Why is the computer system unit noisy and what to do?

Noise from the system unit is always a bad sign of a computer. It should be got rid of not only because it irritates our hearing, but it can also affect the performance of the computer, as well as the wear and tear of parts. Today from this article you will learn why the computer is making noise (in particular, its system unit) and what needs to be done to remove excessive noise by returning the computer to its previous sound level during operation.

7 reasons why the system unit of the computer is noisy

Hard drive problem. The reason for the noise is the peculiarity of the hard drive. And it may not be noise, but crackling, grinding and even tapping. This is especially noticeable when you copy or write something to a hard drive. Such sounds indicate either the wear of the mechanism, or low-quality material. Therefore, noise can occur, both after a long and persistent use of the PC, and immediately after purchase. It is not worth delaying this, because if the HDD completely fails, then you will lose the files and documents stored on the computer forever and irretrievably. Therefore, you should choose a hard drive carefully, paying attention to the reviews of other owners, as well as the advice of sales consultants. Of course, our article about that is worth paying attention to.

Dusty video card. This device always creates a maximum of noise or even better to say rumble in the room. To be precise, the cooler (fan), which cools the board, is more to blame. It is often small in diameter, but even one is enough to create a loud and unpleasant noise. It is, as a rule, located "upside down" and the blades can touch the edge of the video card box. It is quite difficult to avoid such noise, it is easier to install it in your system unit. You can solve the issue without buying a new device, but this will require you to disconnect the video card from the motherboard, and then disassemble it to get to the cooler and lubricate it, which is very problematic! Also, do not forget that this component is very fragile and can be easily broken. If you still manage to get to the axis, then you need to check it for integrity, and then lubricate it with silicone oil, which will remain inside the cooler for a long time and thereby prevent noise. If the axis has already shifted and during torsion friction is created on the edges of the box, then the box can be slightly trimmed or cut down. It will not look very aesthetically pleasing, “but it’s cheap, reliable and practical” (c)!

CPU cooler clogged. Another reason that creates a lot of inconvenience to the computer user. As you know, any motherboard has a processor, which is also called a “stone”, and so a heatsink with a cooler is additionally installed on this stone. The created design is quite bulky and perfectly collects dust, since the cooler blows in air (from the system unit) to cool the radiator, which in turn transfers the temperature to the processor. As a result, a large layer of dust accumulates between the cooler and the radiator, which gradually builds up, thereby complicating the movement of the fan. The dust layer adds extra noise, and it also enters the axle, from which speed is lost, and a rumble begins to be heard. Getting rid of everything is very easy! First, disconnect the fan, clean it and the heatsink from dust. Now disassemble the radiator itself and lubricate the axis with the same silicone oil. Now assemble everything back, tightening the screws well so as not to create unnecessary vibration.

Old power supply. The power supply is the device that is recommended to be changed every 2-3 years, since it is it that is responsible for the safety of the entire PC. In addition, this time frame is just enough to dust all the internal parts of the power supply. After all, there is the same cooler that blows in air from the outside to cool the parts, as on the processor. The air contains particles of debris and dust. As a result, noises appear in the same way, as in the case of a video card or a processor cooler. However, there can be much more noise here, since the rotational speed of the power supply cooler is higher, since its diameter is larger, and to be honest, not all manufacturers think about creating a quiet fan in the power supply. Of course, you can get rid of the noise yourself by disassembling the block, cleaning it and lubricating it. But again, not all models have the ability to easily access content. Site experts strongly advise purchasing a new power supply rather than disassembling the old one, because there will be less noise from the new one, and there will be additional confidence in the health of this personal computer device.

Wrong choice of optical drive. Rarely, but it still happens that the noise is not created by the entire system unit, but only by the optical drive, which users are more familiar with under the name “CD-DVD ROM”. The reason for the noise is the rather low quality of the device. However, be careful here, noise can only occur when a disc is inserted into the optical drive. If there is nothing there, then the noise, respectively, will not come from it. If you noticed noise during the operation of this device, then we are forced to upset you, because. it is practically beyond repair. Even in warranty service centers they are not repaired, but replaced with new ones. We would generally advise you to abandon their use in favor of flash drives, since today with the help of the latter you can carry out all the same operations, even.

Cracked motherboard or other device. Noise from the system unit can come not only due to flaws in the operation of the cooler or due to manufacturing defects, but also for completely physical reasons: a cracked motherboard, large debris in the system unit, a cracked video card box, etc. This will cause all sorts of rattling and whistling due to the effect of the air pumped by the coolers on the part. To do this, you need to disassemble the system unit and check its “insides” for defects. This could only happen with a fall or an accidental/intentional impact. For example, many PC users, when they slow down, either with their feet or with their hands, angrily knock on the system unit. Such actions may cause chips, cracks, dents and similar defects.

Poor fastening of parts. If you are wondering “Why is the computer system unit making noise?”, then you need to check all the fasteners in the system unit. To do this, first open the cover of the unit. Now take a screwdriver (Phillips) and try to tighten all the screws and screws that you can see. Start with the motherboard, since a large number of components are concentrated on it, so if each of them is poorly fixed, then when they work, the “motherboard” will begin to walk in waves, each time hitting the metal case of the system unit. Next, check the fastening of the processor (especially the cooler) and the video card. Then examine the hard drive mount. If it does not have anti-noise fixation using cut-out gaskets or plastic holders, then rest assured that the noise is due to poor hard drive mounting. Therefore, try to lay a small layer of rubber between the metal beams, which would soften the vibration without spreading it throughout the system unit. Approximately also need to attach an optical drive. The last thing to check is the power supply. Tighten its mounting bolts as well. If there are additional coolers in the case of the system unit, then check them.

What to do to get rid of noise from the system unit?

If you do not see problems in the components, but simply want not to hear the operation of the computer, then you can do just a few things that will help you almost completely absorb the noise.

Change cooling system. To get rid of noise once and for all, only a cardinal change in cooling will help, namely replacing it with a liquid one. Thus, not fans will cool computer components, but liquids, using pumps, heat sinks, radiators, hoses, sensors, and similar devices. The difference will be quite noticeable, but such a system costs about 500 (and sometimes more) US dollars. Too expensive pleasure!

Change the box of the system unit. Sometimes it is enough to change the box of the system unit to reduce the noise level. For example, you can choose a box with noise and vibration isolation (or even make one yourself). Think also about the legs on which the system unit stands, they should be soft and absorb vibrations well, i.e. rubberized.

Change coolers. The best way to reduce noise (low cost and noticeable by ear) is to replace all old coolers with new, more modern and silent ones. However, here it will not be possible to waste time on trifles, otherwise you will not feel the effect as such! Some can even be configured, choosing either a quiet rotation mode, or a louder, but more powerful one (it is needed for those cases when the PC will be used for a long time without interruptions).

Spend regular. If you constantly read our magazine, then in almost every article we mention cleaning the computer, since it is really very important and useful for the system unit, so do not miss this moment from our recommendations. After all, regular reading will save you from unnecessary problems associated with noise coming from the system unit.