skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Computer making a buzzing sound

10 years ago

When I start up the computer or when it comes off "sleep," there is a buzzy vibration for several seconds, then it goes away. Computer seems to work fine otherwise. Would that be a fan inside?

Featured Answer

plllog

10 years ago

It sounds like a fan to me. Has it always made that sound? If the sound is new, it could be a drive going wonky, or a dusty fan, or something else. Is this the kind of computer that has a case you can open up? If so, do that and see if there are clumps of dust. The electronics attract it. You can remove the clumps with your fingers, being careful not to touch the works. Don't use canned air or anything to blow inside unless you really know what you're doing or you can blow the dust into bits where it can cause worse problems. If you have a low powered handheld vacuum, you can also slip an old stocking over the suction end and carefully vacuum around. Don't touch stuff with it -- just let it suck up the dust it can, being careful not to pull at any wires.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

socks
Original Author
10 years ago
That's what I'm thinking, plllog, dust. I don't have the courage to do what you suggested. I'll let it go a little longer, until it's really bothersome, and then take up to our local computer guys. Thank you for your reply.
Related Discussions
LG Fridge Makes a Loud Buzzing Sound
Q
Comments (1)
Harrah007: No idea what is causing the problem. Several years ago our oven broke & we had a very difficult time getting Sears to honor its warranty. My wife documented each contact and service attempt, as well as the problems and wrote a letter to BBB, the CEO & then the state regulator for consumer affairs. It was the response to the last that got action. Hopefully yours will come more swiftly than that. Bon Joon Koo is the CEO of LG Electronics, Inc. http://www.lg.com/global/investor-relations/company-info/overview Of course, if you don't feel like starting a "federal case" & no free advice is forthcoming, maybe you could just pay for the service.
...See More
Buzzing sound in newly finished basement
Q
Comments (10)
Will a circuit toner signal be attenuated by a transformer? If so, would turning off the power and attaching the toner to the doorbell leads help locate the transformer? Before ripping into any drywall, why not check all accessible junction boxes first? Often (not always), the transformer is not given its own box and just attached to a box that is close to the door switch-bell line. That box should still be accessible and you should be able to tell the one that has the transformer by looking from inside the box. BTW, this is the exact reason that before drywall is installed, I take extensive pictures including closeups of any junction box. Each picture covers around a 4' x 10' section, with closeups being as close in as possible to have the junction box (and incoming wires) fill the field of view.
...See More
buzzing sound when I turn on lights
Q
Comments (9)
I have had cfl bulbs in all my bathrooms for years with no problems. What you need to do is get rid of the dimmer switch which probably is the source of the buzzing. dimmer switches do not work with the compact florescent bulbs unless they are specified for use with a dimmer. these type are hard to find though. The electronics in these type of bulbs are sealed and work fine in a humid environment. I have also had them in outside fixtures that are open on the bottom and they have been out there for a couple of years and they still function fine. Plus they also work fine during the winter when it gets down around zero. They just take longer to warm up and they are not the outdoor cfl's The electronics in these bulbs are sealed enough for the use in the slightly humid environment of a bathroom. the one bathroom we use them in presently has no bath fan and does get very humid and the bulbs in use have been in there for at least 2 years and not one of them has burnt out yet. Go ahead and use them AFTER removing the dimmer switch.
...See More
Buzzing sound
Q
Comments (35)
I have the exact same problem, but I do know where the noise is coming from in my case, I just can't get anyone to do anything about it. It's coming from the electrical meter and I'm willing to bet this situation is exactly the same given the meter is right outside the bedroom. The noise has also been driving me nuts to the point where I have turned EVERYTHING off in the house by using the main circuit in the panel box and yet I still heard the noise. When I finally put my ear to where I thought the sound was coming from, I could feel the a vibration in the wall as well (bet if you felt your wall around where you think the noise is coming from, you'll feel the same thing). Since I knew there was nothing inside making the noise and nothing in the wall that could make it, since the power was off, I looked outside...and voila, the electrical meter was right there on the other side of the wall where I heard the noise and felt the vibration. I called the power company who came and removed the meter to inspect it, but they didn't find anything wrong; they did say that the conduit that is attached to the house and that the main electrical wires run through from outside to inside my house was a little loose and may be vibrating. I fixed that and still hear the noise. It's the meter..100% sure! But they say it's not.
...See More
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
10 years ago
Dust is one of the big problems for computers. It accumulates quickly and gets really dense in the tower. It causes overheating which can destroy many components in the tower. It can clog up fans and motors, fans that are so clogged with dust bunnies can not turn so causes even more heat buildup.

Opening the side of the case is relatively easy, once you have fully disconnected it from all power of course, and you can take a look at the condition of the inside of the tower. I have seen some so packed with dust you actually could not see anything but the dust packed in there. This is especially true for towers kept on the floor. I would never put one on the floor.

Keep in mind that buzzing sound now could prevent the total death of the computer. If you ignore it and dust is the cause the heat buildup will continue to damage the system.

You definitely don't want to see this!
socks
Original Author
10 years ago
Raven, thanks for the pic. Looks like King tut's tomb! I'll take it in to the shop.
socks
Original Author
10 years ago
In case anyone cares---Just to follow up, I took the computer the shop. When it was booted, it did not make a sound. (It was sitting on a carpeted surface, not hard like my desk.) When it was opened to check for dust, the tech pointed out that a two screws were missing from the side panel. ??? They blew out the dust. I took it home, and now it's quiet.

I suspect the panel was loose and that's what vibrated and buzzed when the computer was working. Good to get it blown out though. The fan blades were at least half covered with dust.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
10 years ago
Good maintenance is always a plus. Glad it was minor!
Elmer J Fudd
10 years ago
Are you suggesting there's some kind of physical maintenance that laptops and desktops need periodically? That's new to me but I'm always open to learn. What steps would be included?
socks
Original Author
10 years ago
Good question, Snidely. Probably blowing out the dust at least, maybe more. Raven?

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Generate Buzz as a Beekeeper

Fresh honey and happy flowers are just two of the perks of a backyard beehive. These 5 guidelines will help you get started

MORE ROOMS Home Tech: Getting Rid of Wires Without Sacrificing Sound

By Laura Heller

Wireless home technology still isn't perfect, but new products are giving audiophiles choices

HOME TECH What Chipotle and Radiohead Can Teach Us About Sound Quality at Home

By Mitchell Parker

Contemporary designs filled with glass and concrete can be hostile environments for great sound quality. Here's how to fix that

HOUSEKEEPING What's That Sound? 9 Home Noises and How to Fix Them

By Mitchell Parker

Bumps and thumps might be driving you crazy, but they also might mean big trouble. We give you the lowdown and which pro to call for help

HOME TECH Tote Your Tunes to Any Room With a Portable Wi-Fi Sound System

Free your home's music setup from wires with Wi-Fi speakers that let you take high-quality audio anywhere

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Sound Advice for Designing a Home Music Studio

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

How to unleash your inner guitar hero without antagonizing the neighbors

FEEL-GOOD HOME What Really Makes Us Happy at Home? Find Out From a New Houzz Survey

By Mitchell Parker

Great design has a powerful impact on our happiness in our homes. So do good cooking smells, family conversations and, yes, big-screen TVs

HOME TECH Why Google Just Paid $3.2 Billion for a Company That Makes Thermostats

By Mitchell Parker

Smart home technology just got a new champion — and everyone is speculating about the reasons

DECORATING GUIDES Make All White Look So Right

By Lisa Frederick

All-white rooms are harder than they look. Here's how to blend white tones for pure perfection in bathrooms, kitchens and more

SMALL SPACES How Portability Can Make You Happier at Home

Downsizing your stuff and going for maximum mobility can actually make your home feel bigger and your life feel fuller

Sponsored

Everingham Design

Columbus' Home Design Experts Specializing in Custom Cabinets

More Discussions

Still frosted and still learning

125

Is Wayfare opening a store near you? -didn't evenknow they had stores.

22

Hurricane Isaias — How are folks doing?

12

Sunday Brain Game

4

Monday's Daily Quiz

10