Alienware Aurora R6 clicking noise

Hi! Rodrigo just replied to me on one of the other threads and started following me. Then the message option appeared.

Well it's been many hours now and all is still quiet with the replacement PSU.  Anyone who has this issue with the described bearing noise need look no further than the replacement of the PSU.  Before finding this thread, Dell kept me on the phone and did test after test trying to see where it was coming from. 2 hours later still no luck...until I sent them this thread along with the you tube video of the unit making noise.  2 Days later the tech showed up with the replacement.

P.S. turn off your PVR when doing your test...LOL!

Hello Rodrigo, I am experiencing the same issue with my brand new R6. After sleep, it was making loud clicking noises.

I have identified the reason for my clicking on my R6... after opening the side casing, I have discovered a major fracture in the frame of the fan located at the rear-bottom of the PC. If the computer is not on a levelled surface, it will rub against the fractured frame of the fan and thus, make the "clicking" noise.

Did you check over the unit elsewhere to see if possibly the unit was dropped?

As you can see, the major complete fracture in the fan. This causes the "clicking" noise on my BRAND NEW Alienware Aurora R6. I have not been able to identify any other issues but I am returning it anyway. How do I know it wasn't dropped or they installed a defective component in my computer? How do I know OTHER components aren't defective? It's going back and I want my money back.

WOW that is disappointing to see for sure. I cannot imagine it being missed in assembly in that condition so it's possible that it was only slightly cracked and the crack opened up under use.  I don't think dropping the unit could have caused that.

Dropping by the shipper could definitely cause this.  Because it was boxed the outside of the case would not show any damage.

Franklin14525 wrote:

1. They installed a new power supply and it was delta brand but,

2. the clicking noise still there.  The rattle noise timing is random and it last for a minute or 3 then it goes away but it always comeback. The rattle/clicking noise is not that loud and only last for 1 to 4 minutes,

3. maybe is just a normal sound from the computer.  

1. How do you know it was a new Delta made unit? Was it a 460w or 850w unit?

2. If confirmed, yours would be the first.
- Either you or Dell should run computer with side-cover off and verify which fan is truly making the noise. There are several.
- Other parts can vibrate. Side-Cover and (vibrating) Spinning HDD come to mind

- You still have a warranty. If you still have a fan or whatever part making unacceptable noise, Dell can fix it for you.

3. This will have to be determined. After close inspection, maybe record a good video?

Good work. An important reminder that first step is to identify which fan exactly (or other part) is making the abnormal noise.
 
We will never know, but I tend to agree with SpeedStep about shipper damage.
- No matter how sturdy the case is, notice it's a thin plastic bracket down at the bottom corner or edge. Fan appears to be hard-mounted to the case (which transmits any "impact energy").

- Many users complained of weight of Aurora R1-R4. So, now they made it a little thinner/lighter (but it's still really heavy when "loaded"). Seems Dell can't win with shippers "in the middle" of fulfillment. 

- There were reports of Area-51 R2 case damage on initial release. They had to upgrade shipping materials. Maybe Aurora-R6 materials need a bit of upgrading as well.
 
It's really up to you about returning. However, if it was mine ... after careful inspection ... if I found no other bent, cracked, or broken parts ... and machine was otherwise operating properly, I think I would let Dell replace the fan and move on with my life. There is no guarantee that the next Aurora-R6 will fair any better.

They installed a new power supply and it was delta brand but,  the clicking noise still there.  The rattle noise timing is random and it last for a minute or 3 then it goes away but it always comeback. The rattle/clicking noise is not that loud and only last for 1 to 4 minutes, maybe is just a normal sound from the computer.  I"m not happy with my purchase.  I probally can't return the pc and get my money back cause is been over 30 days already.  Not a happy costumer, probally not buying from dell again.

Franklin14525 wrote:

1. I saw the brand of the power supply, I saw the delta name on it.

 

2. I saw the delta name on the power supply but not sure if is 460W or 850w but was the same size.

 

3. Gonna remove and check and run it without side cover again.

1. Good

2. I suggest everyone take a pic of large label before new one is installed (it's hidden after install). I know all the 850w Delta and Huntkey units are Modular (wiring-harness power-wires all connect to back of Power Supply with various colored connectors). I've heard all 460w units are NOT modular (wires don't detach with connectors). It's quite a longer job to replace a power supply like this since all wires have to be removed with old PS, and re-installed with new).

3. Good idea. If you have a fan-cooler instead of liquid-cooler I think you end-up with an extra fan to observe (Front, Top, and CPU). There could be others.

I saw the brand of the power supply, I saw the delta name on it.  The power supply that they remove didn't said delta, don't remember the brand.   I saw the delta name on the power supply but not sure if is 460W or 850w but was the same size.  Gonna remove and check and run it without side cover again.

It is a delta 850w.  I notice this on my computer. What are those 6 yellow metallic pieces ? The two on the right are damage.  Computer is running fine though except for the random rattle noise. Is hard to detect where the noise is coming. I think is the top fan. Computer has a lot of fans, graphic card has a fan, front fan, power supply has  a fan and there is the top fan.  I think is the top fan but not 100% sure.

Those metal pins are for the LED lighting on the side of the case.  They match up to contacts on the inside of the case cover.