New computer getting louder!

[sickboy_xl]

I have a destop computer that's about 18 months old.
Intel Core i5-3570 CPU @ 3.20GHz - 16gb RAM - Win 8.1
It's been running silent as anything I've ever owned. Over the last 2 months I noticed a light hum getting louder. I opened the case, gently cleaned it out with an air compressor, and plugged it back it. I can't tell if it's the Power Source fan or the motherboard fan but it sounds like it has to be one of them, I thought it was just the dust. Nothing is loose or rattling. Just a light hum that was never there. The computer is cool as can be too. Nothing is overheating. The only thing I've done in the last couple of weeks was start running a Media Server, but the computer is still loud whether it's running or not.

Has anyone ever heard what a fairly old Xbox360 or PS3 sound like after sitting in a dusty room? It sounds like a little mini-vacuum cleaner running under the cover. That's what my PC is starting to sound like. Any suggestions?

 

[Ecky]

Could be a mechanical hard drive, possibly.

We can't tell you what it is from here. I recommend trying to isolate the noise.. Stick your head in the case and listen around, maybe use the center of a paper towel roll. If that fails, use your finger to stop the CPU fan for a moment and see if the noise goes away. Ditto for other fans.

 

[sickboy_xl]

Could be a mechanical hard drive, possibly.

We can't tell you what it is from here. I recommend trying to isolate the noise.. Stick your head in the case and listen around, maybe use the center of a paper towel roll. If that fails, use your finger to stop the CPU fan for a moment and see if the noise goes away. Ditto for other fans.

I'll power down and take it apart again. I try and stop the fan.
How can I stop the Power source fan? It's in it's own casing.

 

[Ecky]

Could be a mechanical hard drive, possibly.

We can't tell you what it is from here. I recommend trying to isolate the noise.. Stick your head in the case and listen around, maybe use the center of a paper towel roll. If that fails, use your finger to stop the CPU fan for a moment and see if the noise goes away. Ditto for other fans.

I'll power down and take it apart again. I try and stop the fan.
How can I stop the Power source fan? It's in it's own casing.

You could try using the eraser-end of a pencil to touch the hub of the fan, gently slowing it down.

 

[sickboy_xl]

I am powering down. I have a quick errand to run. I will be back online within 90 minutes and post the results of what i find. Thanks for the help so far. Stay tuned.

 

[sickboy_xl]

I opened it up and stopped both the intel fan and the power source fan. I released the intel fan to hear a very very soft whirring sound. Letiiing go of the power source fan revealed most of my issue. It makes the hum once the fan hits full speed. It never did this before. I have air compressed through the vent in the back as well as through the fan itself several times. Theres no dust in there.

I should also note, my original power source died for no particular reason. This one was installed about 9 months ago and has been running silently until recently. So its pretty much new! Any suggestions?

 

[Ecky]

You could either:

1) RMA the unit

2) Replace the fan yourself - I've done this, it's possible to do so safely, but be careful

3) Replace the unit

What brand power supply? If it's a high quality unit, you can probably ignore option #3.

 

[sickboy_xl]

Thermaltake TR2 500W. Its a good one.
Sorry. What does rma mean.
.

 

[Ecky]

Thermaltake TR2 500W. Its a good one.
Sorry. What does rma mean.
.

"Return Merchandise Authorization"

Basically, it's taking advantage of your warranty. You can either return it to the place you bought it, or you can contact Thermaltake about an exchange.

Considering you'll probably have to cover shipping costs, a new fan might actually be cheaper, but you'll want to be handy with a soldering iron.

 

[sickboy_xl]

Thanks for the assisstance. Most helpful.

"If at first you don't succeed...skydiving probably isn't for you."