Computers are complex machines with a lot of moving parts in them, which means they will definitely have some sounds coming from them in their normal process of working but sometimes the sounds can point to a problem that you might want to take care of. Which sounds should you take note of?
Random notification sounds
This one is an issue that’s been bothering Windows users the most, and particularly Windows 10 users. There have been reports that the notification sounds pop up randomly even when the PC is not being used.
Tech website Guiding Tech identified several possible reasons for this and how you can fix the issue. It could be a temporary bug which can be fixed by just restarting your PC. Beyond this, it could be the PC’s volume mixer having incorrect settings, the actual monitor making the sounds or it could be the mouse. Some of these can easily be fixed by following the instructions here.
Grinding noise at start-up
As mentioned in our The 5 things that make your hard-drive crash and what can you do about it blog, that grinding noise could mean that your hard drive is going to crash soon. According to the Data Recovery Specialists, this is because something could have broken loose in your hard drive thereby making a noise.
Another sound to look out for regarding your hard drive failing, is a clicking sound. Tech media start-up Fossbytes reports that this is a sound you don’t want to ignore. And ideally, you should start backing up your information before the drive crashes.
Lastly, the grinding sound could also be a fan that’s making the sound if there’s something partially blocking the blades from moving freely.
Lawnmower sound
Speaking of fans, sometimes the sound is not a grinding noise, but rather as reported by some users, your PC sounds like a lawnmower.
This is a completely different issue that is in the fan but this time it is caused by the fan’s bearing being old and worn out.
PC repair company Geeks on Site adds that it means your fan is either completely broken or on its way out. To remedy this, you can either use compressed air cans or cooling pads to clear the PC out and to keep it cool. If the problem is already on the extreme end, you might need to get the fan replaced by a professional.
Speakers making a strange sound
The sounds can either be buzzing, static or whining. According to tech website How-To Geek there are dozens, if not hundreds of possible reasons why this happens but it’s usually a very simple explanation.
Some of the usual reasons include interference; the speakers themselves being damaged or it could be a cable issue. If the problem is the PC, it could come down to reasons such as the sound card interfering with the proper transmission of sound. Possible solutions include replacing the sound card with a USB version, getting a full separate one or switching to a different audio port. Read more here.
If the specific problem is a scratching sound from the speakers, small business website Chron reports that it could mean that you have been setting the volume too high or you may need to update your drive.
What you want to hear
On a positive note, some sounds are actually good and tell you that the PC is in good working order. If you hear the usual start-up sounds, the beep some PC’s get when being switched on or a low humming which means the fan and the drives are working properly, then you can rest easy, your machine is just fine. It’s the other sounds you need to worry about.
If your PC is still making sounds not covered here or you’re at your wits end trying to fix it, feel free to call Glenn on 072 286 4644 or email glenn@pc-perfect.co.za for assistance. We’re here to help.