Hello everybody,

I was recently pointed out that my PC has a loud high pitched shrilling noise coming from the tower - it is very similar to what you hear when your ears are ringing. It is definately not the fan, and I am almost certain that it is not the CD drive. I wanted to know - A) is this something to be concerned about? and B) If there is a possible way to stop it... I think that it would probably be a good thing as it seems to really bug everyone who uses my computer.

As a final note - it's not really, really loud, but you can hear it faintly in the room nextdoor if my door is open.

Thankyou very much.

This may or may not be based upon your description, but check the cpu heatsink/fan for built up dust etc. Many mobos utilize a shrill "siren" to indicate cpu overheating.

Check also if there is nothing loose inside your tower, like a screw or the heatsink clip...

QUOTE

This may or may not be based upon your description, but check the cpu heatsink/fan for built up dust etc. Many mobos utilize a shrill "siren" to indicate cpu overheating.

Sounds reasonable, however I'd expect the computer to start silently and then this noise starts up as the machine warms up, possibly getting worse the longer it's turned on (from cold).

Does it sound as if the noise is being produced electronically or as if something is grating / a bearing is worn?

In addition, remember that there are usually at least one case fan for exhausting hot air in addition to the CPU heatsink fan and the power supply fan. ..And don't forget to check your power supply fan. Make sure the rear exhaust isn't stuffed with dust. If the sound is coming from it, it will need to be replaced. A pretty good way to discover hard-to-find noises is to use the old car-mechanic's trick - take small, metal rod or tube and press one end on the fan, and the other end against your ear. If there is a squeal or bearing rattle you will hear it clearly coming through.

Also, on certain rare occasions, older CRT monitors sometimes develop a high squeal. It is quite rare, and I can't remember the reason why, but with the advent of LCD flatpanels that problem has mostly gone away.

Good hunting!

QUOTE (ranchhand @ Apr 27 2005, 06:47 AM)

Also, on certain rare occasions, older CRT monitors sometimes develop a high squeal. It is quite rare,

I had it happen to me on two monitors (including the one I tossed in November when it finally died).

I wouild have sworn it was coming from the case at first. It took me a while to realize it was the monitor.

Thank you so much everybody for helping me out - I haven't checked it out yet (I just read the tips) but once I try all of this, I will update and say if it got fixed and how, and if not... well.... hopefully I'll have a better idea what the problem is. Thanks!

Danpenny: Cool I will check that out I remember the inside of my PC being pretty dusty when I put in the wireless network card.

Ranchand: Whoa - cool tip! After cleaning it out, I will try that to try and pinpoint where the sound is coming from.

Efabes: Nope - this definately isn't coming from my monitor - when I shut it off it's fine, and it gets louder as I put my ear near the PC.

Angoid: No it definately doesn't kick in after the computer has warmed up - it starts as soon as I push the power button.

Ironbender: I will check for loose parts - thank you!