Hi, I just purchased a Amd 650, 128 RAM, gigabyte mobo. Recently it started making a "slight grinding" noise on startup. I'm 99% sure it's the power supply fan. It continues for about a minute then stops, not the fan, the noise stops. I'm not having any problems with the computer, other than the annoying noise. The fan is working because I looked. I called the manufacturer and he told me it was probably dust in the power supply fan. I used compressed air and blew it out. Though I've only had it since the end of May and there wasn't a visible speck of dust to be seen anywhere. Should I take it back to the manufacturer (about 30 minutes away) to be looked at, or is this common with fans? My older computer never did this and there were times it was very dusty. Or should I just play the wait and see game... it's got a three year warranty.

I have heard several power supply fans doing this including my own. It has never caused me any problems, I just clean them, however, because you are still under warranty, I would think a checkup would be a good thing...It just might be worth the 30 minutes drive.

If you think a fan is going bad DO NOT hesitate to get it replaced. Your computer is still under warranty. If they try to give you the run around let them know you will be taking your bussines else where. Don't be shy, my first computer was an E-Machines 400ix. If I hadn't spoken up for myself when I had problems my sister wouldn't have a computer now. Open that sucker up (go ahead and void the warranty) Replace that fan (remember to take pictures the whole way through, hey video is even better) and then let them know you expect to be reimbursed for your time. Between Staples and E-Machines I got an upgraded version of my computer and the money back I mistakenly placed in a Staples warranty and a Christmas card from The Marketing, Sales, AND Tech staff at E-Machines! I've moved on and built my own unit, but my sister got a decent computer that runs well. If I hadn't stood up for my self I'd have a lump of plastic and metal holding papers down on my desk and my sister wouldn't have anything. (by the way my problems all started with a noisy fan! But I wrote a report, took pictures, sent e-mails, wrote letters, made phone calls, Collected statments from techs at local computer stores, and most of all when they tried to say "Well I don't think that's our problem" or "Well the warranty is another companies problem" or "There's nothing we can do for you" I told them (figurativly of course) "f--- YOU" and eventualy I was treated with respect and given the service EVERYONE desrves. Get the facts and stand tall and proud, If they won't help you let them know that you will no longer be buying ANYTHING from them and word of mouth is VERY powerful advertising (espicialy negative word of mouth)) I'm Sorry but tech support for anything not just computers is lousy these days and you need to let companys know you wont buy their products if they wont stand behind them 100%!!!

Dave is right; on all fronts... you have a warranty, so USE IT! As for the fan... fans, like most things nowadays, can be made pretty crappy. I myself have noticed a much shorter life on fans purchased in the last 5 years. Get it taken care of ASAP, and I hope you have better luck than Dave did.

I forgot to mention... it could be the fan on your CPU too. Have them look at both. Good luck.

Make sure it is the PS fan. Do this by sticking something thin through the fan grill to stop the blade while you have the noise. If the noise stops, then the fan is the cause.

I had the same problem with an AMD Athlon 500 w/ lots (500MB +) of RAM. I removed the power unit, undid the screws (voided the warranty - but took pics) and then reseated the fan. After that, it was fine. The actual fan was working fine, I think it was just some sloppy assembly work at the factory. If you are technically inclined, you might want to try this. If not, I agree with everyone else. It is still under warranty, so take it back to the store and make them do it. I just decided I could fix it faster myself than taking it to the store and then having to go back for it later in the day.