The PC fan loud noise is a common issue that many people face. The noise can be quite noisy and distracting. For those working on something important, this sound may come as a major annoyance.
If your fan is making a noise, it’s important to find out why and take the necessary steps to fix the issue. You don’t want to be working on something important and have your computer suddenly shut down because of overheating.
Related: How Much Does a Good Gaming PC Cost?
Why is My Computer Fan So Loud?
The most common reason for a noisy PC fan is heat. The fan was designed to keep your computer components cool enough to function properly. Your computer’s fans begin to spin at full speed as the hot air is pushed out of the system, hence the loud noise.
There is a lot of hardware in your computer that generates heat when used. This includes the motherboard, graphics card, and central processing unit.
It is essential to keep these components cool, so they do not overheat because this can cause damage or shorten their lifespan. Fans are needed to keep the system running at an optimal temperature.
More Reasons Why Your PC Fan is So Loud
Most of the time, the fan noise is caused by a build-up of dust and dirt on the blades and motor, which can interfere with airflow and cause the fan to run louder than normal.
If your PC is in a dusty environment, the fan will need to work harder to keep everything cool, resulting in a noisy fan.
Fan Blades Malfunction
Another common reason for a noisy PC fan is that the bearings fail. This means that the fan blades are no longer spinning smoothly and are wobbling as they rotate. When this happens, you’ll usually hear a high-pitched squealing noise.
Fan is Too Close to OTher Components
Another reason a computer fan might make noise is if the blades are hitting something inside the case. This could be caused by a lack of clearance between the fan and other components like RAMs or objects accidentally dropped into the case.
Related: How Much is DDR5 RAM?
Power Supply Fail
The last reason for a noisy PC fan is an issue with the power supply. The computer might begin to overheat if it’s not providing enough power to run all the fans and components.
This can result in a loud fan noise because the system will need to work harder to keep everything cool.
Is It Bad If My PC Fans Are Loud?
A loud PC fan is usually not a good sign and needs to be fixed right away. Often, a noisy fan indicates that the system is overheating and could potentially damage the hardware.
Several consequences could happen if you ignore having loud PC fans and continue using your device. The most common is that the system will eventually overheat and shut down. This can cause data loss and even permanent damage to your computer.
Another consequence of overheating is that the system will start to slow down. The fans will need to work harder to cool everything off, resulting in a decrease in performance.
Other potential problems from loud PC fans include shortened life span for hardware. While it’s not always necessary to take your computer in for repair when you have a noisy fan, it’s a good idea to do so as soon as possible.
How To Tell If Your Computer Fan Is Failing
You can usually tell if the fan has failed if it’s making a loud humming noise. This is because the bearings have seized and the blades are no longer spinning correctly.
If you’re not sure whether your computer fan is failing, there are a few ways to check.
One way is to open up the case and look at the fan. The fan has likely failed if the blades are wobbling or the motor is covered in dust.
You can also check your computer’s temperature to see if it’s running hot. If it is, there might be an issue with the cooling system.
One way to also tell that your computer fan is failing is when you start seeing strange errors or problems with the device. Since a hot PC emits heat, there are components inside it that can fail from constant exposure due to overheating.
Sometimes, it may lead to an error message on the screen or an unexpected shutdown when this happens.
How Do Make My Computer Fan Quieter
You can make your PC fan quieter by cleaning the fan blades and the surrounding area. If your computer fan is full of dust, it cannot work as efficiently.
Use compressed air
The best way to clean the blades and the surrounding area is with compressed air. You can also use a small brush to clean the difficult areas to reach.
Place your PC at a better location
Ensure that your computer is placed in a well-ventilated area to stop it from getting too hot. Make sure you’re not blocking the fan’s vents with any objects and that there’s some space around the computer for air to circulate.
Use thermal paste
Another way to make your computer fan quieter is to purchase some thermal paste and apply it to the CPU. This will help improve heat dissipation and could result in a quieter fan.
If all fails
If your computer fan is still making too much noise, you might need to replace it. Fans are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most electronics stores.
When purchasing a new fan, make sure to get one that is the same size and type as the old one.
How Often To Replace PC Fans
Generally, the fan may need to be replaced every two years. However, it also depends on how often you use your computer and the environment that it’s in. If your workspace is dusty, you might need to replace the fan more often.
Many modern CPU fans are designed with longevity in mind to last for up to four years or more under normal usage conditions. It’s usually a good idea to replace any old computer fans that have become loud and replace them with new ones.
It is fairly easy to replace a PC fan, and most fans come with detailed instructions.
The best time to replace a fan is when the computer is turned off and unplugged from the wall. Simply unscrew the old fan from the case and unplug it from the header.
If your new fan does not come with screws, reuse the ones you took from the old one.
Hold the fan to a mounting position so that the holes line up, and then screw it into place. Plug the new fan into your PC, and then power it on to see if the fan is working.
How Much Does A PC Fan Cost
The average cost of a fan is around $50. You can also find them in different price ranges depending on the brand and quality you want. Some fans are designed to be more durable, while others may have additional features like LED lighting.
If you want a more affordable option, go for the NF-P12 120mm fan by Noctua for only $13.90 on Amazon. It’s a quiet and reliable fan that offers great airflow and performance.
If you are looking for the best PC fan, then the Corsair LL Series LL120 RGB 120mm Dual Light Loop is a great option. It comes with LED lighting and has a price tag of $77.27 on Amazon.
When shopping for a PC fan, comparing prices and features is important. You can find some great deals on fans if you look online. Here is a table that compares the price of some popular brands:
| Brand and Model | Price |
| Noctua NF-P12 | $13.90 |
| Corsair LL Series LL120 RGB | $77.27 |
| AC Infinity MULTIFAN S5 | $15.99 |
| Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo 3in1 Duo-Ring ARGB | $45.49 |
| AC Infinity Multifan S1 | $11.99 |
| Corsair ML120, 120mm Premium Magnetic Levitation Fan | $30.00 |
