How to stop my computer from sounding like a jet engine

How to stop my computer from sounding like a jet engine

If your desktop computer sounds like an airplane taking off, there are several possible culprits: fans and hard drives. The older these components are, the more likely they are to be noisy due to wear and tear and dust accumulation.

If your laptop is noisy, it's best to contact the manufacturer, as solutions for laptops can vary.

Noise diagnosis

The first step in eliminating excessive noise is to identify the problem. There may be a problem with the fan or the hard drive.

The two biggest culprits of excessive noise in a computer are the fan and the hard drive. The fan's function is to dissipate the heat generated by your computer's processor, motherboard and graphics card. If the fans are sluggish, too small or not powerful enough, they will make noise. Hard drives also make noise as the platters spin and the heads scan for data. Loud noises are usually a very bad sign and should be fixed immediately.

Computers can also make noise if a component is loose and vibrates against the computer frame. If the computer is not in the right place, the noise inside the computer will be amplified.

As a computer ages, accumulation of dust, pet hair and lint can prevent the fan from operating effectively. In addition, components can become loose or simply wear out, causing more vibration and noise.

The cat in the computer

 

If you have a particularly powerful computer, there are more fans in the case and some components, such as the graphics card, have their own fans. More fans means more noise, especially as those fans get older.

How to make your computer quieter

There are three levels of action you can take to make your computer quieter, depending on the part that is causing the noise.

Step One

Make sure there are rubber feet on the bottom of the computer and that the computer is on a flat surface. If the rubber feet are missing, you can buy new ones or place the computer on a carpet or other soft surface. If the room is hot or the computer overheats, there are cooling pads that cool the computer and dampen some of the noise and vibration. Find out more about how to keep your computer cool with these ten tips.

Sometimes placing your computer under a desk or in an enclosed room can help dampen noise. This can be tricky because you don't want to increase the insulation around your computer, making the fan run longer and louder. If the fan is the source of the noise, this will make the problem worse. If you move the computer to another location, make sure there is at least five centimeters of free space on all sides of the computer for cooling.

Second layer

If a simple solution doesn't help, dig deeper. Remove the back of the computer and check all fasteners, screws, washers and grommets. Tighten any loose screws. Replace worn or missing washers and gaskets.

Use a soft bristle brush and a can of compressed air on the back of the computer to remove dust. Do not apply compressed air to the fans, as this may damage them. Carefully let the air out around the fan.

Dusty computer fans

 

If your hard drive is the source of the noise, consider upgrading to a solid state drive (SSD). If the hard drive is making more than an occasional click, there is likely a hardware problem. It's important to transfer your data before the drive fails, otherwise you won't be able to recover it. Discover the advantages of SSD drives.

Layer 3

If the above steps don't help you, you need to get serious. Replace your old fan with a new oversized fan. You need to know the physical size of the fans you currently have so you can order new fans of the same size. This will ensure that they will fit the space you need. If possible, order a fan that moves more air and has a lower decibel level.

If your power supply overheats, probably because it can't handle the extra load from upgraded components, consider getting a new power supply with a fan to help keep it cool.

You can also soundproof your computer. Be careful, however, as the extra insulation can also create more trapped heat and make it harder for the fan to operate.