Typical sources of noise are hard drives and fans. Other sources could be any devices that have moving parts.

• Some fans surge to near full speed when computer is started. This ensures fans start and allow BIOS to test fans' ability to achieve minimum expected speed. This behavior cannot be disabled.
• It is normal for fans to sense load causing fluctuation during gaming or other high processor utilization.
• Some steps require entering BIOS setup just to hold the computer in POST.
• Please use proper Electrostatic Discharge procedures.
• Execute the following steps in order listed.

1. Start the computer.
2. Recreate the situation where excessive noise is being created.
3. Listen carefully to all externally connected devices.
4. Power off and disconnect external devices causing excessive noise.
5. Contact the manufacturer of the noisy external device.

Hard drive media spins continuously. As the motor bearings become worn, you may hear either a continuous high pitched sound, or a continuous grinding sound. If you hear these types of continuous sounds:

1. Make sure the computer is turned off, and disconnect the power cable.
2. Disconnect all external devices except keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
3. Position computer on a stable flat surface.
4. Remove the cover.
5. Locate the hard drive, then disconnect the hard drive power cable. If multiple hard drives are configured, disconnect the power cable from all hard drives. Reference the Product pages for location.
6. Connect power cord and press power button.
7. Press F2 continuously to enter BIOS Setup.
8. If noise is no longer heard.
   1. Turn off the computer and disconnect the power cable.
   2. Reconnect the hard drive power cable to one of the drives.
   3. Restart the computer.
   4. If the noise returns, and multiple hard drives are in the configuration, mark the drive that has just been reconnected as bad. Attempt to backup important data from the noisy drive.

9. If the computer has multiple hard drives, and the noise does not return, repeat procedure with other hard drive(s).

When the computer accesses a hard drive, you may hear ticking sounds. During heavy hard drive access, the ticking may appear to be continuous but should be faint. A heavier ticking sound that may be heard during the course of hard drive accesses may indicate a problem.

1. Start computer.
2. Reproduce issue.
3. Watch hard drive access LED located on the front bezel. Determine whether noise is only heard when light is lit or flashing. Refer to Product pages to locate the LED.
4. If excessive noise only happens with hard drive access, download GWSCAN, then run a Quick Test in GWSCAN. Run the extended test if the Quick Test prompts you. If it does not, continue with the checklist.
5. If hard drive is to be replaced, attempt to enter Windows and backup data.

1. Start the computer.
2. Eject/remove all media inserted from Zip drives, CD/DVD drives, and other devices/slots.
3. Turn off the computer, then restart it.
4. Attempt to recreate the noise.
5. If the noise is no longer heard, reinsert media into one device at a time and repeat the 2 previous steps.
6. If the noise returns when media is inserted, that device or the removable media may be the source of the noise.
7. Test the device using three different discs.

1. Start the computer.
2. Attempt to recreate the moise.
3. Place your ear close to the exhaust fan vent, located on the back of the case, near the power cord connection.

Please use proper Electrostatic Discharge procedures

1. If fans are loud or their speed fluctuates after the computer has been on for awhile, computer location could be an issue. Correct either of the following:
   
   • Computer is located near heat sources
   • Computer placement obstructs chassis air vents
   Check CD/DVD for noise
   1. Start the computer.
   2. Reproduce the problem.
   3. Watch the CD/DVD drive access LED located on its bezel and determine whether the noise is only heard when the LED is lit or flashing.
   4. Try a different disc in the drive. If noise does not resume, original disc is at fault.
   5. If the noise is only heard during CD/DVD activity, it is possible that the CD/DVD drive is bad.
   Open case

   Please use proper Electrostatic Discharge procedures

   1. Make sure the computer is turned off.
   2. Disconnect all external devices except keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
   3. Position computer on a stable flat surface.
   4. Remove the cover.
   5. Clean inside of case. Use a can of compressed air to remove dust.
      1. Use Product pages for procedures on removing a heat sink fan shroud, and to identify target areas.
      2. Direct a stream of air at areas of dust. Important items to clean are heat sinks, add-in cards, then all over the motherboard. Aim the air directly at fans forcing dust to exit to the outside of the case.

   6. Start the computer.
   7. Look for wires or other objects that may be touching spinning fan blades. If found move those objects away from the fan.
   8. Attempt to recreate the noise.
   9. Listen very carefully near possible sources of noise. These include items like hard drives, power supply, optical drives, processor heat sink fan, chassis fan, and add-in card fans. If you suspect that any of these devices are causing the noise refer to the heading in this checklist that addresses the device.

   If following the above procedures did not resolve your problem, please contact Gateway through one of the following methods:
   

   • Chat support
   • Email support
   • Phone support
   • Answers By Gateway
   • International support