Giveaway of the Day Forums

1. 

   bigharry
   Member

   My computer makes a very loud noise only at startup and is quiet for the rest of the day.I have cleaned out all perceived dust on internal fans and grilles but suspect this is one of my drives. I have dvd and cd recorders and, of course, the hard drive that may be the cause. Any suggestions on how I might isolate this problem would be appreciated.

   Posted 17 years ago #
2. 

   BuBBy
   Teh adnim

   You could start by disconnecting anything not required during startup - like DVD recorders. Simply pull the power plug at the back of the drive.

   Do the same with your hard drive. (you don't need a hard drive to power on your PC)

   Turn the PC on again with the device unplugged and see if the noise is gone, if not - move to the next device.

   Of course, you do know only to ever plug in or unplug something with the PC power turned off.

   Posted 17 years ago #
3. 

   wrinkles
   Member

   This is most likely a CPU cooling fan, the bearing of which is dry. It will give out a grating sound when first switched on but as it reaches operating speed the noise will die away.
   The best course of action is to replace the fan. However a temporary fix can be made by lubricating the bearing. I would add that this should not be attempted by the amateur. Open the case and locate the fan. Having ensured you are earthed (wrist strap)remove the fan, this can usually be done by disconnecting the power lead and undoing the 3/4 xhead screws securing the fan to the heat sink (or case) once removed carefully clean the fan. A small paintbrush (new) is ideal for getting into all the awkward areas. Once it is clean look at the front centre of the fan. On most you will see a small round sticker. Gently and carefully peel off the sticker, Don't touch the sticky surface as it going to be re-used. You now need a matchstick and some light oil such as 3in1 or sewing machine oil. Pour some oil into a small container, a bottle cap or the like, dip the end of the matchstick and then apply the stick to the uncovered bearing or shaft allow small amount of oil to run onto the shaft. Spin the fan and repeat. With a tissue or soft cloth clean all traces of oil from the area around the sticker and re-apply it. Re-fit the fan, connect the power and boot up, Noise gone. Note this is a temporary fix, the fan is banjaxed and will last only a couple of weeks longer.

   Posted 17 years ago #
4. 

   bigharry
   Member

   BuBBy thanks...I did that and it was definitely the CD drive/recorder that I have now left the plug out and every thing is now quiet.
   Wrinkles thanks...that's good stuff to remember BUT what the hell is "banjaxed"..I assume that's the equivalent of "stuffed"

   Posted 17 years ago #

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