sound from computer

[RichardT]

my new  hp desktop periodically  gives  a sound like a disk (or motor) is starting up and running.  Is this normal, and what is causing the sound?

[old_geekster]

@RichardT , welcome to the Community.

The next time this happens, remove the side panel and get as close as possible to see if you can identify where the sound is originating.  It sounds like it could possibly be a fan running faster than necessary.

[RichardT]

Facing the computer screen, the sound seems to be coming from the back of the computer, lower right side.

The sound comes intermittently and will last from a few seconds to a minute or two.  It is a low, humming sound, like a fan.

Assuming the sound is being caused by a fan running faster than necessary, what can be done about that?

If it is not a fan, what other causes are possible, and what are the implications of those other causes?

[old_geekster]

Thank you for the additional information,@RichardT!

Here is the Maintenance and Service Guide for your computer.  I suggest that you follow the instructions for removing the back of the case to see if you can definitely identify where is sound is originating.  Now, that I look at the Guide, it could be the hard drive or other components making the sound.

[RichardT]

If it is a fan causing the sound, what can be done; does anything need to be done?

If the sound is from a driver or other component, what needs to be done? What is the consequence of doing nothing?

[old_geekster]

@RichardT, at this point, if you can't identify the culprit, I suggest watching and listening for awhile to see if it gets worse.  If so, contact HP Customer Support for help.

[Perdix1]

I too have a grinding noise on startup which usually resolves within a minute or so. I have had the side off and it is not coming from any large fan that I can reach, and the hard disc is clicking normally. No issue with performance when the sound is audible. It seems to be coming from a card just above the chip assembly, which has on it a white rectangular slab containing a small fan .  Is this the solid state memory or perhaps a graphics card??

[RichardT]

My noise is more like a fan running, than a grinding noise.

I am wondering if the noise is somehow related to increased demand on the computer by various functions. One reason I am thinking this is because the noise does not seem to be as loud or frequent, after I went through HP operating options and minimize power requirements wherever that option was available.

[old_geekster]

Thank you for the additional information, @RichardT!  It definitely does sound like the fan causing the noise.  Again, listen carefully to assure it doesn't get worse.