If you have used your computer for a number of hours, you may have noticed that your computer will start to make a loud, whirling noise. This noise is a common problem that is caused by a loud cooling fan. Cooling fans are essential components of a computer that reduce the amount of heat that is being created by a number of other pieces of hardware from the computer.
While cooling fan noises can be annoying, there isn’t much that can be done to eliminate the noise completely. However, there are several troubleshooting tips that you can use to try to reduce the amount of noise the cooling fan is creating. Here is a look at some of the ways you can reduce the noise that comes from a cooling fan on a computer.
Compressed Air. Many cooling fans are noisy because they have a build up of dirt and dust on them. This build up causes them to work faster and the faster a fan works the louder it sounds. To rid the cooling fans of dust and dirt you simply open up the back of a computer or laptop and lightly spray the compressed air on the cooling fans. If you are uncomfortable with spraying compressed air, you can use a light brush to brush out the dirt and dust from the fans.
Replace the Fans. When the computer is turned on, take note of which fans sound as if they are rattling or grinding. When the computer is turned off, open up the computer and take a look at the cooling fans. If the fan looks lose just tighten it up with a twist of a screwdriver. If the fan looks like it is worn out or resists turning, you may need to replace the whole fan. Cooling fan parts can be found at a local computer parts store and are easy to replace.