My computer is usually kinda quiet but lately when I turn it on it makes a low huming, grinding noise. It used to stop once I turn it on then off but now it doesn it about every 2 minutes and keeps making the sound for a few seconds before going quiet again. I have tried everything to fix it. It is not the any of the fans, I replaced the heatsink and fan on the processor and nothing seems to make it go away. I cant find anything loose that is making the noise. I really can't think of anything else to do. I can hit the top the computer and it stops but not for long.

Any suggestions?

Could be the hard drive...how old is it? Now would be a good time to back up any important files you have, just in case...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.

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I have a brand new 120gb WD!! I hope its not that. I also have a 20gb Segate Cheata that could be getting up there in years. Could it be the power supply fan?

You might want to try picking up one of those automotive stethoscopes...and insulate it with something non-conductive.

However, my foremost reason for responding is regarding your statement, I can hit the top the computer and it stops but not for long.
Yikes, jarring the HDD by "bonking" it might quickly result in the complete silence you so desire...but at a pretty hefty price!
http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif

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May all your dealings in life be win/win!


Whyzman
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Reserved for Punishing Humor...A Pessimist's blood is always B-negative!

I know its a bad idea but I am really gettin mad at my computer http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif


I am now trying to diagnois the problem but cannot find any good utilites to do it with. The WD site is great, not, none of their programs run in XP!

Anyone got a good site?

Whyzman,
Good suggestion but save your money Chris and use a wooden dowel, they work just as well, won't conduct but the highest voltages and are nearly static free but just not as comfortable or professional looking as the stethoscopes. Round off one end and put it just in front of your ear and find the noise while it is happening.
Or you could make another crude one with some aquarium air tubing, old pens and the likes.

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Honey, Someone's at the window, could you please get the computer?

Does your video card have a fan? That is one potential noise source that is easy to overlook.

Ok I have no idea where to go next. It is not a single fan in the computer, I have replaced the processor fan which is where it seems to be coming from. Its not the power supply fan and its none of the cd drives or hard drives. The sound is the worst when the computer is first started up and then it comes off and on sporadically. I can always here it a little though. Again its a low grooning, grinding sound. Please help.

Do you have a fan in the side of the case?

Does the sound change if you hold the sides of the case?

You said that if you hit it, then the sound changed or stopped....it could be one of the fans is loose and vibrating when everything is closed up. You can try to isolate the fans from the case by inserting plastic or rubber washers between the fan housing and the case......


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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.