Identifying the Source of Unusual Sounds in Your PC
5 mins
Easy
Video
Is your PC making unusual noises? No worries! Let's figure out where it's coming from so we can fix it. We'll take you through the steps below.
Why Is My PC Making Noise?
Unusual noises from your PC can be concerning. They might be caused by:
● Dust Build-Up: Over time, dust can accumulate and cause fans to work harder, leading to noise.
● Worn Out Fans: Fans have moving parts that can wear out and become noisy.
● Loose Components: Vibration from loose parts can create annoying sounds.
● Coil Whine: This high-pitched noise can come from coils in the power supply or graphics card.Identifying the source of the noise is the first step to solving the problem.
Steps to Identify the Noise Source
Prepare the PC
● First, take off the glass side panel of your PC. This might be a bit different depending on your PC case, but usually, it involves loosening some thumb screws at the back or using thumb grooves
● Next, plug your PC back in and turn it on. Make sure all the cables are connected properly.
Stopping Each Fan
● As you stop each fan, listen carefully. If the noise stops or changes, you've found the culprit!
● Grab a soft cloth and gently stop each fan, one at a time. Here's what to check:
• Chassis Fans: These are the ones attached to your PC case.
• CPU Cooler Fan: This is the fan on your CPU cooler.
●Important: Use only light pressure to avoid damaging the fan blades.
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Checking Main Power Cables
24-Pin Main Power Cable
● Start by ensuring your PC is completely powered off and unplugged from any power source. This is crucial for your safety and to prevent damage to your components.
● Locate the 24-pin main power cable on the right-hand edge of the motherboard.
● Firmly push on the plastic framing of the cable while the PC is powered off, ensuring the latch is clipped in place.
CPU Power Cable
● Locate the CPU cable in the top left-hand corner of the motherboard.
● Note: Some motherboards may have an additional 4-pin power connector. Please do the same with this.
● Firmly push on the plastic framing of the cable while the PC is powered off. Ensure the latch is clipped in place. Push until you hear a click and see the clip lock securely.
GPU Power Cables
● Locate the GPU power cables. These are most often located at the right-hand end of the GPU.
● Firmly push on the plastic framing of the cable while the PC is powered off. Ensure the latch is clipped in place. Push until you hear a click and see the clip lock securely.
Avoid Humidity and Moisture
● Keep Away from Humidity: Excess humidity can lead to condensation, which can damage sensitive electronic components. Aim to keep your PC in a room with low to moderate humidity levels.
● Avoid Liquids: Make sure drinks or other liquids are kept well away from your PC to prevent accidental spills.
● Firmly push on the connection to ensure they are fully connected.
Position for Minimal Sun Exposure
● Avoid Direct Sunlight: Place your PC in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can increase the ambient temperature around your PC and contribute to overheating, especially during the summer months.