Fan making subtle rattling sound at low RPM

[Randy2000]

For about 2 weeks now my 10 month old laptop has been having an issue with it's fan making a quiet, rattle-like noise at low RPM. I'm assuming it's simply drowned out at higher RPMs, but it still bothers me due to the nature of these issues. I fear it's a bad bearing. I would like to know if anyone has this issue and if the fan is supposed to sound like this.

Any help will be appreciated.

[Echo_Lake]

@Randy2000

Thank you for posting on HP Forums,
Echo_Lake is at your service.

I see that you’re hearing cooling fan sound from your notebook, 

No worries, as I'll be glad to help you, that said, I'll need a few more details to dissect your concern & provide an accurate solution:

When was the last time it worked fine?

Have you tried any troubleshooting steps? 

Were there any hardware/software changes made?

While you respond to that, here are a few steps we could try to resolve the issue:  Click here and try these troubleshooting steps:

Updating your Notebook computer BIOS

Keeping notebook air vents clear and clean

Increasing the efficiency of the notebook to reduce heat

Using Windows Task Manager to identify corrupt processes

Selecting power save settings to shut off your computer when it is not in use

Keep me posted for further assistance

If I have helped you resolve the issue, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below,
Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" from the drop-down menu on the upper right corner,
Thank you for posting in the HP Support Forum.  Have a great day

[Randy2000]

It seemed to start right after I decided to run F@H for an hour or so about one month ago. My concern is that F@H can demand quite a lot on the CPU, which makes the CPU demand for much more cooling. So running the laptop like that might have damaged a fan bearing. It's also perodical, sometimes it's there, others it's silent. I haven't done any troubleshooting. Package temps seem about right (35C on light loads, 60-70C on gaming loads, 80C on really intensive loads). But I'd rather not have this issue suddenly and be unprepared.

Edit: BIOS is up to date and vents are as air clean as it matters. And heat dissipation isn't currently an issue (Fearing it will be in the future if my fan goes bad).

[Echo_Lake · Accepted solution]

@Randy2000

Thanks for your prompt response,

As the computer is functioning normally, I would recommend you continue using the notebook with the same method.

If the issue persists, feel free to reach out to us.

I would also suggest you use an external cooling fan system.

Keep me posted for further assistance!