I am trying to figure out my computer has started to whine like a jet engine, which I suspect may be because the fan is going, going… The noise is particularly noticeable when I boot up, but is not constant, and often settles down a bit after some time. The computer seemed to be making more noise a few days ago, so maybe the fan no longer works. So I have some questions: When a computer is working, does the main fan in the power supply always run, or does it only kick in sometimes? To remove the fan/power supply unit, do I just have to undo a few screws and pull out a plug or is there hard wiring involved that would need a computer technician. If I remove the fan/power supply to take it to the nearest town (5 hours drive across the Andes here in Bolivia), could this have any effect on the data I have stored on my two hard drives? I guess not, but would like to be sure before I try anything. If I need to buy a new fan/power supply, is there different quality models or are they all more or less the same? Are fans/power supply units for desktop PC-compatible computers standard, or are there different models for different types of computers? I am also wondering How dangerous it is for me to continue using my computer if the fan may not be functioning correctly. It has a Pentium IV 2.2 CPU, which has its own fan, 1 gig of RAM and two hard disks. Thanks for your advice, Peter

It definitely sounds like a fan but whether it be PSU or CPU fan you'll have to open it up to find out or change them. It's not difficult for someone who's done it a few times but it can be a hassle for a first timer. I would open it up and blow them out first and see if it alleviates the problem. If it doesn't you'll have to isolate which one it is while it's open on the next start. A dab of oil very carefully applied to the bearings might make it last until you can get a new one but I wouldn't recommend you keep it on constantly. All your hardware is plugged into the PSU and you'll have to disconnect all the Molex connectors and swap it out. Not that big a deal but sometimes they're entwined with your IDE cables so if you disconnect any of those make sure you note which one is which. The CPU fan is alot easier but much more sensitive. A long flat tip screwdriver to remove it from the bracket and a small 3pin connector is all there is to that. Make sure you use thermal paste when reinstalling, a little dab will do ya so don't overapply. Clyde

Alright!, I´ll tell you question by question: 1. When you turn the computer on, the fan is always running and will never stop until you turn it off. 2. The power source is completely and easily dismountable. Just take a note of all its plugs and you´ll be able to place a new power source without problems. 3. Removing the power source will have no effect on your HD stored data as it is a magnetic media like a diskette. 4. There are some differences between models, but basically they differ in their power: 250 watts, 300, 350, etc. The more they have, the more devices you can add to your computer. Anyway, just remember that there are at least one more fan inside your computer. One is attached to the CPU itself (try unplugging it and switch your PC on - if the noise stopped, you only need to replace the CPU fan). There could also be a fan inside just to ventilate the whole gabinet, check it too. Do not plug/unplug while the computer is on, and if you are going to do that many times, I suggest you disconnect your hard drives temporarily to avoid shocking them all the time :). Hope this helps! Andrés

All computer fans are always on when the computer is on. While the pc is on, take a pencil and shove it between the fan blades of the cpu fan and then the power supply fan (you may need something skinnier to get through the power supply fan vent - but do not use anything metal!). This will stop the fan for a second and you'll be able to tell which one is making the noise.

Bolivia, cool. with a 2.2GHZ P4 this is a relatively new machine. That means it is possible your fan speed is variable and controlled by the motherboard. Under load or high room temperatures, this setup will produce more fan noise. You will have to open it up. Just keep one hand on the chassis to discharge any static to that and not any of the electronics. You also want to verify it is fan noise and not one of your drives making the sound. post back.

u know what i can hear the same noise rarely in my PC, sounds like its coming from my CDRW, but that only happens once in a while. I think should do the said checks as stated. BUT if u do find out its ur PSU don't despair... u need not go and buy a new PSU becoz of the fan!!! (although PSU r cheap and u can get better ones). all u have to do is go to a website that sell normal fans, depending on ur choice of fan... isolate ur psu from ur case, open ur psu, disconnect ur fan inside PSU, put the new one in.. and put the psu into ur case again. This maybe a hard job for u and u may need a soldering iron etc... it cheap tho. and i did it a few months back... btw if ur also concerned with the airflow of ur case... replacing the PSU fan to a better one can help :D

while fans can be an issue here, the only time I have heard anything that I could describe as sounding like a "jet" is when the HDD motor bearings are getting dry. The fans aren't to be ruled out I'm just posing the other possiblity. In either case, I would be sure to keep a backup current for the time being. borelli34