HP Envy x360 Buzzing and cracking

[Potsi]

Hi,

I have a HP 360 ENVY and it has been running almost perfectly, but now- when i turn it on the fan begins to spin in rapid speed and sound like chain saw cutting trough metal. At the same time there is heard a cracking noise - like little fire works or pop rock candy. The cracking comes more from the right side. And it just happened- i had used the computer all day took a break, turned it off and now it’s doing that.

Why is it doing that?

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Potsi,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thanks for describing the issue so vividly. The way you described the fan sounding like a chainsaw cutting through metal and the crackling noise like pop rock candy from the right side really paints a clear picture. I can imagine how alarming that must have felt, especially after a normal day of use. Let’s walk through what’s likely happening and how to fix it

What’s Likely Causing This on Your HP Envy x360 14" Laptop

🔧 1. Fan Overload or Mechanical Fault

The sudden loud fan noise, especially if it sounds like grinding or buzzing, could mean:

• Dust or debris is stuck in the fan blades.
• The fan bearings are worn or misaligned.
• The fan is overcompensating due to heat buildup or a sensor glitch.

🔥 2. Crackling or Popping Noise

This is more concerning. It could be:

• Electrical arcing or a loose capacitor (rare but serious).
• Speaker coil damage if the sound is from the speaker area.
• Plastic expansion due to heat (harmless but startling).

If the sound is from the right side, it may be near the SSD, speaker, or fan assembly.

What You Should Do Immediately

1. Turn Off and Unplug the Laptop

• Do not continue using it until you inspect it.
• Let it cool down for 30 minutes.

2. Inspect for Visible Damage

• Look for any burn marks, melted plastic, or loose parts near the vents or speaker grill.

3. Run HP Hardware Diagnostics

• Press Esc repeatedly on startup → then F2 for HP UEFI Diagnostics.
• Run System Tests > Fan & Thermals.

4. Clean the Fan Safely

If you're comfortable:

• Use compressed air to gently blow into the vents (especially the right side).
• Avoid using a vacuum or blowing directly into the fan blades.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat