Why Is My Computer’s Fan so Loud?
When using your computer, be it for business or pleasure, the last thing you want is a loud fan getting in the way. If your PC is starting to sound like a jet engine, this usually means that it is generating a lot of heat.
Fortunately, there are a few things that can be done to lower the noise. Here, we’ll be listing reasons why you may be experiencing a loud computer fan. Plus, we’ll let you in on some troubleshooting techniques you can use to fix the issue.
Cleaning Your PC
Often, contaminants such as dust and dirt can impede your computer fan’s performance. As your PC’s fan draws in air, it attracts these substances that will block airflow, causing your fan to get louder. If the fan isn’t cleaned regularly, the contaminant buildup will only increase the fan’s volume and temperature. Generally, regular maintenance is essential to keep your computer running smoothly.
If you’re using a desktop PC, cleaning the fan is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how:
- Switch off your computer.
- Unplug your computer from any electrical outlets and the surge protector.
- Delicately open the computer case. Most cases are attached via screws. Use appropriate tools to unscrew them.
- Using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner, gently clean the inside of the computer. Be careful not to get too close to the motherboard, expansion cards, and processors.
- Use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to wipe the blades of the fan.
- When finished, put the computer back together.
- The fan shouldn’t need to work as hard to cool your computer, so the noise will quieten down significantly.
It’s recommended that you thoroughly clean your computer in this manner every 6 to 12 months. This way, you can avoid your computer overheating and causing damage. Also, by getting a good look inside your computer, you’ll get a better idea of which parts may require replacement or further repairs.
Cleaning Your Laptop
If you’re using a laptop and notice the fan is getting loud, it may be time to give it a cleaning to remove any dust or dirt that may have built up inside. Before taking your laptop apart, ensure that you are confident in doing so. If not, then it may be worth taking it into a professional tech cleaning service.
However, if you are comfortable completing the task yourself, then follow these steps:
- Unplug your laptop and switch it off.
- Flip the laptop over.
- Next, remove the bottom panel of your laptop. Use appropriate tools to unscrew the panel.
- Hold the fan in place with your fingers and use a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol to clean the small nooks and crannies.
- You can use either compressed air or a cloth to clean the rest of it. Be careful when doing this to avoid damaging the laptop.
- Once this is complete, put the laptop panel back in place.
- The laptop fan should now be quieter.
Move Your PC
Where you place your PC or laptop can significantly impact the airflow and consequently how loud your fan is. Perhaps you’ve placed your PC within a desk cupboard, where the fans will be sitting at the back with a limited air supply. This means that the PC fans will need to work twice as hard to cool the system down. In doing so, they will produce a loud noise.
To fix this issue, consider moving your computer somewhere with better airflow.
Use a Laptop Cooling Pad
If you find your laptop fan problematic, simply moving it may not be as effective as it would be with a PC. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to fix this issue. For instance, a laptop cooling pad is a great way of reducing the amount of effort the device’s fans are putting in. Essentially, a cooling pad is a set of external fans that you place your laptop on.
It works by taking the heat from the motherboard and forcing it to travel underneath while raising your laptop to ensure there is a decent amount of airflow beneath it. Investing in a cooling pad is ideal if you don’t feel confident in opening up your laptop.
Fan Control Software
Another way to minimize the noise of your computer fans is to install third-party fan control software. This way, you can keep an eye on the temperature of your PC and tweak fan speeds if necessary.
A popular app for Windows computers is SpeedFan. This app lets you track the temperature of your computer and adjust the fan speed accordingly. It’s worth noting that if you decide to reduce fan speed and temperatures remain high, you will need to restore your settings. That way you can be sure that the fans are cooling your PC down efficiently.
Fans May Need Replacing
If you’ve thoroughly cleaned your computer and tried moving it but are still hearing a lot of noise, then it may be time to replace your fans. Much like other computer components, it’s not uncommon for fans to need replacement after some time. Luckily, replacing a PC’s fans is a fairly easy process. PC fans usually all come in the same size and are plugged directly into the motherboard or power supply.
However, replacing the fan on a laptop may be slightly trickier. It’s possible to source laptop fans from your manufacturer, but this may be slightly more expensive. In that case, third-party suppliers may be the best option. Additionally, if your laptop is under warranty, then it may be possible to request a fan replacement for free.
Quiet the Noise
Not only is a loud fan an inconvenience but it is also often a sign that your computer may need further maintenance. If left unattended, it can result in potentially unrepairable damage over time.
Ensuring that a PC or laptop receives regular maintenance can significantly lower the risk of both a loud fan and damage. Fortunately, there are many ways to ensure that a fan isn’t producing a loud noise, from cleaning to investing in cooling pads.
We hope that this article has helped you better understand why your computer’s fan is getting so loud and what you can do to prevent it.
Has your computer fan been noisy lately? If so, what steps did you take to try and fix the problem? Let us know in the comments section below.
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