Looking for Computer Hardware Specialist

[Reiiyna]

I am trying to find somebody who ACTUALLY knows what they are talking about to help me solve this strange little issue i have been having with my PC for a while now:

Before ANYTHING even loads, within a split second of pushing the power button, my computer begins to make an extremely loud noise akin to a buzzer going off, or some kind of warning buzzer. I have double checked everything within the computer to ensure everything is wired up correctly and see no faults. I have tried looking through google a couple times but nothing I have found is the problem I seek to fix. If anybody who knows what they are talking about (i say this because I don't want my PC to be in worse condition if somebody inexperienced says something that SOUNDS like it makes sense and i try it) can help me, I would highly appreciate it since I refuse to dish out $50 an hour for some guy to probably tell me it is something simple.

[Kaisha]

We talking buzzer as in internal PC speaker, or dry ball-bearing on a fan on cold boot?

[Gallus]

95% likely bad ram

[Greatguardian]

Sounds like something is blocking your CPU fan from spinning. Keep the case open when you power up and watch the fan to make sure nothing is obstructing it and it is able to spin completely, then make sure to keep cables out of its way when you close the case back up.

Edit: Bad RAM shouldn't cause a loud buzzing. A fan obstruction definitely will.

Edit2: Credential-wise, I'm a computer science major who builds and maintains all of his own computers. I've built and serviced plenty for friends over more than half a decade, and worst case scenario nothing bad is going to happen if you just open up the case and observe the CPU fan. This has happened on one of my machines before, and that loud noise is probably your fan straining to spin against whatever object is blocking it. It's typically just a cable from the power supply that bent the wrong way and ended up smushed against the CPU fan.

[Gallus]

so is it just making the buzzing noise and working, or is it making the buzzing noise and the screen is staying black?

[Gallus]

Edit: Bad RAM shouldn't cause a loud buzzing. A fan obstruction definitely will.

you've clearly never heard a memory fault post code before. Of course, this would only be the case if the screen is black.

[Greatguardian]

you've clearly never heard a memory fault post code before. Of course, this would only be the case if the screen is black.

I have, but there's a distinct difference between a memory fault post code and an obstructed fan motor in terms of what it sounds like. Given the description the OP gave, it sounds a lot more like the latter, which is also significantly easier to test.

Edit: For clarity, the post code should be loud beeps, while an obstructed fan is a constant buzzing. I suppose it could be either one, but needs clarification from the OP.

[Finuve]

without hearing the sound I cant be sure, but awful buzzing sounds are generally created from the power supply or fans, if its coming from the internal speaker however it could be anything from bad ram to bad motherboard

is the computer still starting up after the noise is made? if so its most likely a fan, try and turn the computer on without the side and and see if u can pinpoint the sound

if there is an internal speaker hooked up to the motherboard take that out and try and turn it on and see if you get the sound still

you are going to have to try multiple things until you pinpoint the cause, these are the easiest places to start

[Finuve]

you've clearly never heard a memory fault post code before. Of course, this would only be the case if the screen is black.a memory fault post code is nearly always a series of beeps in morse code style, however bad RAM can still cause a boot failure before even reaching post, which could cause the speaker to let out a painful wail

[Dragoy]

So it's not 'beeping' but rather 'buzzing', and very loud?

Some graphics cards that need their separate power connection usually (or often, every one of them I have ever had did) make an awful loud noise if the connection is not... connected, or the Power Supply is not providing the power thru this connection.

Also like others, I'd ask what happens then?
Does the box actually start up or what.

[Greatguardian]

Sigh. So many things it could be. Without hearing the sound it's hard to make an accurate diagnosis. Posting a video of the PC starting up on youtube would probably be ideal.

[Finuve]

So it's not 'beeping' but rather 'buzzing', and very loud?

Some graphics cards that need their separate power connection usually (or often, every one of them I have ever had did) make an awful loud noise if the connection is not... connected, or the Power Supply is not providing the power thru this connection.a possibility, try removing the GPU and booting off of on board video if you have it

[Runespider]

I had a few problems with a noisy fan like this, once it started running the noise would stop.

[Seriha]

Yeah, the case fan on the front of my tower likes to grind a bit on boots. I've tried spraying compressed air at it and around the vents, but without being brave enough to remove it, I usually just need to give it a minute or so before it quiets down.

[Zarchery]

That sounds like one of the fans, like something on the case, or CPU, or processor. Does the noise continue after bootup and if so how long?

[Vold]

Most common cause for a loud buzzing noise is too much wiring in a small case(or an overdone PC mod) and they get caught in the fans after you close it. I don't think any other computer noise to be found sounds anything like it. Do what others have suggested and keep the case open and start it up. Best way to diagnose the problem is to learn exactly where or the general area the sound is coming from and or see with your own eyes. Just don't go touching anything while it's plugged in and running unless it's to move the wires themselves out of the way but you'll want to shut down anyway and clamp them away from the fan on something.

Wiring butting heads with fans is the most awful sounding noise ever and it can really panic a person the first time they hear it(specifically on a new PC build and you're scared to all hell you did something wrong and just blew up your 1500+ dollar computer)From the sound of it you are actually using the computer so I can't believe it's a hardware issue beyond a fan problem. In my experience this sound and issue usually comes from the graphics or cpu fan as they age and collect dust. On start up they create this unearthly buzzing sound that lasts for a minute or so then stops after it gets going for a bit(usually on the "smaller" chips where only the basic small fan and heatsink are required, I like to think the bigger stuff can take more of a beating) I strongly recommend you deal with it sooner than later. I fried a GF card once when the fan died and I didn't know. I guess it's what lead to me buying a new one and ultimately moving FFXI to the PC when it could handle it several years back. The CPU though technically should just shut down the PC if it's in danger of overheating. But still I wouldn't wait for that obvious sign to occur.

Pro-tip for everyone, even the pros because they forget too: It's a good idea to dust out your PC case every 6 months, specifically the fan areas, especially the CPU and GPU fans and heatsinks. Don't be afraid of doing it. Just go buy some $5-7 compressed air cans and go to work on your computer. You don't need to go overboard with cleaning, just blow it out. If you need proper motivation on spending 7 dollars on air, it's better than having to buy a new computer. Dust build up is your computer's supreme enemy. Some have it better than others. All depends on your surroundings. My place is a dust factory. Dust is fricking born here and probably supplies 10% of the world's dust population.

[Dallas]

My money is on the power supply fan. The CPU fan is quiet.

[Runespider]

Or video card fan.

[Dallas]

A video card and CPU fan run more as the computer gets hotter. If they are obstructed, it sound like rattling, not buzzing. A power supply fan sounds awful.

My test, which I do not recommend to anyone is to set my finger on the flat surface in the center of the CPU fan. This stops the fan and the buzzing should continue. This is the only fan I feel safe testing, but I'm also crazy.

[Dallas]

I'll also point out that a noisy power supply fan has no significant impact on the computer. Replace it before you go mad, but not before.

[Krashport]

It's the Ceiling fan, Trust me!

[Finuve]

It's the Ceiling fan, Trust me!4 AM, lying in bed which i had only gotten to about 10 minutes prior, horrible churning, new computer, I panicked, jumped up tore the side cover off, threw my ear against the GPUs, not there, CPU cooler, not there, Case fans, not there

had to be the fans had to be, I told myself repeatedly, nothing else could make that noise. I shut the computer down and the noise continued...then I raised my head and angrily stared at the ceiling fan

[Alhanelem]

everyone's basically got it covered. Only a few things can actually make noise in your computer

1)hard drive (If it's making loud noises, particularly clicking sounds, it's about to die)

2) PC speaker on motherboard (Some motherboards have a digital number display on the board itself instead of a PC speaker). Makes beep codes when hardware faliures are detected during POST. You'll need your motherboard manufacturer's manual to interpret these as they are not always the same with different boards

3)Case / PSU / GPU / CPU fans. Most people already covered this one. Especially if it's loud and not preventing the computer from booting, this is very likely.

[Dallas]

If it's the hard drive and it stops making noise, it's dead.

[Alhanelem]

true dat- though clicking noises are the key sign that death is imminent.

[Dallas]

I'd describe a hard drive failure as closer to an ambulance wail. Haven't seen the clicking yet.

[ShadowHeart]

i would close the blinds pack a bag and sneak out the secret tunnel!!! SE has sent in the choppers for use of windower!!!

[Runespider]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3c0I0c4X3A

[Finuve]

everyone's basically got it covered. Only a few things can actually make noise in your computer

1)hard drive (If it's making loud noises, particularly clicking sounds, it's about to die)

2) PC speaker on motherboard (Some motherboards have a digital number display on the board itself instead of a PC speaker). Makes beep codes when hardware faliures are detected during POST. You'll need your motherboard manufacturer's manual to interpret these as they are not always the same with different boards

3)Case / PSU / GPU / CPU fans. Most people already covered this one. Especially if it's loud and not preventing the computer from booting, this is very likely.

you forgot about Coil Whine, common in PSUs and GPUs, and it is one of the most screeching annoying sounds ever

[FrankReynolds]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3c0I0c4X3A

Is that the OPs computer? or just a random youtube video?

[Unleashhell]

I believe some fans (ie video card) might turn on for a split second from the initial power on surge and then shut off right after. I'm not 100% on this but that could be what you are hearing. Also I read that on rare occasions the sticker on some video cards sometimes peels away from heat over time and can potentially interfere with the fan. But like GG said open the case while you turn it on. Its the easiest way to narrow it down to the general area of the noise.

[Juilan]

I am trying to find somebody who ACTUALLY knows what they are talking about to help me solve this strange little issue i have been having with my PC for a while now:

Before ANYTHING even loads, within a split second of pushing the power button, my computer begins to make an extremely loud noise akin to a buzzer going off, or some kind of warning buzzer. I have double checked everything within the computer to ensure everything is wired up correctly and see no faults. I have tried looking through google a couple times but nothing I have found is the problem I seek to fix. If anybody who knows what they are talking about (i say this because I don't want my PC to be in worse condition if somebody inexperienced says something that SOUNDS like it makes sense and i try it) can help me, I would highly appreciate it since I refuse to dish out $50 an hour for some guy to probably tell me it is something simple.
If there were faults the computer wouldnt make the noise... the power button wouldnt register on the mother board. The ram issue suggestion sounds plausible... and wow 50$/hr? in boulder and denver co i charge 30$ an hour when i repair it, i dont charge for finding the solution...

if its a fan issue the computer would atleast go past POST and it doesnt seem like POSt is starting and bad ram stops the POST because the bios has to go there...

reading through that again, could it be the CPU fan wire touching the blades? ive had my computer sound like a table saw until i got some twist ties and a dremel to make sure the wire didnt touch the blades...

so are you POSTing or not?

[Juilan]

I believe some fans (ie video card) might turn on for a split second from the initial power on surge and then shut off right after. I'm not 100% on this but that could be what you are hearing. Also I read that on rare occasions the sticker on some video cards sometimes peels away from heat over time and can potentially interfere with the fan. But like GG said open the case while you turn it on. Its the easiest way to narrow it down to the general area of the noise.
you can have your fans run with the case cords connected to the computer and a ATX 12 connected... power on they just spin

[Juilan]

everyone's basically got it covered. Only a few things can actually make noise in your computer

1)hard drive (If it's making loud noises, particularly clicking sounds, it's about to die)

2) PC speaker on motherboard (Some motherboards have a digital number display on the board itself instead of a PC speaker). Makes beep codes when hardware faliures are detected during POST. You'll need your motherboard manufacturer's manual to interpret these as they are not always the same with different boards

3)Case / PSU / GPU / CPU fans. Most people already covered this one. Especially if it's loud and not preventing the computer from booting, this is very likely.
1)if hard drive issue, you'll get an error after post...
2)i know on asus and msi boards a load buzz happens when i dont mount the ram correctly...
3)computer can post without fans...

[Greatguardian]

This thread isn't really going to go anywhere without some more input from the OP, lol.

[Alhanelem]

1)if hard drive issue, you'll get an error after post...True but a lot of crappy and older hard drives do not have the SMART technology. With these drives, the only way you know they're going is when they're making noises because they're about to die.


3)computer can post without fans... I didn't say they couldn't. I was simply listing the things in your PC that can make noise...

Since most of us don't have solid state PCs (meaning no moving parts), anything with a part that moves can make noise, and motherboard PC speakers can make noise. I can't think of anything else that can make noise unless you have add-on cards or other hardware that has moving parts or a speaker.

[FrankReynolds]

I'm 99.9% sure this is a case of ram being bad / not seated correctly. Really can't do much without more info though.

[Teraniku]

Yeah, the case fan on the front of my tower likes to grind a bit on boots. I've tried spraying compressed air at it and around the vents, but without being brave enough to remove it, I usually just need to give it a minute or so before it quiets down.

Case fans are fairly easy to replace, sounds like a bearing went bad on it.

[Nakts]

OP are you making sure to feed the gremlin that lives inside the case?

[Runespider]

Is that the OPs computer? or just a random youtube video?

Was a random YT video to give OP an idea of what a broken fan sounds like, I have a lot of problems with my computers fans (motherboard fan/cast fan/video card fan). they always make a noise during startup that slowly fades out.

This topic got a lot of replies given OP never replied XD Maybe their PC exploded shortly after!

[Goken]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3c0I0c4X3A

If this is a video of your PC, then this is without a doubt the CPU fan itself or something obstructing it. You can visually see and hear the changes in integrity of the sound when the fan slows down from its max posting speed to a normal operational speed.

[RAIST]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3c0I0c4X3A

Had that happen once with a scythe style fan.....stupid molex connector managed to get in there and a blade just snapped right off. Popped off a blade on the opposite side of the one that broke to help balance it a little. Didn't completely kill the roar, but it dropped it enough to be tolerable until I could replace it.

Was perfect timing too, the stock intake fan burned out just as my new fans arrived. Fortunately I had ordered a 5 pack of Kaze Jyuni's for the discount...man those things can move some air. Have a bit more roar than I like (system sounds like it's gearing up for take off), but I can actually feel the air getting sucked in the front.

[Dragoy]

stupid molex connector managed to get in there and a blade just snapped right off.

Really?

That's quite a performance!
And I've seen a CPU actually produce smoke due to me mis-inserting it (this was about 15 years ago, though).

Then again, things they make these days are made to break.
A Commodore 64? You could give it a beating, pour stuff on it, and it would work!
Stuff these days are meant to break, and no one can say it is not so.

I still haven't seen a blade of a fan to snap off!

But yeah, that's getting a bit off-topic.

Would be nice to hear of the situation at hand.

[Seriha]

Last summer it's like 5 in the morning and I start smelling smoke. I start running around the house looking to see if something's on fire, upstairs, to the basement, but couldn't see anything. Head back up to the main floor and start slowly walking between rooms trying to sniff out the source since I couldn't actually see any smoke or feel heat. Eventually I bend over and take a whiff of the PC tower in the family room, yup. Unplug it, peel off the case, take it outside, and start blowing the dust out with our air compressor thinking maybe some dust got somewhere it shouldn't and was just cooking. It's basically when I'm done blowing the thing spotless when I notice on the motherboard, way down in the front corner, that it had fried a nice little charred circle where the frontal USB ports wire in. I honestly have no idea what went wrong precisely, be it something getting into the ports and causing a short or the parts themselves being faulty, but I wasn't able to salvage the mobo.

Probably the first failure of any electronic device I've owned. I still have a working NES, among other things.

[DrStrangelove]

I am trying to find somebody who ACTUALLY knows what they are talking about to help me solve this strange little issue i have been having with my PC for a while now:

Before ANYTHING even loads, within a split second of pushing the power button, my computer begins to make an extremely loud noise akin to a buzzer going off, or some kind of warning buzzer. I have double checked everything within the computer to ensure everything is wired up correctly and see no faults. I have tried looking through google a couple times but nothing I have found is the problem I seek to fix. If anybody who knows what they are talking about (i say this because I don't want my PC to be in worse condition if somebody inexperienced says something that SOUNDS like it makes sense and i try it) can help me, I would highly appreciate it since I refuse to dish out $50 an hour for some guy to probably tell me it is something simple.

Having dealt with PCs for a LONG time, my suggestion is you use it until it stops working. You obviously can't fix it yourself since you can't even determine what's wrong, and yet you are adamantly against having a pro look it since it may cost a whole $50. No one can determine what's wrong from a forum post. Even if we could help, you are apparently not PC savvy enough to follow the guidance. (Again, I am going by your post: you simply don't sound like anyone I know to be knowledgeable.)


If it doesn't stop working, then it was INDEED "something simple."

However, if it does stop working, you'll then have decide whether you want to have someone knowledgeable fix it or instead chunk it in recycling. You will have saved the $$ to have someone tell you the "something simple" that was wrong with it, because now it will have obviously, not been that.

Barring an electrical fire in the PC (which can happen, but is probably very rare), you might not not lose anything except the installed and saved data. Of course, if it's a PSU problem, fan problem or short circuit, you could actually do more damage to your PC by running it further.

In short: spend $50 to have a pro diagnose the problem or gamble that it's not very bad or that if it is bad, it won't cost much to fix when it goes completely bad. In the latter case, barring a fire, you COULD lose internal components in the PC (CPU, video card, hard drive, RAM, motherboard.)

I would have someone look at it.