Why Your Computer Fan Is Noisy and What You Can Do to Fix It

As we have become more and more dependent on our computers for work and school, it can be quite stressful when our computers stop working. Damaged hardware can affect our work and leave us scrambling to meet deadlines. So, it’s best to address any problem as soon as you notice it to avoid a complete computer replacement.

One piece of hardware that could end up malfunctioning is the computer fan. The purpose of the computer fan is to cool your computer to avoid overheating. However, when a computer fan becomes noisy, it could indicate that it’s working much harder to do its job. It’s important not to overwork the fan so it can continue cooling your PC. 

Here are some reasons your computer fan is noisy and what you can do to fix the problem. 

Your Computer Fan Has Collected Dust

Dust build-up can affect the performance of your computer. Dust can lead to excess heat, leading to the fan working harder to cool down the system. This could be the cause of the noise.

To remove dust build-up in your laptop or desktop, you’ll need to open it up and use an air duster. It’s also crucial to prevent more dust from entering your computer. Don’t smoke indoors, and try to cover your computer when you’re sweeping the floors or dusting off some shelves.

There’s Not Enough Room for Proper Air Circulation

To cool down your computer, the computer fan should have enough room to let the air circulate properly. Blockage of the vents will restrict airflow. This means that the fan won’t be able to force the hot air out, and cooler air won’t get inside.

If you own a desktop computer, make sure that you aren’t covering the fan. The desk you’re using should be well ventilated to allow for proper air circulation. 

Despite the name, you probably shouldn’t be placing your laptop on your lap. You should also avoid setting it on top of your bed or pillow as these will restrict the airflow. 

Intensive Software Is Running

When a computer fan gets louder, that usually means it’s working harder. It could be possible that the source of the noise is intensive software running.

If you’re intentionally doing intensive work on your computer, then this noise isn’t something to worry about. The PC is just working harder to run the program, which means the fan is also working harder to prevent overheating.

However, if this isn’t what you’re doing, you probably should check which software is running. It could be that there’s software running in the background. Go to the Task Manager for Windows and Activity Monitor for Mac to end the tasks.

Another possibility is that your computer might be infected with malware. This might be what’s depleting your computer’s resources and making the unit overheat. If you already have antivirus software installed, let it fix the issue.

Conclusion

The computer fan helps prevent your PC from overheating by removing hot air from the inside and supplying it with cooler air from the outside. When it’s making noise, this could mean it’s working harder to do its job. Check if any intensive program is running, make sure to give it enough room for proper air circulation and clean out the dust that’s accumulated in your computer.

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