Loud computer and laptop fans are a clue that something isn’t quite right, especially if the noise lasts for a long time. When a fan makes a lot of noise, it’s because it’s overworked and doing more than it should. A fan’s job is to keep the computers inside cool, and if it fails to do so, heat will build up. Some of the problems you’re likely to encounter have to do with the computer’s speed and efficiency.
If the temperature rises too high, the computer will shut down to prevent irreversible harm. There’s a good chance you’ll have issues starting up your machines, such as endless reboots or a dark startup screen. For example, a noisy power supply unit could be caused by a worn-out PSU fan or an undesired substance on the fan. You can lessen noise by changing the fan or cleaning it clogged with dust and other contaminants.
The power supply is, without a doubt, the minor magnetic component of a computer. Not surprisingly, it is frequently overlooked and has the smallest budget allocation in most PC designs. That’s also why, in most noisy computers, the PSU is to blame. We’ll look at how your power supply can make a racket and how to eliminate power supply fan noise in this article.
Ways of reducing the power supply fan noise
1. Check whether the PSU fan is clear
If your computer is making a loud and harsh noise, the first thing you should do is open the case and check that the PSU fan blades are clear of obstructions. Despite the protective grill, errant cables are known to intrude into the fan blades. Simply securing the thing protruding into the PSU fan will solve the problem.
When the source of the impediment is internal, however, things become more complicated. At all costs, resist the urge to disassemble the power source yourself. The massive capacitors can store enough electrical potential to kill you even when the device is turned off. Would you mind leaving this to the experts and bringing the power supply to an authorized service center?
2. Inspect if the fan is worn-out
If the harsh/buzzing noises continue without any sign of obstruction, the fan bearing will likely be worn out. Fans with sleeve-bearing fans are used in older and less expensive PSUs, and they are known for creating unpleasant noises near the end of their life cycle. The sleeve-bearing fans can either be re-oiled or replaced entirely to solve the problem. That, however, cannot be done without dismantling the power supply. Under no circumstances do we advise you to do such.
3. Check the screws that hold the case together
PC builders are notorious for skimping on PSU screws or forgetting to tighten them. The whirling mass of the built-in fan can produce vibrations loud enough to be audible if your PSU isn’t attached to the chassis. It’s just a matter of replacing any missing screws or tightening the loose ones.
4. Check for blockages in the air intake and exhaust systems
Mesh filters are commonly seen on PC components that draw in air for dust management. These filtered intakes tend to collect dust over time and become clogged. The PSU fan is no different. Because it frequently draws in air from the bottom of the case, it is prone to clogging. Being thrown to the ground doesn’t help matters much.
The fan will run faster and louder if the PSU air inlet is obstructed. To avoid this problem, clean the PSU fan filter/intake regularly. Avoid putting the case’s back panel too close to a wall or blocking the PSU’s exhaust mesh in any way. Failure to do so will result in increased heat buildup and, as a result, increased fan noise.
5. Could you keep it away from the carpet?
This recommendation isn’t just for laptops; it also applies to desktop PCs. If you have thick carpets, you’ll need to either put the computer case on a desk or use a trolley to lift it off the ground. Thick carpets can obstruct the bottom PSU fan intake, making it noisier.
6. Check to see if the power supply is angled correctly
That is a common blunder made by both inexperienced PC builders and renowned technology media companies. All desktop PC cases aim to put power supplies in a specified configuration for optimal cooling by providing proper air intake and exhaust. If you mount the PSU incorrectly, you risk impeding crucial cooling airflow. Excessive fan noise is a symptom of this installation issue. It could potentially be a fire hazard.
7. Coil whining should not be ruled out
After you’ve exhausted all of the tried-and-true remedies, try something else. Coil whining can be as loud as a malfunctioning fan and is far more challenging to identify. It appears as a harsh buzzing noise that rises and falls in response to changes in PC activity. Inductors or power coils on the PSU’s printed circuit board produce coil whining. Once you’ve isolated the offender, put your ear towards the GPU, motherboard, and power supply.
When the vibration frequency matches the inductors’ natural resonance frequency, these power-conditioning components tend to vibrate in tandem with high-frequency currents flowing through them, resulting in a buzzing sound.
Most well-designed PSUs eliminate this irritating occurrence through better design and the use of vibration/sound-absorbing materials on these components. Replacements for premium/high-performance units with significant coil whining are available from reputable PSU manufacturers.
8. Keeping your power supply in the sweet spot
A computer power supply unit (PSU) must convert alternating electricity from a wall outlet into the direct current required by PC components. This AC-to-DC conversion has inefficiencies that are transferred to heat. Computer power supplies are most efficient when required to produce between 40 and 60% of their total rated output.
When the PSU is pushed to supply power outside of this sweet zone, it becomes inefficient. In other words, a PSU rated at 1000 watts that only supplies 950 watts is inadequate. Heat is dissipated through the power-delivery components as a result of this inefficiency. As a result, the cooling fan is forced to work harder, contributing to overall loudness.
9. To keep things quiet, undervolting is used
Overclocking is the polar opposite of undervoting. Simply put, it entails lowering the maximum voltage delivered to crucial processing components like the CPU and GPU.
By lowering the voltage to these components, the overall power consumed by the PSU is reduced, as it is the total heat dissipated by the PSU. Your computer and power supply will also run much more relaxed and quieter as a result of this. Although this procedure is time-consuming, it is viable if all other options have failed to make your PSU run quietly.
Frequently asked questions:
- Why is the Microsoft fan running all the time?
The issue you’re having with the Surface Pro 3’s fan always running could be a software issue. That could indicate that a parameter is incorrectly configured or that a specific driver is not installed correctly.
Conclusion
While all of these solutions will help to some extent, there isn’t much you can do if you’re using an inexpensive power supply. That’s a wrong notion because low-quality power supplies are to blame for most system instability problems and crucial component failures.
Knowing how to spot a failing power supply is a good thing. Make sure your computer is clean and has an adequate area to breathe. That will keep it more hygienic and quieter, especially if you live in a dusty area or frequently overclock.
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