Very loud and clunky fan noise

[Cadian]

So every now and then my laptop had started to make a very loud and strange whirring noise, almost like an engine. I don't feel air being pushed out of the computer when this happens and it's loud enough to where I have to shut down the computer everytime. Doesn't always happen the instant I open the computer either, frequently it will start up with a quieter but still loud noise and go for a few minutes to a few hours before the noise starts back up. I've tried using compressed air, messing with the tightness of the fan screws, and running a diagnostic on the computer but nothing seems to have worked. Hoping there is an easy fix that wouldn't require a repair as I don't have warranty anymore and need it quickly for college.

[Sneha_01]

Hi @Cadian 

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It sounds like you're dealing with a cooling fan issue in your laptop. While it's good that you've tried a few initial troubleshooting steps, the fact that the noise persists suggests there might be a deeper issue with the fan or the cooling system. Here are some additional things you can try:

1. Check for Dust or Debris Inside the Fan

• Even though you've used compressed air, make sure you're thoroughly cleaning the fan area. Sometimes dust can accumulate in hard-to-reach spots that compressed air can't fully clear out.
• If you're comfortable with it, consider opening up the laptop (if possible) to inspect and clean it more thoroughly. You could also use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently clean the fan blades and surrounding areas.

2. Fan Health Check

• A loud, whirring noise often points to a failing fan. The bearing inside the fan could be damaged or it may have a build-up of dust causing resistance.
• If you're able to access the fan, try to manually spin the fan with your finger (while the laptop is off). If it feels stiff, wobbly, or makes unusual grinding noises, the fan might need to be replaced.

3. Check for Overheating

• Overheating can cause the fan to run excessively and loudly. Make sure the laptop’s cooling system is functioning properly, and consider installing software like HWMonitor or Core Temp to monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures.
• If your laptop is consistently overheating, you might need to use a cooling pad or reduce resource-heavy processes.

4. Software or Driver Issues

• Ensure that your drivers are up-to-date, especially the ones related to the chipset, CPU, and cooling system. Sometimes, fan control software or outdated drivers can cause erratic fan behavior.
• Try resetting your BIOS or performing a firmware update.

5. Fan Control Software

• Many laptops allow you to control fan speeds through specialized software, like SpeedFan (for some systems)
• Lowering the fan speed manually can reduce noise but be careful not to let the system overheat.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Rachel571

HP Support