computer noise
 

Hi, I have an HP computer that's about 9 years old. I've had a high pitched noise coming from the computer for about a year now. It's not the monitor or the dsl modem. I never hear this noise when I'm using the computers at the library, or if someone is using their laptop.

what's wrong with mine? Do I need a new one? How do i know the new one won't make this same noise?

thanks, diana

computers have a few fans inside to keep it cool - 1 in the power supply , 1 on top of the cpu, and sometimes another case fan.

the bearings in the fan can get dirty or just wear out.

1st step is to really listen and try to locate the area where the noise is coming from.
this page shows a generic desktop pc with locations of main parts.
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ad...ard-drive1.htm

Do you have someone handy that has opened a computer case up before?
(only if not under warranty anymore- opening the case usually will void any warranty)

At 9 yrs old it could also be the hard drive so if the noise is coming from it during boot up and when the drive is being accessed might be time for a new drive.
But a 9 yr old pc is probably pretty slow unless it has had some upgrades already.

this site has tips on safe computer case opening & how to clean inside etc.
http://tips4pc.com/articles/computer..._case_safe.htm

Yeah, the noise turns on right when I turn the computer on and doesn't stop til I turn it off. For an older computer is it worth it to get a new hard drive or should I just get a new computer?

thanks

Prices have come down so much, I think you'd be amazed at the speediness of the new computers, if you can afford it I'd suggest a new one. Lots of changes from 9 yrs ago.
They have improved and are sooo much faster now.

Many shopping sites have reviews as well as consumer guide websites to help you find what you may need.

Or give yours a good cleaning and see if the noise stops.

thanks so much for your help!