CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

Just recently there is a loud humming noise coming from my CPU. I dunno what it could be. Mabey something is loose? Does anyone know what it could be?

I don't know if I can help much, but I can try. Whenever I've had humming inside my computer it's usually been either the processor fan or the hard drive, but usually the hard drive.

Hard drives tend to start humming when they get old and have been used for a really long time, but I don't think that necessarily means that they go bad. It just gets annoying, that's all. I have no idea why it happens. If it bothers you, try turning the computer off for a while and then turn it back on. Sometimes that seems to help me.

If it turns out that it's the processor fan, though, it's easy enough and cheap to replace.

I do hope that helps you. ^_^ (Maybe some of our other techies here could offer some more advice otherwise.)

This is usually caused by either a broken fan or dust, or both because of dust. Almost always it's dust, unless age kicks in.

If the computer is quite new (between today and 2 years) check if the fan is working correctly or not while it's on. DO NOT take it off and check it; it'll damage the CPU and probably make it into a burnt silicon, quite like a burnt skin. If it rattles it's probably because the fan isn't attatched properly. Attatch it back.

If the computer is moderately old (between 3~4 years) check for any dust in the computer. Blow them away with compressed air or just use a straw and blow them yourself. Get rid of all the dust in the case.

If the computer is really old (+5 years) and if the fan is not spinning quickly then replace it. Or better, get a new computer

For note, hard drives rattle after a while when you're placed in the case wrongly; make sure you screw them on tight, and the case is heavy and sturdy that it doesn't shake, or more like can't shake. Every little vibration will in the end count for something, and damage the hard drive sorely.

If you think it doesn't do anything to the hard drive, wait few more years when it dies on you.

my computer started doing that too, and it sounded horrible. it was the processor fan for me.

Try recording the humming and posting it - it's hard to describe a sound with only words on a typed page.

Well the sound is like something is vibrating in my tower case. It vibrates my desk too.

I called my manufacture's tech support and they told me my power supply fan was dying. What should I do? They told me I would have to replace it but I want to see if there is anything I can do. So what should I do?

Unless you can replace the fan inside the PSU with help of a soldering iron (something usually only electronics hobbiests do) you'll have to replace it. Or do what I would do and first clean it of any dust.

Just don't pour water over it.

[edit] My thought is though, how did the Tech Support ever figured out that the PSU was dead even without looking at it?

Oh, and if the whole case is making noise it can just be a bad case, or badly attatched hard drive. Just find out what's making the noise and fix that.

If you're not computer savvy, check to see if you have any warranties with the computer for repairs. My parents bought a warranty for my computer so when the hard drive died, it was replaced for free.

Oh no... that's awful! -_-;

The purpose of the power supply fan is basically to draw the heat out from inside the computer. If it conks out, the internal components have no way to cool off and could literally melt after a few hours. I've had the problem in the past of the fan actually going on me... temporarily, anyway. I was often able to get it going again simply by nudging it with a toothpick, though it didn't always work. I wouldn't recommend that you try this unless you're feeling really brave.

But the best sure-fire thing I can really recommend is to turn the computer off altogether and have the power supply itself replaced. Do not open up the power supply, under any circumstances! There are electronic components inside that are very dangerous and could give you a serious, if not fatal, shock. It's better and safer to replace the power supply itself than to try opening it up just to replace the fan.

Indeed. Most PSUs contain 250V rated capacitors and if not done right and properly will zap you, and if unlucky will kill you instantly. Well, maybe like 2 minutes.

Only a crazy person like me would ever open up a PSU and 'steal' all the components...