Computer Noise?

[JamesU2005]

I'm trying to locate a noise my computer is making. However, the problem is if I take the side panel off it's impossible to locate where it was come from when the side panel was on. So I assuming the case is amplifying the sound because nothing it loose or rattling or touching the side panel.

Its the sort of sound when something is loading up, a sort of scratchy sound. I believe it could be the hard drives but when I put my ear to the case in order to locate it better I don't think it is the HD. I have a P180 and the hard drives are at the bottom and it sounds like it's coming from the top half.

Anything I can use to try and replicate the sound?

 

[waso_dude]

unplug fans and stuff until it stops

try booting with out HDDs and see if thats it?

 

[Sparky__H]

Stick lups of blue tack on the case near where the sound is coming from.

Being a lain-li fan boy I’m used to random noise from panels, cages and locks. My v1000+ is the worst one I’ve had so far it took me ages to find what was causing the last hum.

 

[JamesU2005]

For more a description of the sound its the sort of processing vibrating/scratchy sound.

Perhaps it's just something that happens? The fact that it seems random and you can't hear it when you take off the side panel makes me believe its something I shouldn't be worrying about?

 

[DaveMac]

Sounds like HDD activity to me.

 

[Sparky__H]

The fact it disappears when you take the side panel off seems to me it’s more like a sympathetic vibration. Internal component noise would get louder upon removing panels that in theory should quieten them.

 

[JamesU2005]

Sorry about bumping an all thread but heres a recording I did:

http://media.putfile.com/Computer-Noise

Its the scratchy/rattling sound. Try and ignore the loud fans. The scratchy/rattling sound is louder and more audible over the fans in real life.

Any ideas guys?

 

[VortX]

What graphics card have you got? I have a BFG 8800GTX and it makes that sound, it isnt as lound as that but it is annoying so you might have a worse case of it. However I can't hear mine with the side panel on. Tyr loading a 3D inensive app like 3DMARK 06, does the sound intensify?

 

[Energize]

Well if it's a mechanical sound it can only be either the hdd or fans.

 

[JamesU2005]

I do have an 8800GTX but the sound happens whether surfing the net or under load in games.

It's not the fans and I dont think its the hard drives because they are in the lower chamber (P180 case) and Im sure the sound is coming from the upper chamber which houses motherboard etc.

 

[misterPK]

DVD drive?

Most likely a fan though if its definitley not a hard drive.

PK!

 

[Oobie]

sounds like a cable rattling on a fan, i had the exact same noise until i cleaned up my innards with cable ties. now it's just fans and HDD's that make noise

 

[JamesU2005]

Dvd drive checked and not that. Same with cables, all tidy.

Im pulling my hair out, just not sure what to do.

 

[pitchfork]

try disconnecting all the case fans (leave the essential ones in) see what its like them.

 

[VortX]

I still think it might be your graphics card. G80 have a reputation for having a noisy buzzing, scratching sound, whatever you want to call it. The sound happends all the time. If you for instance highlight multiple folders or scroll the net does the sound happen? Is it like a loading sound? Or is it just a continuous stream of sound? By the sound you posted it sound a bit squeeky...mabye a squeeking coil?

 

[Andre]

To narrow down where a noise comes from:
Get the inner cardboard tube from the kitchen tissue roll.
Place ear against one end, and move slowly around the case.

This will pinpoint the noise and allow you to rectify the problem.

Most useful piece of equipment for finding noisy items I have yet to find