Why is my Computer so Loud

If a computer gets overly loud or noisy, it isn’t an uncommon reaction for a user to freak out and get alarmed over the condition of their machine. Because an unbearable loud noise isn’t a good indication, you might want to find out immediately what’s making your computer behave in such a way to avoid any irreversible damages that may show up later. 

On the contrary, if the computer makes some noise for a short period, especially when you’re using a high-profile software that puts load on the CPU or GPU, you don’t have to worry then. Why? Because it’s normal. Your gadget’s fans produce that loud sound as they have a responsibility to clear out the heat and maintain the temperature inside the machine, keeping the hardware cool. 

What makes the computer loud?

A computer might sound noisy in case of the internals’ malfunctioning, inadequate fan performance, loud fans in general, increased temperature, faulty/failing hard disk. Let’s check it out in detail. 

1. Internals’ malfunctioning:

It is possible that the internal parts of a computer are not set in place, i.e., one or two parts have become loose. So, when they collide with the other parts or the frame of the gadget, they result in being loud. This issue, if not taken care of in time, could harm the computer further.

2. Inadequate performance by fans:

The fans could perform inadequately due to being old, dusty, small in size or that you put more stress on them by running high-end applications when they aren’t capable of handling such heat.

3. Loud fans came with the machine:

If your computer is a high-end, newer model and still makes loud noise, chances are that the fans inside are just loud in general. Some brands of fans do make a lot of sound as that’s how they are made by the manufacturer. They aren’t faulty or need computer repairs, they just make noise and that’s their only crime.

On the contrary, you never know if the unit you bought does have malfunctioning fans which is why they either sound way too loud or not make even the faintest sound as they don’t spin at all. 

4. Increased temperature:

Whether it’s the use of heavy applications, opening of too many browsers simultaneously, a hard disk that’s full or malware infection, increased temperatures will affect the speed of fans in the computer, resulting in loud noise. As the fans spin faster, it becomes evident that you’ll hear a loud noise.

5. Hard drive is near its end:

When it comes to computer noise problems, the causes turn out to be fan-related mostly. However, a hard drive nearing its end may also cause a lot of noise issues. Mainly, the loud rattling or grinding sounds indicate hard drive failure. In case you ignore these signs, your computer may die down any time and won’t even turn on. 

How to counter computer noise issues?

There are different solutions to different problems, so, you may have to try a range of fixes to catch the cause and resolve the complication.

1- For increased temperature

• Assess your applications:

You may go to the “Task Manager” via the search option in Windows and assess the activity of the applications. End all unwanted programs that are running in the background. Do not open tabs needlessly. Also, try not to use more than one heavy software at a time to reduce the load on the fans. You could adjust the room temperature if necessary to keep the computer cool, so any heavy usage doesn’t put much strain on the fans.

• Download a good antivirus:

Viruses have become pretty sophisticated nowadays, so even if you think you only use legit sites, your computer could still get infected. Malware could increase temperatures depending on how the hacker chooses to use your device. So, ensure you download a reputable antivirus that protects your computer against malware in real time.

• Full Hard Disk:

If the issue lies in the Hard disk having no space, you may use “Disk Cleanup” or any third party app to clear out junk and create storage. Also, use “Disk Defragmenter” to defrag your hard drive. This will not only help in maintaining optimal temperature but also improve your computer’s overall performance.

2- For Internals’ malfunctioning:

• Open the tower or power supply unit for assessment:

You may have to open the power supply unit or tower to assess the hardware and ensure that all parts are seated well in their place. However, to perform such a step you must have some technical know-how, so you don’t damage anything in the process.

3- For inadequate fan performance:

• Clean dusty fans:

It’s very important to clean the fans. The accumulated dust and grime may be the reason why those fans are loud. So, you may open the case of your power supply unit and use compressed air to blow the dust out of the case. Use the product to blow away dust from all components including the fans. Also, make sure that the fans aren’t stuck by spinning them manually.

• Replace the fans:

If the fans are too old, it’s probably why you hear all that noise. Or if the fans are small in size whereas your computer requires a bigger model to perform better cooling, this could also lead to fans spinning harder, making a lot of noise. So, in this case, you have no choice but to replace fans. You may contact a professional to help as without technical experience, you could damage the hardware.

4- For loud fans that came with the machine: 

• Return the device back:

If you bought a computer with loud fans recently, we think it’s safe to return that device back. Your sensitivity to loud noises could be one reason; however, you never know if the fans are generally loud or faulty. So, either you return the unit or replace the fans yourself.

 5- For failing hard drive:

• Replace the HDD or upgrade to SSD:

Once the hard drive has reached its limit, there’s not much you can do to restore it or extend its functionality for a longer period. So, your best option is to create a backup as soon as possible and contact a PC expert to replace the HDD. You could also consider upgrading to a solid-state drive which works far better than the hard drive.

Final Thoughts:

Identifying the root cause as to why your computer makes loud noises is the key point here. Though the majority of the time, you’ll find fans to be the culprit behind the noise, hard drive failure or issues with other components could also serve the cause. Once you’re sure about the problem, implement solutions that help in fixing the issue. Or take help from a professional PC expert like Geeks Callout.

You may also download third party apps like Speedfan to control the fans’ speed. Through this utility you can slow down the speed of the fans manually that will help in quieting down the noise. However, be careful when using such software. You surely wouldn’t want to interfere with the fans’ speed when the computer needs them to run faster.