Rattling noise

[Computer0304]

I can hear a rattling noise in my pc whenever my fan spins fast. What is this coming from? Is it something I have to worry about? (I have backed up everything recently and I barely make software changes to computer and I am also getting a new PC soon anyway)

 

[TanyaC]

If it only happens when your fan is spinning I'd say it's a good bet the bearing in the fan might be on the way out. It it's the CPU fan, you might want to think about replacing it as if it fails your CPU temps will go up very quickly, and your PC would not be happy with that.

If it's case fan, and you're getting a new PC soon anyway, if the temps are hardly affected with the fan disconnected mybe you can live with it. But generally speaking, you need at least one working case fan to assist with cooling.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

In addition to what Tanya said, it could be an OK fan that vibrates in its mount as the RPM increases.

You say "my fan". Here's hoping you have more than one. Any PC should have at least 2. Most have 3 or more.


Get your ears inside the case close to the suspect fans. You can stop case and CPU fans for a couple of seconds to see if the noise goes away.

Case fans and cooler fans are generally replaceable. PSU fans are replaceable if you are qualified, but otherwise should be left alone as it can be hazardous to your health.

 

[Computer0304]

In addition to what Tanya said, it could be an OK fan that vibrates in its mount as the RPM increases.

You say "my fan". Here's hoping you have more than one. Any PC should have at least 2. Most have 3 or more.


Get your ears inside the case close to the suspect fans. You can stop case and CPU fans for a couple of seconds to see if the noise goes away.

Case fans and cooler fans are generally replaceable. PSU fans are replaceable if you are qualified, but otherwise should be left alone as it can be hazardous to your health.

I meant my CPU fan because it spins up faster when the CPU usage percentage goes up. I do have other fans. I don't think it is worth to replace it since I have a high chance of getting a new PC in a few days. (Unless I am going to use the PC for some other use but not as my primary)

 

[TVeblen]

CPU cooler/heastsinks can come loose and rattle, especially if they use metal on metal mounting parts. So you might check the mountings to be sure they are snug and connected correctly too.

 

[badger906]

the motherboard/mobo tray can also rattle.

as can parts of your case. my corsair air 540 has an annoying humming sound when the fans are at high rpm, it stops if I simply tap the top of the case.

easiest way to check is to open your pc when its on, stick your head in and listen. that should help pinpoint where its comingcoming from

 

[Computer0304]

Thanks everyone. All I wanted was to know where it was from, but you guys went further, which was not required but I do appreciate. I will mark as solved since I'm ordering a new PC later today anyway.

 

[TVeblen]

This is nothing.
Ask us about thermal paste and see what happens!

 

[Computer0304]

Haha. Very funny. :sarc: (Being sarcastic) I already know because I made long thread about the best pc build possible and I FORGOT to say that it is a fantasy build. It was 5+ pages of discussing just for a fantasy build.

 

[TVeblen]

That is nothing.
Ask us about our fantasy women!

 

[Computer0304]

But for me computers are women. I mean look at how great some of their cases look and how hot they get. I think we are getting too off topic.

 

[TVeblen]

Yes! Off topic. We are very good at that too!
Your fault - you marked it as solved.

 

[Computer0304]

Hey guys, sorry for bringing this thread back. But I wanted to add a little bit more to this thread. This year back in Winter, I have powered up this old pc to backup some more files. It rattled again like it did. Except, I put my ear next to where the case fan is and I found out the rattling was from the case fan instead! I just remembered about this and I'm going to turn it on again in May for just checking on the health of it. Can a case fan rattling cause any problems? It eventually stops anyway and the system temps are actually pretty good.

 

[TVeblen]

A noisy case fan will not cause any problems other than the noise.
Just unplug it and see if the noise goes away. That won't harm anything short term either.

If you determine it is the fan, then replace it. They are cheap ($12 US +/-).
There are of course "enthusiast" fans. These can get into the $30 US range. Necessary? Debatable.

 

[Computer0304]

Well, I have to confess that I am scared to open the PC. Will it be fine to leave it as is since it is only used every several months to check up on health?

 

[TVeblen]

I'd say so.

 

[Computer0304]

Wait, you mean I can leave it in?

 

[TVeblen]

Sure.
Eventually it will get really noisy, and then burn out and stop spinning altogether. You may get heat issues without that fan blowing.

Now, I would open up the case a test to make sure it was indeed the fan making the noise.
If it was I would replace the fan.

If you are nervous working inside a computer case then you could take it to a repair shop of retail center and have them do it.

 

[Computer0304]

Yes, I am sure it is the case fan without opening it as I have tried putting my ear next to the other side vents and it is the loudest from the one back case fan. Well since I barely use this computer anyway, only about 2-4 times a year, do I really have to replace the fan? The sound eventually stops by the way after being on for a bit of time.

 

[TVeblen]

do I really have to replace the fan?

No, you don't.