noise from power supply

Hello,
I started hearning a noise coming from the back of my computer -- sounds like crickets. I believe it is coming from the power supply. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Jeena

 

Dust may be starting to build up and block the fan or the bearings of the fan may be breaking down. Usually, if you carefully put you finger somewhere near the fan, you can feel it vibrating and may change tone. There will be one or two other fans inside the case, so check it is not one of those (run with the panel/cover off the case).

If you have not cleaned out the dust from the inside of the case (recently), open it up, loosen the dust with a soft brush, then take it outside and blow the dust out. You can get cans of compressed air from an electronics store (eg, Radio Shack) or even an office suppliers.

You will need to look into the vents of the power supply to see if there is major build up of dust. Blowing with the compressed air should remove the majority.

If you think it may be the bearings of the fan, telephone a few computer repairers and ask how much it would cost to replace the fan. If you were to take the power supply out of the case and take it to the repairer it may only cost a few dollars.

Matt

 

If your PSU fan really is on its way out, you may have to weigh the cost of getting it repaired or buying a new PSU. I have quality PSUs in systems that cost me as little as $35 (e.g. a ThermalTake 420W that's been going for two years without trouble). It's hard to find anyone who'll lift a finger for less than $60 (in the US anyway).

And just FYI, this is not a do-it-yourself project except for advanced users who are "experienced with electricity" due to the big and dangerous capacitors inside your power supply. I won't do that kind of repair.

As Matt stated, your best bet is to start with compressed air.

Gary