Noise in my computer
Below is a listing of components in the computer that may cause unusual noises to be generated. To determine what components are creating noise, verify that lights on hardware devices, like the CD-ROM drive, are not on when you hear the noise. If you are only encountering excessive noise when a device is accessed, it is likely that the device is causing your issue.
If the noise occurs as a pattern, long or short beeps, it may be what is called a beep code. When a computer emits a specific beep code, it is trying to tell you what specific problem is occurring in the computer. See our page on beep codes and what they mean to help troubleshoot and resolve the problem.
If you hear the noise the entire time the computer is on, it could be any of the following devices. Determine what device is causing the noise by reading through each of the sections below.
CD-ROM, DVD, or another disc drive
Fan
Floppy drive
Hard drive
Dial-up modem
Power supply
Speakers
Monitor
CD-ROM, DVD, or another disc drive
CD-ROM and other disc drives may generate noises when the drive is accessed. Disc drive noise should be a soft whirring noise when the CD-ROM drive is accessed and only be generated when the CD-ROM is accessed.
It is abnormal for a CD-ROM to experience any of the symptoms below.
No noise.
Clicking while accessing the CD-ROM.
Noises when the CD-ROM is not being accessed or no disc in the drive.
If any of the issues above occur, the drive is likely defective, and we recommend it be replaced.
Fan
Many computers have several fans to help provide ventilation to the computer's components. Below is a listing of the fans that cause noises in your computer.
Case Fans
Case fans are fans commonly attached to the front or back of a computer. It is normal for most additional case fans to generate additional noise (usually a low hum). However, any clicking noise or high-pitched noise from any of the case fans should not be heard. When this occurs, it's a good indication that the fan is failing or has already failed.
CPU fan (heat sink)
Although not installed on all computers, some computer heat sinks may also contain a fan to help with keeping the processor cool. It's also not uncommon for a fan to go from quiet to loud while you're working on the laptop. Most computers and laptops adjust the fan speeds when the processor is working more, or the computer is getting too hot.
You should only expect to hear a slight hum from the CPU fan. Below are some issues that may cause additional noise from your CPU fan.
The CPU fan is loose causing vibration.
A cable is hitting the fan causing a vibration.
The CPU fan is bad causing additional noise.
When I start my computer, the fans are loud.
Steps on cleaning your computer to help keep proper airflow.
Power supply fan
See below the power supply section.
Noises you should not expect to hear are repetitive clicking, very noticeable humming, knocking, or any hard thump. If you hear any of these noises, we recommend the hard drive be looked at or replaced, as it may be going bad.
Note
You'll notice an increased volume of sound from a SCSI hard drive when it is compared to a standard IDE/EIDE hard drive.
Note
If you have an SSD, it never makes any noise.
Power supply
The power supply can cause an excessive amount of noise because not only is it providing power but also provides ventilation to the computer. If the fan in the power supply becomes bad or dirty, it can cause an excessive amount of noise.
If excessive noise is coming from the power supply, it's likely failing or bad. We recommend you first clean the fan using compressed air to blow out any dust, dirt, or hair. If this does not resolve the issue, the power supply needs to be replaced.
Speakers
Similar to powered stereo speakers, it's normal to hear a pop or crack from the computer speakers. The pop happens when either the speakers or computer are turned on or off.
If the noise continues when using computer
If the noise continues after the computer and speakers are turned on, the speakers may be receiving interference from other electric devices. We recommend moving the speakers to an alternate location, to make sure that the noise is not being caused by EMI (electromagnetic interference) from nearby devices.
If relocating the speakers does not resolve the issue, consider replacing the speakers. When purchasing new speakers, check that the new speakers are "magnetically shielded" or "RF shielded."
Monitor
It is normal for standard computer CRT monitors to make a click, pop, crackle, hum, buzz, or other noises when they are first turned on or turned off.
Noise when the monitor goes into standby mode
When the monitor enters a "standby mode" or "power savings mode," this is similar to the monitor being turned off. It is completely normal for the monitor to make a noise when the monitor enters this mode.
Noise when opening Windows, another operating system, or when opening a game
When a computer opens its operating system, (e.g., Microsoft Windows) or when you run a computer game the monitor may need to switch its resolution. When switching resolutions, it is normal for the computer monitor to make a noise and flick or flash.
Noise during normal operation
If the computer monitors click pops, or flashes while it is used this is not a normal operation. The monitor may likely be failing, or a component in the monitor has already failed and could also be a fire hazard. We highly recommend the monitor be repaired, replaced, and looked at by a qualified technician.