What is normal noise for a computer?

[stelly]

I doubt it. I reported the fault and said it was from the top of the machine and they reported it as a VGA card fault, although they insisted that all checks are run. However, the machine now is at a level where it is noisier than when I first sent it off. It's bugging the hell out of me. I mean, my PS3 is quieter at the moment, which is odd.

[sumsolstice]

Stelly,

If you use something like a pencil or plastic straw to temporarily "stop" the power supply fan - does the noise go away?

If so - I'd suggest contacting support and just flat out tell them - the power supply fan is making a terrible noise, recommending that you would only be satisfied with a replacement.

This all being said - I'm with Dave - from the videos posted, the noise does not sound (to me) abnormal for a PC.  But its quite possible the video recording doesn't do the sound justice.

-dm (an HP employee, but the comments/suggestions are my own, not those of my employers)  

[stelly]

sumsolstic

What sort of noise would you expect from a power supply? Ironically, my last two computers have had bad power supplies. Is it something to do maybe with the electrics in my house?

As, at this moment in time, from where I am sat; it sounds as though my computer is just going. ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR - that kind of noise.

[stelly]

UPDATE:

I pulled the computer out from the desk and it was making a buzzing noise. When lifting the computer it went away, and put it back down and it's there again. So I moved the power supply lead about a bit and the buzzing noise went. I'm concerned about the buzzing noise though as it keeps coming back. Is the power failing or something? The computer seems to run fine just noisy.