Noise issue on startup - possible fan issue?

Hi all,

Got my new PC mid Jan so wasn't expecting any issues. However in the last week startup has become a noisy process. The best description is of a grind/rattle which only lasts a few minutes and then settles down.

I suspect it's an issue with a fan, though which one I am not sure. Dust/wires has been voiced as a possible but I've only had the machine a month and a bit.

It's under warranty so I've got the option of sending it back to be looked at, this involves collection/delivery and would see me PC-less for at least a week. I spoke to the firm I bought the machine from and they suggested opening it up and seeing if there was a snagged wire or dust issue. I'm just a bit concerned about trying to solve it this way as though I played around with my old PC I really don't want to open this one up unnecessarily. There's also the fact that it might be something more serious, perhaps a fan issue (I've read something about ballbearings).

Anyway - thoughts and advice welcome as ever.

cheers

that's a very good point - think I'm going to take the non-easy option and let them handle it. Cheers!

just as an update (and perhaps a pointer for anyone else who has had similar). I got an email back from the company allowing me to open the case up to identify which fan.

Opened it up and booted up - no noise, put the case back on, no noise. After work the boot-up saw the noise return and I was able to work out that it's the fan in the front of the case. Well, it actually seems to be the case itself as putting your hand on the top of the front of the case or anywhere near stops the noise. Must be a loose fitting perhaps.

Either way it's not the fan for the graphics card, PSU or CPU so I'm very glad. Going to leave it be as it isn't vital.

If it is only at startup, it could be that the fan is out of balance or not mounted properly and the high rpm of the fan is messing with the harmonics of the case. It could also be mounted just fine and mess with the harmonics of the case. Make sure the fans are snug in the housing and make sure the case panels aren't loose. Does it ever make that noise after the pc has been up and running for awhile, or is it ONLY on startup?