This can't be good...

[Feralpeg]

For the past few days, my PC has started doing something it has never done before. It will be working fine, but then the fan comes on very loud. It usually only stays on a few seconds and then goes back off. It is really loud. It has never done this before. Tell me the darn thing isn't going to go out on me. Please!

 

[Kycha]

Your fan is coming on because your laptop is getting too hot. Is the bottom real hot to the touch? Do you use it on a flat surface? Or do you use it on your lap or blanket or something like that? You should get a cooling pad for your laptop. You can get one for about $20. They have different ones. Some are just like a tray with like little kickstands so there is a way for air to circulate under the laptop to keep it cool. The one I have plugs into my computers usb port and it has 3 little fans built in. Does a great job of keeping my laptop cool.

 

[NHdisneylover]

It is probably getting too full of dust and clogged a bit. That will make it heat up faster and the fan have to run harder (so you are even noticing it) and longer and more often. Try getting a can of air and cleaning it out really well.

 

[jlima]

I just used a detail tool with my vacuum and cleaned the vents on our PC . . . dust bunnies the size of golf balls came out; it was gross!!

 

[2BigKIdz]

It is probably getting too full of dust and clogged a bit. That will make it heat up faster and the fan have to run harder (so you are even noticing it) and longer and more often. Try getting a can of air and cleaning it out really well.

I would recommend taking it outside as the dust is going to blow everywhere. Using the vaccuum tools will work also but not quite as well as blowing it out. You should do this periodically to avoid overheating.

 

[Feralpeg]

Your fan is coming on because your laptop is getting too hot. Is the bottom real hot to the touch? Do you use it on a flat surface? Or do you use it on your lap or blanket or something like that? You should get a cooling pad for your laptop. You can get one for about $20. They have different ones. Some are just like a tray with like little kickstands so there is a way for air to circulate under the laptop to keep it cool. The one I have plugs into my computers usb port and it has 3 little fans built in. Does a great job of keeping my laptop cool.

It isn't a laptop. It is a free standing CPU. It is in the same place it has been for the past four years. Perhaps it is dusty. I can't say I clean back there on a regular basis. I'll give it a try. Thanks, everyone!

 

[NHdisneylover]

If you haven't cleaned it out in those four years--it will be very dusty inside--cleaning it out should help immensly--and absolutely take it outside like the pp suggested.

 

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

ha! just as i was scrolling over your thread my fan went on...happens all the time...mind you mines also four years old...i just figure it's getting warm.