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Humming/buzzing noise
I got my alienware aurora R3 about 15 months ago, but within the last 2 or 3 months, it has been making a buzzing/humming noise. It also vibrates pretty badly, but performance doesn't seem to have been affected. It usually starts to happen when I've been playing a game for about 30 or more minutes. When I try to open the case to see where it's coming from, the noise and vibration seems to go away, so I can't really tell what's causing it. However, I have a feeling that it's the liquid cooling assembly, since I've heard of this issue before. My warranty is up, and I'm not sure what to do. There is one thing worth noting. This only started happening when I moved my computer to a different spot in my room. Could it be the wall outlet that maybe caused this? Please help, and thanks in advance.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
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July 2nd, 2012 23:00
Don't be removing side panel with power on.
Run with side panel removed. Find the thing vibrating and secure it.
If nothing appears, must be that the side panel is a little lose (even when latched). Install 3 foam or felt drawer/cabinet bumpers along inside top of case. When snapping in side panel make sure it still latches-in all the way. Problem solved (that's what I did).
bills889
133 Posts
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July 2nd, 2012 23:00
If it goes away when you remove the panel that must mean something is vibrating against it. Use a cable tie and makie sure cables/tubes for the water cooling a tucked away from the panel so when its closed theres no contact.
ChubbyChimp14
15 Posts
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July 3rd, 2012 00:00
Thanks for the replies, guys. But what if it is indeed the liquid cooling fan? How much would it be to replace it, and would I have to install the new one myself? Or would a Dell technician be able to replace it. I ask because I'm not really comfortable with my computer skills, and wouldn't want to screw up the install.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
8 Wizard
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17K Posts
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July 3rd, 2012 01:00
There are all sorts of parts on this case that "snap-in/out" without being screwed down. So, they vibrate sometimes.
I wouldn't start worrying about a major repair unless you really NEED a major repair. If it turns out that the liquid cooler pump or radiator fan is bad (or any other major part), you would:
1. Order a new one from Dell parts
2. Have a local qualified computer technician install it for you.
If under warranty, Dell will come to your house with the parts and install/repair at no cost.
Sir_Gio
2 Posts
0
May 3rd, 2014 06:00
I have this problem too. A vibration intermittent noise from the case. I'm not so sure it's the liquid pump because I tried and turned on the PC disconnecting System Fan, CPU Fan and Mem Fan and it was still vibrating. I tried touching the graphic card too but it doesn't seem to be that one.
Any ideas?
Maybe it's che right panel moving but I don't know how to secure it. Does someone knows where the screws are?
Darkpool
38 Posts
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May 3rd, 2014 20:00
If you are interested in replacing the Alienware stock cooler I can recommend the Corsair H80i liquid cpu cooler. The Corsair cooled my system at idle by 10degrees C and my gaming/performance temps down by 20C from the stock Alienware cooler!
Weirdly, when I installed the Corsair cooler, my boot time was cut in half too.
The Corsair was easy to install, but I did make a simple mistake installing which was easily corrected. You can read about it here http://en.community.dell.com/owners-club/alienware/f/3746/t/19580642.aspx
Sir_Gio
2 Posts
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May 4th, 2014 04:00
Thanks for the reply but as I said I tried to turn on the PC with the CPU pump unplugged from the motherboard and it was still humming. I tried to unplug all the system fans one at the time but nothing has stopped the noise. Don't know what to screw better or fix to make it stop. The only thing I can do is to buy a drawer and close the PC in it