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    Fan Noise!

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by charlesb80, Mar 20, 2007.

  1. charlesb80

    charlesb80 Notebook Geek NBR Reviewer

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    Hi guys!

    What kind of sounds do your fans make? We have one that is quite loud, then it makes a kind of gurgling sound, then after about 5 minutes it is silent. Is this a sign of potential fan death or is it something that others here have had with their machines for ages?

    What do your fans sound like?

    Charles
     
    charlesb80, Mar 20, 2007
    #1
  2. Thibault

    Thibault Banned

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    How old is your laptop? Did it always make those sounds?

    You should read the Guide to Cooling Down Your Notebook Computer.
    Your fan could just be very dirty and in need of a cleaning. It's a good idea to clean out your laptop once and awhile since dust will accumulate.
     
    Thibault, Mar 20, 2007
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  3. Zero

    Zero The Random Guy

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    Thibault gives som every good advice. If you have had the ntoebook for a long time, then the fan bearings may have reached the end of their life, and are causing the fan to grind and cause the noise. It is not very helpful, as the cooling for the processor can be compromised.
     
    Zero, Mar 20, 2007
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  4. ikovac

    ikovac Cooler and faster... NBR Reviewer

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    Try compressed air. If it still makes noise, open the notebook and check if it can be moved freely and easily with your fingers. If you can try removing it from the fan frame and clean it with some WD40. Dry it thoroughly. If it is still hard to move or still makes whizzing sounds then read further.

    I have fixed a few with the good old bearing grease. The oil that is usually inside is very light and actually I feel it doesn't help too much if the bearing spends all the time in one position (like in the laptop). It goes down to one place and stays there. Lithium grease I think it is called - thick substance that can be like pressed into the bearing (into the small space around the axis) once you remove the sticker. The sticker glue sometimes gets dissolved in the oil at high temperatures and makes it sticky. So in my opinion when there is nothing to lose anyway I would remove it and apply some of that grease. I used to do it while the fan was on so it immediately went into the bearing and the sound stopped. I still have the same fan in the old notebook and it works normally. Of course I would recommend this only to the skilled people with old computers, because you could do some damage if you are clumsy or just unlucky.

    Cheers,

    Ivan
     
    ikovac, Mar 20, 2007
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