention.

You can try opening the case on your CPU and taking a close look at the fans. This needs to be done with caution so that you do not touch anything while the machine is running. But, you can pinpoint the location of the noise and determine whether it is coming from the processor (usually near the middle of the motherboard) or from the fan on the power supply (located where the power cord is attached to the back of the box.)

Chances are, you will need to replace one or the other. We suggest you take it to a pro for this repair. Installing the wrong power supply can fry your computer beyond repair. Installing the wrong processor fan will cause headaches beyond imagination. The majority of processor fans are mounted on a rather tacky thermal insulator. Proper removal and replacement can be tricky because of this insulator pad.
Most places that sell computers offer repair and diagnostic services. We suggest you shop around for the best deals. So, before you give the neighborhood something to talk about for weeks (i.e. the fire at your house the other day) try taking your CPU to a qualified repair tech. If that tech trys just slapping the side of the box, grab your machine and go elsewhere.

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(from Sam)
Hey Willie,
I had my computer's processor fan replaced six months ago. I shelled out almost $150. Now, it is making the same spinning noises it did before. What's up with that?

Willie Says:
It sounds to me like you've gotten a defective processor fan. I would take it back to the installer and ask for another fan. If the computer was running OK for the past six months, you probably got the right part installed. But, sometimes they do get a part or two that is problematic. Most repair shops will guarantee something like this and replace it for no charge.

If this seems to be a recurring problem, may I offer a suggestion?
Try relocating your CPU to another area or move it away from other items that are right next to it. The heat from other items and the lack of ventilation next to your machine could be causing premature failure. This can cause major headaches if the processor or motherboard gets too hot.

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Disclaimer:
(lawyers make us do this stuff)
Although we will try to diagnose the problems you may be having with your PC through this column, there is no guarantee that this advice will fix the problems you are experiencing with your machine. Only a true, one-on-one diagnosis is an accurate way to pinpoint the issues a computer may be having. This advice is directed at the most common and easiest "fix" issues that are found in most home or office PC's and can usually be repaired or resolved (with some direction) by the PC user and not a IT professional. 360custom.com, its owners, staff or associates is not responsible for any damage including (but not limited to) loss of data, hardware or software damage that may result from attemps at following the instructions in this column.