How do I fix noisy fans

[studionovaa]

I recently bought a Dell Precision 670 (dual harddrive in RAID 0 configuration). It makes a decent amount of buzzing noise on an intermintent basis. I can move the box slightly and oftern that will stop the noise. But it's driving me crazy.

How easy is it to open up the box and check to see if the fans are not fully screwed down. I'll void my warranty when I open it up so is it worth it?

Any suggestions would be great.

 

[CraKaJaX]

You void warranty if you open up your own computer? What the hell.... if you can't stand the noise, open it. It's up to you on the warranty.

 

[saltedeggman]

just open it and check where the noise is coming from.... no big deal... warranty, i take it with a grain of salt

 

[Pens1566]

You won't void the warranty if you open it up.

 

[furballi]

Suspect the fan or the HD. Dell puts crappy fans in their new PCs.

 

[alevasseur14]

You can't void the warrenty by just opening the box up. I started on a Dell and you can actually replace all kinds of stuff (PCI cards, memory, even processors) without voiding your warrenty.

 

[studionovaa]

Okay, Okay I'll open it up!?! Just based on the sound, my guess is it is a fan that is causing the problem but that is merely a guess.

 

[haduken]

Originally posted by: studionovaa
I can move the box slightly and oftern that will stop the noise. But it's driving me crazy.

I had a problem with the same type of noise, but it didn't turn out to be a fan. The actual problem was a stripped riser threading, so I could not thread one of the risers in to hold the motherboard down properly. The vibration of the motherboard can make some really ugly noises, even just from missing one screw. Try replacing any loose risers/screws on the motherboard, or replacing the case/mount for the mb.

Try placing your hand against the case, if squeezing the case or applying pressure stops the noise than it's probably due to some type of mounting screw.

 

[fire400]

just mod your damn tower and get it over with. void your warranty or not, it's your computer, not dell's anymore.

 

[studionovaa]

Good tip Haduken ... a little pressure on the top right corner usually stops it. Hopefully I can find a missing screw when I open it up this pm. Thanks.

 

[athens101]

Doesn't upgradeing the processor void the warranty?

 

[alimoalem]

why'd u buy a dell? just curious, not bagging on anyone

i like what haduken said but can't u just change the fans or whatever is making the noise? then install the old part if something goes wrong so they never think u voided the warranty?

 

[NaOH]

Originally posted by: furballi
Suspect the fan or the HD. Dell puts crappy fans in their new PCs.

Actually, the dell we use at work has heatpipes...

 

[morkman100]

It's not the fans making the noise, but the plastic brackets and frames inside the case. In a few of the pc's at work, a buzzing noise will start every so often. A knock on the side of the case will make it stop for a while. On one of the machines, I wedged a folded piece of paper between the cpu cooling duct and the case and that eliminated the buzzing noise. Remove the side panel of the case and turn the compter on and wait for the buzzing to start so you can zero in on the source of the noise.

 

[studionovaa]

Holy S%$T! The problem wasn't the fans, or the hard drives ... it was a series of loose cables that were lying on top of the hard drives and on top of the DVD drive. One was an IDE type cable, one was the cable for connecting additional harddrives that the box can accommodate, and one was some random cable coming from the DVD drive. All of these are unnecessary cables for my particular build but must be included by Dell as part of their standard build componenets. And all were just shoved inside whichever nook would make it easiest for the box to be closed up and shipped. I've secured the cables using clips that were all there to start with.

This baby is now humming along nice and quite ... a real low tech fix!?!

 

[TriggerHappy101]

Question:

Topic Title: How do I fix noisy fans
Topic Summary: Brand new Dell buzzing like crazy

Answer: You can fix that problem rather easily - don't buy a Dell.

Question:

How easy is it to open up the box and check to see if the fans are not fully screwed down.

Answer: Well. If you have a thumb and pointer finger - I think you can manage it.... Then again, you did buy a Dell.

 

[studionovaa]

Easy there Trigger. As I already bought the Dell, your answer makes me think you've got your thumb up your ...

 

[Markbnj]

Easy there Trigger. As I already bought the Dell, your answer makes me think you've got your thumb up your ..

Hahaha.

You found a common problem with Dell's and probably some other OEM machines too. Anytime you have a buzzing noise that goes away when you move the case, it's normally case vibration, cables, a loose screw, etc.