Noise from Laptop

[Techminator]

I've got  HP Notebook - 15-af006ax (ENERGY STAR) 

When I start it after it's either been hibernated, shut down, or on standby, for a few minutes it makes a lot of noise. The noise appears to be from the fan. Initially the noise was for a minute or two but it's been about four months and the noise lasts for a few minutes.

I've opened the laptop and removed all dust using a paintbrush. I then started it and there was no noise. I thought the problem is solved but still I did not as yet fully assemble the system just in case. The next morning I woke up and started the laptop and the noise started again, lasted for few minutes before going away. That means the problem is has resolved and I'm still wondering what could be the cause of this and how to rectify this.

Please assist.

[iomare]

Hi,

I would replace the fan. They are not very expensive and it is not a very complicated procedure on your PC. The part number is 813946-001 and you can find cheap quality replacement fans online.

On page 52 of the service manual you can see how it is done:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c04653881

Let me know if you need further help,

David

[Techminator]

Are you sure it is issue with the fan? because the noise stops once the laptop warms up a bit and even when the noise occurs there is air being pushed out from the vents by the fan.

Is it possible if I oil the fan a bil slightly the noise will go and also if I do not replace the fan will it affect my laptop?

[mdklassen]

> even when the noise occurs there is air being pushed out from the vents by the fan.

Measure, measure, measure.

Google-search for "download free SPECCY".

Download, and install this software.

Run it once, when the fan is "quiet", to view the speed (RPM) of the fan.

Then, the next time you start-up the computer, run it again, when the fan is "noisy".

Compare the speeds.

If approximately the same, then the fan has an "issue" with its bearings, and replacement is recommended.

If the start-up speed is much faster, then it is the motherboard that is telling the fan to spin faster, and thus make more noise, for a while.  Then, the motherboard tells the fan to slow down, and make less noise.

[Techminator]

speccy isn't showing fan speed. I check all tabs. Could you tell me where it is exactly or if there is another software to find out? I also tried SpeedFan and that software also does not show fan speed.

Also, if after fining the fan speeds if the MB is telling the fan to run faster (which makes the noise) then is it ok to leave it like that? This noise was not coming when the laptop was new. Also you did not say if oil woild help?

[mdklassen]

SPECCY can only report what the motherboard offers to report.

> Also you did not say if oil would help?

No, I did not say.  I don't know if it would.

> not when new

Got a can of compressed air, to give the insides a "blow-job" to remove residual dust?

The dust can act like a blanket over a radiator -- less heat escapes.

[Techminator]

---

Got a can of compressed air, to give the insides a "blow-job" to remove residual dust?

The dust can act like a blanket over a radiator -- less heat escapes.

---

I've opened my laptop and cleaned all the dust already and still the noise is coming.

[iomare]

Hi,

Usually when i get noise from fans, I just replace the fan as it is a quite straightforward job. The bearings in the fan can be slightly off and the fan could be touching the sides very lightly, it is quite common in modern computers where the fans are getting thinner and thinner.

I would not place oil in it, however you could try untighten the fan screws from the fan housing slightly and insert a very thin spacer to give the blades some extra room.

Now, will the fan have an effect on the performance of computer? The problem that can arrise is overheating if the fan stops performing well. I did have a computer a while ago which the person had been usin for over a year without any problems. However, they were amazed how quiet the PC was once I replaced the fan.

You can use a program such as AIDA64 extreme to perform a system test and see the temps of the processor cores and GPU.

https://www.aida64.com/downloads

Now it is not necessary to worry to much about overheating as there are safeguards to protect the computer. The Bios can see if the fan is nolonger working. The processor will throttle once it reaches a certain temperature and the system will eventually shut down to prevent damage. However in the long run it is better to have a smooth and cool running system. And also the extra noise can be annoying.

Hope it helps,

David

[Techminator · Accepted solution]

OK guys here is that I've done so far:

Today I removed the heat sink and there was some more dust acculumated which I cleaned. I also removed the fan and put a few drops of oil (which I got along with my hair trimmer) at the centre of the fan where the spokes are connected centrally. I then reconnected the heat sink and fan and started the system. Still the same rattling noise. I then removed the aluminium plate which is screwed to the fan but that also did not help.

The cheapest fan I can find is on ebay for just over GBP 7 and that too it is used. Before I replace the fan I'd like to measure the fan speeds when the noise starts and when there is no noise.

[mdklassen]

>>>  ‎06-08-2017 06:21 PM  --> SPECCY can only report what the motherboard offers to report.

>> ‎06-09-2017 12:19 AM  --> You can use a program such as AIDA64 extreme to ... see the temps of the processor cores and GPU.

>  I'd like to measure the fan speeds when the noise starts and when there is no noise.

Well, if it cannot be done by software that extracts the information from the motherboard, you'll have to do it by physical inspection, if possible.