7540 - Jet-noise

Question

I just got new 7540 with i9-9880H and it works like a charm except one single EXTREMELY ANNOYING THING. It gives specific pitch of noise depending on fan speed.
I switched from my old M4800 precision that has CPU with exact the same power consumption i7-4910MQ but never, ever gives such annoying noise.
I found temporary solution - to cover just area directly over the FAN in the laptop to reduce that noise and flatten frequency spectrum - it sounds so much better then sound is smooth and impression of jet engine dissapears.
But I assume it is not safe for the machine itself as then blown stream of air is not so intensive even FAN is not covered as lower housing is still

I also checked the sound FFT of the fans with Spectroid app on my phone and it gives always 100-200 Hz lower frequency than actual fan speed.
The lower fan speed the more distinguishable pitch sound is. Ironically at the lowest fan speed the pitch is the most annoying.

I have updated BIOS to the latest 1.9.0 version released just few days ago but it does not help.

I assume that there is some design flaw. Fans have much more "fins" then in my old M4800 I have not counted number of them - but there may be about 60 of them so they might do the noise.
Or there is some problem with powering it (BIOS programmers - PWM frequency I do not know?)

As I see on the forum I am not the only user experiencing it - and no formal response from Dell was given.
Hence if you expect comparative experience as an loyal Precision user (this is my 3rd Mobile Precision in span of almost 10 years) you might be dissappointed.

Here you might find the spectrum analysis of the FAN: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KSBxnf-df5F3RB_7M2rWVupBKEeNsYpF/view?usp=sharing
at ~2800 RPM -and ~2280 RPM

Scenicman · Answer

Hi I added a second SSD EVO 970, activated AHCI and since then I have the fans running regularly. the noise is annoying. Dell doesn't offer unbelievable solutions !!!

AnteGreen · Answer

It is very annoying and a SEVERE design flaw. I thought that Dell was a company large enough to put some research hours into designing usable laptops. I am using Macs in private and at my previous workplaces. All have been almost dead silent and with zero issures. The 7540 has been a horrible experience so far.

pb79 · Answer

1. Update BIOS (however I cannot see any thermal changes in 1.9.0 and latest 1.11.2).

2. Reinstall OS.

3. Install latest Dell Command Update and update Dell drivers.

4. Install Dell Power Manager and set it to "Quiet".

Alternatively: install HWinfo64 to set fixed fan speed (set slider to middle which is approx ~2000 rpm however I suggest to monitor temperatures during your workload scenario).

AnteGreen · Answer

I have done 1-4 from early on. In addition I have a laptop stand. The problem is that:

1. The fans have a resonant tone even at low rpms making the sound particularly irritating.

2. The fans starts at way to low temperatures.

Like I said, Dell should have enought research power to come up with something better than this. Especially considering the price of the laptop. 1. is where Dell has made a bad design of the cooling and cannot be solved for this model but 2. could be resolved by software updates from Dell, e.g. a more progressive ramp-up curve initiated at higher temperatures.

DELL-Cares · Answer

Hello, I see you are looking for technical assistance. If you need our help, you can start a private message with us and we will be happy to assist you.

DanielFlieth · Answer

I also have the 7540 and each day i am annoyed by this fuc..ing jet noise. And especally because dell dont fix anything. Because of that i will never by Dell Products again for my company.

heikkuri · Answer

Hi,

One option is to install Dell Power version 3.10.0.

Change Thermal Management from Optimizes => Quiet and from Battery information - Settings - Primary AC use.

I keep my lid always open even I use external monitor. If you have external keyboard maybe add small eraser under the laptop to get a bit better airflow.

You have installed Intel Processor Power Management Utility 38.5 and Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework 8.5.10103.7263?

These are just minor thinks but now you have at least few ways to make it more quieter.

Yes Dell Precision 7X40 is a bit like a jet plane. 7X50 and 7X60 models are better.

dell1420 · Answer

7530, it is producing a kind of whistling sound highly intimidating and unbearable for human along with the sound of jet. Fan also runs almost all the time even when sleeping. tried all the hardware change around heatsink and fan, no good. CSA asked to run few troubleshooting things and then said parameters are within limit and then ran away. So pathetic!!

Precision Mobile Workstations

7540 - Jet-noise

Was this post helpful?