Rattling noise from my computer's case?

[JonTheBaller]

My computer is very quiet in general... I'm not OCing so I don't have any hard core fans. Sometimes, however, I hear a rattling/vibration type noise from the computer case. I think it's possible that the IO panel, since it is thin, might rattle, or it could be the screws or all the things I plug into the back. Does anyone have any suggestions that would reduce rattling? If I put the case on some foam instead of the hard ground would that help at all? Thanks.

 

[SpeedFreak03]

First, do you have any loose screws rolling around in the bottom of the case (they may have been dropped in there when you were installing a drive etc). Try opening up the case and shaking it out. Next, tighten all fan screws, for case fans and PSU fan(s). These noises are a PITA, aren't they?

 

[clumsum]

Could be that one of your fans' is going south on you ....... chipset fans are the usual culprits.
Cpu/heatsink fan can also go bad, causing more vibration and noise, check your graphics card too if it has a small fan.

 

[JonTheBaller]

It's not from inside the case, it's definitely from the outside of the case. If I push on the IO panel, it stops vibrating. I am positive it is the IO panel. I cut a section of old "egg carton" padding that you put on your bed and put it under my computer. Let's see if that helps.

 

[clumsum]

Hmmmm ......... could be that the I/O Panel itself has popped loose at one corner or edge ........ ?
The panel is usually a press-in installation from inside the case ......... sometimes it looks OK, but is not fully seated.
Some of the panels are very thin and delicate, others are easier to work with, if it appears to not be evenly seated around all the edges, you can use the eraser end of a pencil and push gently (from inside the case) outward at each corner, until the panel pops into place.
Hope this helps ....... generally the panel is under enough tension from all the little grounding tabs providing spring tension to the mb connectors ....... that it should not make noise.
If you have a rear case fan, also check and make sure the mounting screws are snug (not over-tight).

 

[Zanfib]

What case do you have?
I only ask because I have a Dell 8100 that rattles and it is the back panel of the case itself. Since Dell and some others use multi-piece cases that open in funny ways, (clamshell, swing-up PS ect.) I find they often start rattling and it's the overly complicated case that is at fault.