Ask questions via twitter! Message any question to @answers on twitter. We'll publish the question and send you a reply each time there's a new answer.
Next Question

Answered Question

follyofer... follyofer...
 

Mahalo is adding a tip to all questions that don't offer a tip.
M$1.00  Funded By Mahalo ? |  April 03, 2009 02:29 PM

My desktop computer recently started making a periodic high-pitched whine.

It really sounds like something needs to be oiled. Which part is likely the problem? Is this something I can fix at home or does it require a technician?
Interesting Question?  Yes (0)   No (0)   
RSS
 
 

Best Answer  Decided by Votes

drmatt drmatt
 
 April 03, 2009 02:47 PM
If you're able to open up your computer, you can listen and identify a bit better where the whine is coming from. You might not need a technician depending on the source.

If you can open up your machine, this might be a good time to clean out any dust you might see in there. A vacuum hose will suck most of that out. Don't use anything wet to clean it out unless you know what you're doing...

If it's coming from the large, rectangular boxes (hard drive(s)), then you'll probably need a tech (be sure to back up all your data before taking it to any tech.

If it's coming from the fans, you'll probably be able to clean out the dust and put a drop of oil on the bearing yourself.

If it's coming from the monitor, then you'll probably have to have a tech look at it.

I can't think of any other sources. CD/DVD mechanics? That's about it...
Source(s):
Worked years as a computer repair tech...



Helpful Answer?  (2)   (0)   

Helpful: mrnemo, srgothard

Tip drmatt for this answer
Permalink | Report
Voted as best: cynthiag, srgothard, rickg, bbrookin
   Reply  
 
 
cynthiag cynthiag
 
April 07, 2009 03:20 PM
This detailed explanation is very helpful. I had a similar problem and as a non-technical person, I was able to replace an offending fan without too much trouble.

Report
 
 

Other Answers (3)

Sort By
pigeon4 pigeon4
 
April 03, 2009 02:36 PM
If it's coming from you're actual PC and not out of the speakers it could mean that you're hard-drive is going out. If it persists I'd have it check out, but I'm fairly sure the only thing you could do for it is back up the files you need and buy a new hard drive to switch them to.

Theres also a possibility that it's one of your fans going out in which case you would just need to replace that single fans. It would run you around $10-$20
Source(s):
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/666289.html


Helpful Answer?  (2)   (0)   

Helpful: drmatt, srgothard

Tip pigeon4 for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
drmatt drmatt
 
April 03, 2009 02:42 PM
If it's the fan, you might want to first try and vacuum out the dirt and dust. You could also add a bit of oil to the fan bearing.

Report
 
 
jellylala jellylala
 
April 03, 2009 03:20 PM
Does it sound like a whine? Or more like a siren?

If it sounds like a siren, then it's your computer trying to tell you its overheating. Check your fan and make sure it is working properly and open up your case and use either a vacuum hose like drmatt suggested or use a can of air to clear out any dust piling up. Make sure your vents are clear and get your PC up off the floor if you can.

Also, dust and vacuum the area where you keep your PC, to keep dust from building up in the computer.
Source(s):
personal experience.


Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip jellylala for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
mrnemo mrnemo
 
April 03, 2009 03:56 PM
From your short description ("whine"), it is almost immediately evident to me that it is either the CPU fan or a case fan. Open the case (vacuum it out while you're there), stop or slow down one fan at a time with an eraser or something until you identify the noise. Replace the fan. This is very simple.

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip mrnemo for this answer
Permalink | Report
Voted as best: masontx
   Reply  
 
 

Answer this Question

How tips and payments work

This question has already been resolved. You may add an answer to it but you will not be eligible to win best answer or any associated tips.

Related Questions

View All Desktops Questions

Ask a Question


140 characters left
Top of Page
Buy Mahalo Dollars with Credit Card or PayPal

Top Members

This Week All Time
  • cfinke
    cfinke
    2nd Degree Black Belt
    27126 Points
    M$29.75 Earned
  • bunnyphuph...
    bunnyphuph...
    2nd Degree Black Belt
    21128 Points
    M$760.89 Earned
  • thisjustme
    thisjustme
    Green Belt
    1155 Points
    M$76.30 Earned
   See All
 

Most Popular Tags

mahalo(1776)
twitter(972)
music(494)
iphone(485)
google(388)
online(354)
food(339)
internet(309)
beer(284)
money(283)
movies(278)
facebook(270)
apple(259)
answers(241)
aotd(235)
free(230)
health(228)
video(222)
dog(212)
windows(211)
   See All
 

Categories

Welcome New Members


 
 
Mahalo Dollars are the currency of Mahalo Answers.

Each Mahalo Dollar costs $1.

Once you earn more than 40 Mahalo Dollars, you can request to be paid via PayPal. Each Mahalo Dollar is currently worth $0.75 when paid out via PayPal. Learn More

 
 

Please log in to use this function.

Answers Home | Ask a Question | Earn Points | How Tips Work | Widget