E6400: High pitched beeping sound coming from my keyboard?

Its in the center of the keyboard, its quite low in volume but a very high pitched, consistent beeping noise.
I used to think it was just my hard drive but I just put in a brand new SSD and I have the same problem.

Its pretty annoying when working in a very quiet space.

Any ideas?

 

High-pitched metallic noise? Might be when the CPU changes speed to save power. Try running a program that generates CPU load to see if it goes away.

 

No difference.
Very often I am running multiple load generating programs and the sound stays the same throughout.

 

Do you have a video of the noise? Have you tried like a Linux live disc to rule out drivers vs hardware?

 

I dont see how I could effectively tape this noise...

The best description I can give is the same high pitched buzzing you get when you have a bulb thats very low on a dimmer?

I dont know what a Linux live disc is

 

Knoppix is an example of a Live Linux CD/DVD. Have you tried removing the keyboard while the system is on, so you can try to figure out what component is causing the sound. My guess would be it is coming from the video chip...

 

I should probably give that a try.

I dont think I know what Knoppix is either...

 

Google it, download it, burn it to a DVD or CD depending on which version you download. I honestly believe unscrewing the keyboard, and starting the laptop up with it loose waiting for the sound and lifting the keyboard to get a better idea where the sound is coming from. Also, based on what you said, power regulator on the MB or the video chip would be my guess. Have you tried tightening the case screws on the bottom. Dell laptops screws have abad habit of coming loose, or not being tight from the factory. On my brand new E6420 4 of the screws needed at least a half a turn to be tight, 1 needed a turn and a half.

 

OK-so finally got around to removing the keyboard and the sound is definitely electrical (as opposed to structural) and is coming from the upper right hand corner (or in that general vicinity-its very hard to tell).
I checked all the connections and all seems good.

Whats my next step? The sound is driving me nuts and is making it difficult to concentrate.

 

Do you have anything next to your laptop that could possibly cause interference? Also, just to be sure, your plug is grounded correct?