Computer Noise

Computer Noise
By Michael Arcand

Computer noise is normal ... somewhat. Then there is the dreaded silence of death ...

You see, there are several moving parts inside of your desktop computer. These parts are going to make noise, so that part is normal. Your computer has at least two fans, one on the CPU (central processing unit, or the brain of the computer) and the other on the power supply unit. An option third fan is sometimes located in the middle of the back of the case, directing airflow directly onto the CPU area, or venting the case itself. All of these fans will make noise.

In addition, your hard drive is comprised of small platters with magnetic read/write heads located in between the platters; a sort of sandwich if you will. Under normal operation, the hard drive is relatively silent, but as it gets older and it's mechanisms get more worn, it will generate some sound when accessing the drive. This is a good indication that you need to start shopping for another hard drive ... and don't forget to regularly back-up the contents of the drive while you're at it!