HP Tower fan super loud

[21359862834]

Hey, I recently purchased a HP Pavilion Tower, and the fan is way louder than it should be. The computer was bought as open-box, but this isn't an issue with the condition of the computer. The fan just operates at a weird level. Is there a way to slow it down? I can understand if it's processing a lot, but even after start-up with no processes running, the fan is just extra loud. Any advice?

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@21359862834,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

Congrats on your new (open-box) HP Pavilion TP01-2000a -though I understand how frustrating a loud fan can be, especially when the system isn’t under load.

Here are a few things you can try to diagnose and reduce the noise:

---

1. Check for High Background Activity:

Even if it seems idle, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and look at the CPU usage. Sometimes Windows updates or indexing services are running in the background right after first boot. If usage is high, give it some time -it may settle down.

In Task Manager, go to the "Startup" tab, and review under "Status" the programs that are "Enabled" (starting up when your turn on your PC), and if you know what you are doing, 'disable' any programs that you don't need right off the bat, so to speak. However, if you are not sure, better not to touch it.

---

2. Monitor Temperatures:

Download a freeware utility such as Core Temp or HWMonitor to see your CPU temps. If it's running hot even at idle (say, over 50–60°C), that could be why the fan is ramping up.

---

3. Inspect the Cooling Setup:

Since it was an open-box system, it’s worth checking:

• Is the CPU fan seated properly?

• Is there sufficient thermal paste between the CPU and heatsink?

• Are there dust or obstructions inside the case?

• Does the system use only a small stock fan with poor airflow?

---

4. Adjust Fan Settings (if available):

Unfortunately, many HP BIOS setups don’t allow fan curve customization. But if yours does, enter BIOS (usually Esc or F10 at startup) and look for thermal or fan control settings.

---

5. Software Fan Control (limited support):

Programs like SpeedFan or Argus Monitor can sometimes control fan speeds, but most HP systems don’t support third-party fan control due to locked-down firmware.

---

6. Hardware Upgrade (optional):

If the fan noise is a constant issue, you could consider:

• Replacing the CPU fan with a quieter aftermarket cooler (e.g., Noctua, Arctic, or Thermalright low-profile coolers — depending on case clearance).

• Adding a case exhaust fan to improve airflow and lower internal temps.

---

Let me know what you find -and if you’d like help picking a quiet aftermarket fan, I’d be happy to suggest one based on your setup.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[21359862834]

Hey, I appreciate the troubleshooting steps. I believe the fan noise is a constant issue, and I'd be interested to install a quiet aftermarket fan. Could you let me know of your suggestions?

[NonSequitur777]

@21359862834,

Thanks for the follow-up — glad to hear you're interested in installing a quieter aftermarket fan setup. I’ve worked on a very similar model (HP Pavilion TP01-3003w), and I can confirm a few things that will apply to your TP01-2000a platform as well:

---

CPU Cooler Upgrade (Optional):

Your system came with HP’s stock low-profile radial (top-down) CPU cooler, which tends to be noisy and not very efficient.

Swapping it out for a medium-sized tower-style air cooler like I did with a higher quality, quieter fan can make a big difference in both noise levels and thermals.

Recommended Quiet CPU Cooler:

This is a great option that will fit in your TP01 chassis and offers much quieter performance:

• Thermalright Peerless Assassin 90 SE (white or black) – Affordable, quiet, and performs very well, easily exceeds the HP stock CPU heatsink/cooling fan performance

---

CPU &/or Rear Case Fan Upgrade:

The CPU and/or rear exhaust fan:

• ARCTIC P9 PWM PST – Reliable, budget-friendly fan, and quiet.

• Noctua NF-A9 PWM – Premium fan with great airflow and ultra-low noise.

• Thermalright TL-P9 – Another excellent quiet fan option.

Since your motherboard has a 4-pin fan headers, always go for the 4-pin PWM versions -they’ll allow the fan speed to ramp up/down automatically depending on system load. Otherwise, a 3-pin version will still work (just at a fixed speed unless your BIOS allows voltage control).

Let me know your exact CPU model if you'd like me to double-check compatibility or help pick the best option!  Your PC is either fitted with the Stark motherboard (SSID: 8860), meaning, you got an Intel Core processor such as an i5-11400, or your PC is fitted with the Erica6 motherboard (SSID: 8906), meaning, you got an AMD Ryzen processor, such as a Ryzen 5 5600G.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[21359862834]

Thanks, this was all extremely helpful. I have the AMD Ryzen version, so that would be the Erica 6 motherboard (SSID: 8906). 

[NonSequitur777]

@21359862834,

The part numbers I provided should all be compatible with your PC.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777