Constant grinding noise from PC

    I turned my old computer on today and it started up fine with the normal noises but then after awhile it made a loud buzzing noise, so I turned it off, disconnected the mains supply and opened it up. I dusted all the components, I had dusted recently but thought I might have missed areas. Turned the power back on and again it booted ok and then the grinding noise came back so I powered down again. I *think* it's the power supply fan because when I check the air coming out of the back I can hardly feel anything but the fan is spinning so I'm wondering if it's rubbing against something? I can't get the power supply out without disconnecting the cpu fan and all the cables otherwise I would get it out and do a thorough clean and inspection. Could it just be the fan on it's way out? Probably time for a new computer anyway but I've been waiting for this one to die once and for all before making the leap...

    Cheers.

    [edit]It's definately the power supply fan, I checked the air at the back when the noise wasn't there but when it came on the air stopped blowing... even though the fan is spinning, I don't know what's wrong? Why does it start ok and then start grinding? :S

    Did you know that Nick Cave and some other persons of interest formed a group called Grinderman? It's seriously the only thing I could think of when reading your post with its many references to grinding. Just thought I'd stop by and crack that egg of wisdom for you.

    It turned on again and it was ok this time with no buzzing sound coming on at all, so curiously I blew on the fan at the back to see if anything happened and the noise immediately kicked in... catching on something maybe?

    [edit]Thanks for that Insta =/

    Could something be trapped in there? A gerbil or some other type of rodent? Has this been a problem for anybody else in your neighborhood?

    Just hit / kick it hard near the power supply, it used to fix my old one. (I'm not kidding, give it a shot)

    Or get a new power supply, it's like what, 10£?

    Quote from insta

    Did you know that Nick Cave and some other persons of interest formed a group called Grinderman? It's seriously the only thing I could think of when reading your post with its many references to grinding. Just thought I'd stop by and crack that egg of wisdom for you.

    Haha, this is really interesting! thanks magnar.

    Anyway, if it is indeed the psu I'd be careful d3 of it overheating and going bang. And yeah what hp said, these things are cheap as hell.

    Quote from insta

    Did you know that Nick Cave and some other persons of interest formed a group called Grinderman? It's seriously the only thing I could think of when reading your post with its many references to grinding. Just thought I'd stop by and crack that egg of wisdom for you.

    fungineer @ work

    Huh, interesting stuff. I feel that this thread is really bringing some real wisdom to people, more than any shitty 10$ computer fan could expell all over peoples faces. Also deadmau5 is pretty cool.

    Oh you guys <3

    There's a very slight burning smell coming from the air vent at the back of the PSU so it's probably on it's way out, so I'll need to get a replacement which is a pain since it's not that easy to get out.

    Damnit.. sorry for the dumb questions but I'm not a tech wizard. These white plugs that go from the PSU into the various peripherals/motherboard all look the same but do they have to be connected up in exactly the same way if I get a replacement? It all looks so complicated

    Yeah, it's very easy tho. Just get a magnifying glass and read the description on the motherboard for each.

    It should be one for restart, other one for power at the very least.

    the only important one is power I think. You should just google the manual for your motherboard and it should be explained there (which wire goes where). Each wire is easily identfiable (they have text on them, like PWR for power).

    if you dont plug them in the buttons on your computer case wont work. (Which is why the power one is important:P).

    yeah, I usually only plug in the power and the reset (RST) plug, it's fairly easy, even without a manual but I nonetheless advise you to read one before doing anything. plugging the wrong plug might cause the motherboard to brake (happened to me once). just pay good attention on where EXACTLY the plugs belong (horizontally, vertically, 1st row or 2nd row or both). good luck!!

    Unless your board is really really old, the proper power connection should be the only one that fits properly. They make PC hardware mostly idiot-proof when it comes to assembling these days. I say mostly, because I accidentally snapped the plastic flap on my PCI-E slot when swapping out video cards 2 months ago.

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