Noisy fan on Dell 8400

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

The fan on my 8400 is quiet, but irritatingly noticeable because every
so often it emits a slight ‘eeeeeeehhh’. The overall effect is of it
changing its sound slightly every 5 seconds or so, from ‘whirrrrrrr’, to
‘eeeeeeehhh’, and back.

A noisy fan with a steady note would be far less noticeable as it would
blend into the background.

I would be grateful for any advice on whether the fan bearings could be
faulty, or whether this is what I should expect from this unit - I don’t
want to change the fan if it is not going to make any difference.

I should add that: there is only 1 fan in the unit; I have installed the
new BIOS (Dell AO6); the room temperature never gets above 25c; I am
performing non intensive tasks like MS Excel; have never had the problem
of it sounding racking up to vacuum cleaner pitch that other users have
occasionally reported.

Thanks in anticipation.

Rod

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 09:58:27 +0100, Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com>
wrote:

>The fan on my 8400 is quiet, but irritatingly noticeable because every
>so often it emits a slight ‘eeeeeeehhh’. The overall effect is of it
>changing its sound slightly every 5 seconds or so, from ‘whirrrrrrr’, to
>‘eeeeeeehhh’, and back.
>
>A noisy fan with a steady note would be far less noticeable as it would
>blend into the background.
>
>I would be grateful for any advice on whether the fan bearings could be
>faulty, or whether this is what I should expect from this unit - I don’t
>want to change the fan if it is not going to make any difference.
>
>I should add that: there is only 1 fan in the unit; I have installed the
>new BIOS (Dell AO6); the room temperature never gets above 25c; I am
>performing non intensive tasks like MS Excel; have never had the problem
>of it sounding racking up to vacuum cleaner pitch that other users have
>occasionally reported.
>
>Thanks in anticipation.
>
>Rod

Could be 2 things,

1. The fan is temperature controlled and you are hearing a slight
speed change.

2. The bearings are starting to go.

Not knowing the circuitry in you PC, I would bet that it is #2. If it
gets a bit worse, have Dell replace the fan.

Bob

 

[nobody]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Noisy fans have been a common complaint with Dell computers for years. It's
usually bad bearings. Either replace it under warranty or you can buy
replacement fans from Dell parts. They're not as expensive as you think...
usually $12 to $18. Your noisy fan will probably continue to run for years
without incident, so no hurry.

"Rod Bean" <rodbean@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:d7p63j$53e$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...

> The fan on my 8400 is quiet, but irritatingly noticeable because every so
> often it emits a slight ‘eeeeeeehhh’. The overall effect is of it
> changing its sound slightly every 5 seconds or so, from ‘whirrrrrrr’, to
> ‘eeeeeeehhh’, and back.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

I think there are fan diagnostics you can run.

Brian

 

[curious]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Any input from Tech support?

On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 09:58:27 +0100, Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com>
wrote:

>The fan on my 8400 is quiet, but irritatingly noticeable because every
>so often it emits a slight ‘eeeeeeehhh’. The overall effect is of it
>changing its sound slightly every 5 seconds or so, from ‘whirrrrrrr’, to
>‘eeeeeeehhh’, and back.
>
>A noisy fan with a steady note would be far less noticeable as it would
>blend into the background.
>
>I would be grateful for any advice on whether the fan bearings could be
>faulty, or whether this is what I should expect from this unit - I don’t
>want to change the fan if it is not going to make any difference.
>
>I should add that: there is only 1 fan in the unit; I have installed the
>new BIOS (Dell AO6); the room temperature never gets above 25c; I am
>performing non intensive tasks like MS Excel; have never had the problem
>of it sounding racking up to vacuum cleaner pitch that other users have
>occasionally reported.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Curious wrote:
> Any input from Tech support?
>
> On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 09:58:27 +0100, Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>>The fan on my 8400 is quiet, but irritatingly noticeable because every
>>so often it emits a slight ‘eeeeeeehhh’. The overall effect is of it
>>changing its sound slightly every 5 seconds or so, from ‘whirrrrrrr’, to
>>‘eeeeeeehhh’, and back.
>>
>>A noisy fan with a steady note would be far less noticeable as it would
>>blend into the background.
>>
>>I would be grateful for any advice on whether the fan bearings could be
>>faulty, or whether this is what I should expect from this unit - I don’t
>>want to change the fan if it is not going to make any difference.
>>
>>I should add that: there is only 1 fan in the unit; I have installed the
>>new BIOS (Dell AO6); the room temperature never gets above 25c; I am
>>performing non intensive tasks like MS Excel; have never had the problem
>>of it sounding racking up to vacuum cleaner pitch that other users have
>>occasionally reported.
>
>

Thanks for suggestions on this: I thought at first that perhaps this was
the type of noise that had to be expected from a Pentium 4 PC. I think
now the CPU fan must be faulty so am awaiting advice/replacement from
Dell. I have added below an abbreviated version of the automated reply
they sent me, in case it is of help to anyone else !

Regards and thanks
Rod




Preliminary advice from Dell:

What Is Making the Noise?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There can be as many as three fans in your computer -- the main power
supply fan, the processor (CPU) fan, and the fan on your video card.
Loose components, speakers, and failing hard drives can also make ""bad
fan"" noises.

Before you call or begin troubleshooting, please find your System User's
Guide or download and print a copy from the Dell Reference site. You
can reach the User's Guide for your system by following the instructions
at this link:

http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?dn=1060327

Following the directions and safety precautions usually found under
Adding/Removing Parts, do this:

1. Check the CPU fan:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* With the computer running (and making noise) try holding the CPU
fan housing firmly in place. If that solves the problem, the screws that
hold the housing are loose. Try tightening them with a screwdriver.

* If adjusting the screws does not eliminate the noise, try this:

* UNPLUG the computer and drain the power by holding in the power
button for two seconds.
* Disconnect external equipment and open the case.
* Remove the green CPU fan shroud.
* Locate and unplug the CPU fan's power supply connector.
* Replace the shroud
* Plug the computer in and turn it on JUST FOR A FEW SECONDS.
* Turn the computer back off.
* Reseat the shroud and turn the computer back on for a few seconds.
If the noise disappears when you remove the shroud and comes back when
you replace it, the shroud is defective. If the noise disappears when
you disconnect the CPU fan whether the shroud is there or not, the fan
is defective.

* Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
* Plug the CPU fan power connector back in and replace the shroud.

2. Check the video card fan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If your video card has a fan, do this:

* Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
* Clean dust from the video card fan with compressed air.
* If the video card has a four-wire power connector remove it.
* Plug the computer back in, turn it on, and listen for the noise.
If the noise disappears, you have a defective video card fan.

3. Check the Hard Drive
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

* Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
* Unplug the four-wire power connector from the back of the hard drive.
* Plug the computer back in and turn it on.

If the noise disappears, you have a defective hard drive.
* Turn the computer off and unplug it.
* Plug the hard drive back in.

NOTE: BACK UP YOUR PERSONAL DATA before the drive goes to failure.

4. Confirm the Power Supply Fan as the Source
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If the noise persists with all three secondary components unplugged, its
source is probably the power supply fan. You can often confirm this by
placing your ear next to its fan housing while the computer is running.
If your computer is still in warranty, Dell will replace the entire
power supply to remedy the fan noise problem.

If you have confirmed that the noise is coming from the CPU fan, video
card fan, or hard drive, Dell will also replace any of these components
under warranty. Please fill out the form below and copy the completed
form into your reply to Dell for warranty assistance.

 

[curious]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com> wrote:

>Curious wrote:
>> Any input from Tech support?
>>
>
>Thanks for suggestions on this: I thought at first that perhaps this was
>the type of noise that had to be expected from a Pentium 4 PC. I think
>now the CPU fan must be faulty so am awaiting advice/replacement from
>Dell. I have added below an abbreviated version of the automated reply
>they sent me, in case it is of help to anyone else !

Thanks go to you as I have the exact same problem (and was undecided
whether to call tech support). I describe the noise like "oooOOOooo",
however. Will email Dell when I dig up the address that I stashed
somewhere.

BTW, the document page does not have System User's Guide. What did
you download?


>> Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>The fan on my 8400 is quiet, but irritatingly noticeable because every
>>>so often it emits a slight ‘eeeeeeehhh’. The overall effect is of it
>>>changing its sound slightly every 5 seconds or so, from ‘whirrrrrrr’, to
>>>‘eeeeeeehhh’, and back.
>>>
>>>A noisy fan with a steady note would be far less noticeable as it would
>>>blend into the background.
>>>
>>>I would be grateful for any advice on whether the fan bearings could be
>>>faulty, or whether this is what I should expect from this unit - I don’t
>>>want to change the fan if it is not going to make any difference.
>>>
>>>I should add that: there is only 1 fan in the unit; I have installed the
>>>new BIOS (Dell AO6); the room temperature never gets above 25c; I am
>>>performing non intensive tasks like MS Excel; have never had the problem
>>>of it sounding racking up to vacuum cleaner pitch that other users have
>>>occasionally reported.
>
>
>Preliminary advice from Dell:
>
>What Is Making the Noise?
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
>There can be as many as three fans in your computer -- the main power
>supply fan, the processor (CPU) fan, and the fan on your video card.
>Loose components, speakers, and failing hard drives can also make ""bad
>fan"" noises.
>
>Before you call or begin troubleshooting, please find your System User's
>Guide or download and print a copy from the Dell Reference site. You
>can reach the User's Guide for your system by following the instructions
>at this link:
>
> http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?dn=1060327
>
>Following the directions and safety precautions usually found under
>Adding/Removing Parts, do this:
>
>1. Check the CPU fan:
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
> * With the computer running (and making noise) try holding the CPU
>fan housing firmly in place. If that solves the problem, the screws that
>hold the housing are loose. Try tightening them with a screwdriver.
>
> * If adjusting the screws does not eliminate the noise, try this:
>
> * UNPLUG the computer and drain the power by holding in the power
>button for two seconds.
> * Disconnect external equipment and open the case.
> * Remove the green CPU fan shroud.
> * Locate and unplug the CPU fan's power supply connector.
> * Replace the shroud
> * Plug the computer in and turn it on JUST FOR A FEW SECONDS.
> * Turn the computer back off.
> * Reseat the shroud and turn the computer back on for a few seconds.
>If the noise disappears when you remove the shroud and comes back when
>you replace it, the shroud is defective. If the noise disappears when
>you disconnect the CPU fan whether the shroud is there or not, the fan
>is defective.
>
> * Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
> * Plug the CPU fan power connector back in and replace the shroud.
>
>2. Check the video card fan.
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
>If your video card has a fan, do this:
>
> * Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
> * Clean dust from the video card fan with compressed air.
> * If the video card has a four-wire power connector remove it.
> * Plug the computer back in, turn it on, and listen for the noise.
>If the noise disappears, you have a defective video card fan.
>
>3. Check the Hard Drive
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
>* Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
>* Unplug the four-wire power connector from the back of the hard drive.
>* Plug the computer back in and turn it on.
>
>If the noise disappears, you have a defective hard drive.
> * Turn the computer off and unplug it.
> * Plug the hard drive back in.
>
>NOTE: BACK UP YOUR PERSONAL DATA before the drive goes to failure.
>
>4. Confirm the Power Supply Fan as the Source
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
>If the noise persists with all three secondary components unplugged, its
>source is probably the power supply fan. You can often confirm this by
>placing your ear next to its fan housing while the computer is running.
>If your computer is still in warranty, Dell will replace the entire
>power supply to remedy the fan noise problem.
>
>If you have confirmed that the noise is coming from the CPU fan, video
>card fan, or hard drive, Dell will also replace any of these components
>under warranty. Please fill out the form below and copy the completed
>form into your reply to Dell for warranty assistance.

 

[Tellme]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Dell is noted for their crummy, noisey fans. Call Dell and have them
replace it.

I have had the F1 error and forget now what to do to correct it but
Dell tech support walked me through it.



On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 09:58:27 +0100, Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com>
wrote:

>The fan on my 8400 is quiet, but irritatingly noticeable because every
>so often it emits a slight ‘eeeeeeehhh’. The overall effect is of it
>changing its sound slightly every 5 seconds or so, from ‘whirrrrrrr’, to
>‘eeeeeeehhh’, and back.
>
>A noisy fan with a steady note would be far less noticeable as it would
>blend into the background.
>
>I would be grateful for any advice on whether the fan bearings could be
>faulty, or whether this is what I should expect from this unit - I don’t
>want to change the fan if it is not going to make any difference.
>
>I should add that: there is only 1 fan in the unit; I have installed the
>new BIOS (Dell AO6); the room temperature never gets above 25c; I am
>performing non intensive tasks like MS Excel; have never had the problem
>of it sounding racking up to vacuum cleaner pitch that other users have
>occasionally reported.
>
>Thanks in anticipation.
>
>Rod

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Curious wrote:
> Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com> wrote:
>
>
>>Curious wrote:
>>
>>>Any input from Tech support?
>>>
>>
>>Thanks for suggestions on this: I thought at first that perhaps this was
>>the type of noise that had to be expected from a Pentium 4 PC. I think
>>now the CPU fan must be faulty so am awaiting advice/replacement from
>>Dell. I have added below an abbreviated version of the automated reply
>>they sent me, in case it is of help to anyone else !
>
>
> Thanks go to you as I have the exact same problem (and was undecided
> whether to call tech support). I describe the noise like "oooOOOooo",
> however. Will email Dell when I dig up the address that I stashed
> somewhere.
>
> BTW, the document page does not have System User's Guide. What did
> you download?
>
>
>
>>>Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>The fan on my 8400 is quiet, but irritatingly noticeable because every
>>>>so often it emits a slight ‘eeeeeeehhh’. The overall effect is of it
>>>>changing its sound slightly every 5 seconds or so, from ‘whirrrrrrr’, to
>>>>‘eeeeeeehhh’, and back.
>>>>
>>>>A noisy fan with a steady note would be far less noticeable as it would
>>>>blend into the background.
>>>>
>>>>I would be grateful for any advice on whether the fan bearings could be
>>>>faulty, or whether this is what I should expect from this unit - I don’t
>>>>want to change the fan if it is not going to make any difference.
>>>>
>>>>I should add that: there is only 1 fan in the unit; I have installed the
>>>>new BIOS (Dell AO6); the room temperature never gets above 25c; I am
>>>>performing non intensive tasks like MS Excel; have never had the problem
>>>>of it sounding racking up to vacuum cleaner pitch that other users have
>>>>occasionally reported.
>>
>>
>>Preliminary advice from Dell:
>>
>>What Is Making the Noise?
>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>
>>There can be as many as three fans in your computer -- the main power
>>supply fan, the processor (CPU) fan, and the fan on your video card.
>>Loose components, speakers, and failing hard drives can also make ""bad
>>fan"" noises.
>>
>>Before you call or begin troubleshooting, please find your System User's
>>Guide or download and print a copy from the Dell Reference site. You
>>can reach the User's Guide for your system by following the instructions
>>at this link:
>>
>> http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?dn=1060327
>>
>>Following the directions and safety precautions usually found under
>>Adding/Removing Parts, do this:
>>
>>1. Check the CPU fan:
>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>
>> * With the computer running (and making noise) try holding the CPU
>>fan housing firmly in place. If that solves the problem, the screws that
>>hold the housing are loose. Try tightening them with a screwdriver.
>>
>> * If adjusting the screws does not eliminate the noise, try this:
>>
>> * UNPLUG the computer and drain the power by holding in the power
>>button for two seconds.
>> * Disconnect external equipment and open the case.
>> * Remove the green CPU fan shroud.
>> * Locate and unplug the CPU fan's power supply connector.
>> * Replace the shroud
>> * Plug the computer in and turn it on JUST FOR A FEW SECONDS.
>> * Turn the computer back off.
>> * Reseat the shroud and turn the computer back on for a few seconds.
>>If the noise disappears when you remove the shroud and comes back when
>>you replace it, the shroud is defective. If the noise disappears when
>>you disconnect the CPU fan whether the shroud is there or not, the fan
>>is defective.
>>
>> * Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
>> * Plug the CPU fan power connector back in and replace the shroud.
>>
>>2. Check the video card fan.
>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>
>>If your video card has a fan, do this:
>>
>> * Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
>> * Clean dust from the video card fan with compressed air.
>> * If the video card has a four-wire power connector remove it.
>> * Plug the computer back in, turn it on, and listen for the noise.
>>If the noise disappears, you have a defective video card fan.
>>
>>3. Check the Hard Drive
>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>
>>* Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
>>* Unplug the four-wire power connector from the back of the hard drive.
>>* Plug the computer back in and turn it on.
>>
>>If the noise disappears, you have a defective hard drive.
>> * Turn the computer off and unplug it.
>> * Plug the hard drive back in.
>>
>>NOTE: BACK UP YOUR PERSONAL DATA before the drive goes to failure.
>>
>>4. Confirm the Power Supply Fan as the Source
>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>
>>If the noise persists with all three secondary components unplugged, its
>>source is probably the power supply fan. You can often confirm this by
>>placing your ear next to its fan housing while the computer is running.
>>If your computer is still in warranty, Dell will replace the entire
>>power supply to remedy the fan noise problem.
>>
>>If you have confirmed that the noise is coming from the CPU fan, video
>>card fan, or hard drive, Dell will also replace any of these components
>>under warranty. Please fill out the form below and copy the completed
>>form into your reply to Dell for warranty assistance.
>
>


Yes, I couldn't find the User Guide either. In the end I assumed that
they meant the Service Manual at
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/en/index.htm :it
contains info re the CPU fan. I should add that I had to use Internet
Explorer, because I found that when I used my Firefox browser, some of
the relevant text and buttons were missing. It seems incredible that a
huge computer firm like Dell STILL does not support Firefox, even
though reports indicate that this browser is now taking at least 10%
market share. They claim to be looking into it, but to my knowledge
they have been 'looking into it' for at least a year.

Regards

Rod

 

[curious]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On Mon, 06 Jun 2005 07:37:03 +0100, Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com>
wrote:

>Curious wrote:
>> Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Curious wrote:
>>>
>>>>Any input from Tech support?
>>>>
>>>
>>>Thanks for suggestions on this: I thought at first that perhaps this was
>>>the type of noise that had to be expected from a Pentium 4 PC. I think
>>>now the CPU fan must be faulty so am awaiting advice/replacement from
>>>Dell. I have added below an abbreviated version of the automated reply
>>>they sent me, in case it is of help to anyone else !
>>
>>
>> Thanks go to you as I have the exact same problem (and was undecided
>> whether to call tech support). I describe the noise like "oooOOOooo",
>> however. Will email Dell when I dig up the address that I stashed
>> somewhere.
>>
>> BTW, the document page does not have System User's Guide. What did
>> you download?
>>
>>
>>
>>>>Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>The fan on my 8400 is quiet, but irritatingly noticeable because every
>>>>>so often it emits a slight ‘eeeeeeehhh’. The overall effect is of it
>>>>>changing its sound slightly every 5 seconds or so, from ‘whirrrrrrr’, to
>>>>>‘eeeeeeehhh’, and back.
>>>>>
>>>>>A noisy fan with a steady note would be far less noticeable as it would
>>>>>blend into the background.
>>>>>
>>>>>I would be grateful for any advice on whether the fan bearings could be
>>>>>faulty, or whether this is what I should expect from this unit - I don’t
>>>>>want to change the fan if it is not going to make any difference.
>>>>>
>>>>>I should add that: there is only 1 fan in the unit; I have installed the
>>>>>new BIOS (Dell AO6); the room temperature never gets above 25c; I am
>>>>>performing non intensive tasks like MS Excel; have never had the problem
>>>>>of it sounding racking up to vacuum cleaner pitch that other users have
>>>>>occasionally reported.
>>>
>>>
>>>Preliminary advice from Dell:
>>>
>>>What Is Making the Noise?
>>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>>
>>>There can be as many as three fans in your computer -- the main power
>>>supply fan, the processor (CPU) fan, and the fan on your video card.
>>>Loose components, speakers, and failing hard drives can also make ""bad
>>>fan"" noises.
>>>
>>>Before you call or begin troubleshooting, please find your System User's
>>>Guide or download and print a copy from the Dell Reference site. You
>>>can reach the User's Guide for your system by following the instructions
>>>at this link:
>>>
>>> http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/document.asp?dn=1060327
>>>
>>>Following the directions and safety precautions usually found under
>>>Adding/Removing Parts, do this:
>>>
>>>1. Check the CPU fan:
>>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>>
>>> * With the computer running (and making noise) try holding the CPU
>>>fan housing firmly in place. If that solves the problem, the screws that
>>>hold the housing are loose. Try tightening them with a screwdriver.
>>>
>>> * If adjusting the screws does not eliminate the noise, try this:
>>>
>>> * UNPLUG the computer and drain the power by holding in the power
>>>button for two seconds.
>>> * Disconnect external equipment and open the case.
>>> * Remove the green CPU fan shroud.
>>> * Locate and unplug the CPU fan's power supply connector.
>>> * Replace the shroud
>>> * Plug the computer in and turn it on JUST FOR A FEW SECONDS.
>>> * Turn the computer back off.
>>> * Reseat the shroud and turn the computer back on for a few seconds.
>>>If the noise disappears when you remove the shroud and comes back when
>>>you replace it, the shroud is defective. If the noise disappears when
>>>you disconnect the CPU fan whether the shroud is there or not, the fan
>>>is defective.
>>>
>>> * Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
>>> * Plug the CPU fan power connector back in and replace the shroud.
>>>
>>>2. Check the video card fan.
>>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>>
>>>If your video card has a fan, do this:
>>>
>>> * Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
>>> * Clean dust from the video card fan with compressed air.
>>> * If the video card has a four-wire power connector remove it.
>>> * Plug the computer back in, turn it on, and listen for the noise.
>>>If the noise disappears, you have a defective video card fan.
>>>
>>>3. Check the Hard Drive
>>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>>
>>>* Turn the computer off and UNPLUG it.
>>>* Unplug the four-wire power connector from the back of the hard drive.
>>>* Plug the computer back in and turn it on.
>>>
>>>If the noise disappears, you have a defective hard drive.
>>> * Turn the computer off and unplug it.
>>> * Plug the hard drive back in.
>>>
>>>NOTE: BACK UP YOUR PERSONAL DATA before the drive goes to failure.
>>>
>>>4. Confirm the Power Supply Fan as the Source
>>>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>>>
>>>If the noise persists with all three secondary components unplugged, its
>>>source is probably the power supply fan. You can often confirm this by
>>>placing your ear next to its fan housing while the computer is running.
>>>If your computer is still in warranty, Dell will replace the entire
>>>power supply to remedy the fan noise problem.
>>>
>>>If you have confirmed that the noise is coming from the CPU fan, video
>>>card fan, or hard drive, Dell will also replace any of these components
>>>under warranty. Please fill out the form below and copy the completed
>>>form into your reply to Dell for warranty assistance.
>>
>>
>
>
>Yes, I couldn't find the User Guide either. In the end I assumed that
>they meant the Service Manual at
>http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/en/index.htm :it
>contains info re the CPU fan.

That document doesn't have the text you quoted. "CPU fan" is
mentioned only to show where the cpu fan socket is.

Not optimistic about fixing our noise problem:
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_other&message.id=234650

Please keep us up to date on your fixes.

Get a load of this page:
http://www.lecodesign.co.uk/zalman/index.html


> I should add that I had to use Internet
>Explorer, because I found that when I used my Firefox browser, some of
>the relevant text and buttons were missing. It seems incredible that a
>huge computer firm like Dell STILL does not support Firefox, even
>though reports indicate that this browser is now taking at least 10%
>market share. They claim to be looking into it, but to my knowledge
>they have been 'looking into it' for at least a year.

Don't think it will ever be done. Appears Dell is cutting corners
everywhere at the expense of quality. The current CEO will show good
profit, but the future CEO's will pay for it.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

(Sorry - had to cut the corres as it was getting too long)

'Curious'
Thanks for the links in your message . My fan noise is not very loud,
doesn’t sound like whistling through the heat shield, and is not related
to USB usage as mentioned elsewhere, so touch wood, I am hoping that it
is simply a faulty fan bearing.

I agree the Service Manual isn’t very clear. The section re the Airflow
Shroud seemed the most relevant. Basically, this green plastic
shroud/cover hinges up through a right angle as shown in the diagram, to
reveal the processor heat sink, and the fan unit. I then unclipped the
fan unit from the air intake grid to give it a clean, and also to make
it easier to see where the four wires that needed to be unplugged, went
to on the motherboard. Happy to provide any further info if required.

Will keep you posted!



'Ben Myers'
I appreciate your point about supported software. I don’t really visit
the Dell site often enough for the lack of Firefox support to be an
issue for me: most of the pages seem OK when viewed in Firefox, so I
don’t need to load IE6. What I find a little perplexing, is that after
at least a year, they are still putting out the message that: “We're
sorry. The operating system or browser you are using is not supported at
this time. We may support your platform in future releases based on
demand" (when for instance you ask them to find the service tag). I
can’t help but wonder just how much ‘demand’ they have in mind, given
that Firefox seems to have about 10% of the US browser market, and
perhaps as much as 40% in Europe. But this is a minor gripe – their
website is a mine of information.

Regards

Rod

 

[curious]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Rod Bean <rodbean@invalid.com> wrote:

>(Sorry - had to cut the corres as it was getting too long)
>
>'Curious'
>Thanks for the links in your message . My fan noise is not very loud,
>doesn’t sound like whistling through the heat shield, and is not related
>to USB usage as mentioned elsewhere, so touch wood, I am hoping that it
>is simply a faulty fan bearing.

On second reading, the problem described there is different from our
"eeeEEEeee" or "oooOOOooo". Let's hope the bearing is faulty, not low
quality.

>I agree the Service Manual isn’t very clear. The section re the Airflow
>Shroud seemed the most relevant. Basically, this green plastic
>shroud/cover hinges up through a right angle as shown in the diagram, to
>reveal the processor heat sink, and the fan unit. I then unclipped the
>fan unit from the air intake grid to give it a clean, and also to make
>it easier to see where the four wires that needed to be unplugged, went
>to on the motherboard. Happy to provide any further info if required.
>
>Will keep you posted!

Please do.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Had a rather strange problem last night. Had just opened a game I sometimes
mess with and as soon as it opened, I got a critical error on the screen,
indicating that Windows had detected a serious fault and was halted. At the
same time the 8400 began to sound as if it had a jet engine installed, loud
fan sound, louder that anything the fan should be capable of. Really loud,
enough to scare the **** out of me.

I rebooted and everything was fine. Windows remembered the error and sent an
error report to Microsoft. About twenty seconds later Microsoft sent back a
fix in the form of something to do with the Intel Chipset. It automatically
downloaded the fix and installed it. (Also gave a page reference as to where
I could read more on the Intel website.) Had something to do with RAID (I
only have 1 hard drive) and applied to certain Intel chipsets (mine was on
the list).

I thought it was interesting that for one, one of these reporting sessions
actually resulted in a response from MS, not only a response but an
automatic follow up but downloading and installing the correct fix without
user intervention.

(No run-of-the-mill B.S. about viruses or spyware please, I'm fully
protected and ran a check later just to be sure. This was a driver failure
as best I could tell.)

Anyone have a clue as to what hardware was being drive to sound like a jet
engine (and I mean REALLY loud, like a fan running round 45 db. Sounded like
a 12 v fan running at 120 vac).

Anyone else with a 8400 have anything similar to this? (Only problem I ever
had with this machine).

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

SDG wrote:
> Had a rather strange problem last night. Had just opened a game I
> sometimes mess with and as soon as it opened, I got a critical error
> on the screen, indicating that Windows had detected a serious fault
> and was halted. At the same time the 8400 began to sound as if it had
> a jet engine installed, loud fan sound, louder that anything the fan
> should be capable of. Really loud, enough to scare the **** out of me.
>
> I rebooted and everything was fine. Windows remembered the error and
> sent an error report to Microsoft. About twenty seconds later
> Microsoft sent back a fix in the form of something to do with the
> Intel Chipset. It automatically downloaded the fix and installed it.
> (Also gave a page reference as to where I could read more on the
> Intel website.) Had something to do with RAID (I only have 1 hard
> drive) and applied to certain Intel chipsets (mine was on the list).
>
> I thought it was interesting that for one, one of these reporting
> sessions actually resulted in a response from MS, not only a response
> but an automatic follow up but downloading and installing the correct
> fix without user intervention.
>
> (No run-of-the-mill B.S. about viruses or spyware please, I'm fully
> protected and ran a check later just to be sure. This was a driver
> failure as best I could tell.)
>
> Anyone have a clue as to what hardware was being drive to sound like
> a jet engine (and I mean REALLY loud, like a fan running round 45 db.
> Sounded like a 12 v fan running at 120 vac).
>
> Anyone else with a 8400 have anything similar to this? (Only problem
> I ever had with this machine).

You can, and should, review Event Viewer logs to determine exactly what
took place. There are many hardware and software problems that can
result in full fans. Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Event Viewer.
Look especially in the System log, but do review the Application and
Security logs also. Pay attention to yellow (warnings) and red
(errors), especially if either are repeating. Always note the exact
error text.

Q

 

[nick]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On Wed, 13 Jul 2005 20:25:23 GMT, in alt.sys.pc-clone.dell, "SDG"
<nobody@verizon.net> wrote:

>I thought it was interesting that for one, one of these reporting sessions
>actually resulted in a response from MS, not only a response but an
>automatic follow up but downloading and installing the correct fix without
>user intervention.

Not related to the 8400, but I had something similar with the Microsoft
error reporting a week or so ago.

Had an error message right after I booted up (might have been something
about SVHost). Let the error report be sent off, and was immediately
directed to a Microsoft web page where I could download a hot fix for the
problem. Read the description and it sounded useful, so I went ahead and
downloaded and installed the fix.

Haven't seen that error message since.

In my case, I had to download and install the hot fix manually. I'm
guessing that the difference is that I have Windows Automatic Updates turned
off (I check the site regularly on my own). If you have auto-update set to
download and install updates automatically, that might be why the fix worked
that way for you.

--
Nick <mailto:tanstaafl@pobox.com>

Nick's First Law of Computer Virus Complaints:

Just because your computer is acting strangely or one of your programs
doesn't work right, this does NOT mean that your computer has a virus.