It continues to make the noise while the computer is on.

Does it just make that noise for a second or so and then die down, or does the noise continue while the power is on?

Remove the service tag from your post by editing it using the Options->Edit button at top right of your post.  If you have the service tag in it, the Dell moderator will delete this subject.

 

Before you begin.

 

Inside view of your computer and description of what the components are.

 

You will want to remove the CPU heatsink fan by removing the two screws which attach it before cleaning the heatsink.

If the CPU heatsink is covered in dust is this something I can clean?  If its the circuitry that controls the fan speed is this costly to replace and is it something I can replace?

Try cleaning the heatsink.  Hopefully that will resolve the issue.

 

EDIT:  If you state the computer model, more detailed instructions could be advised.

I will try cleaning the heatsink and hopefully that will resolve the problem.  Sorry, I'm not used to using this forum.  My computer is a Dell Dimension 4600C.  Thank you for your help.

The heatsink is fairly easy to clean.

 

Unplug everything from the computer and open the case.  Then remove the dust with either a vacuum or one of those "duster" cans.

 

The offending fan control circuitry is either in the CPU or part of the motherboard, so fixing it would be expensive and quite a bit more difficult.

 

Can you verify which fan is making all the noise?

Your CPU heatsink may be covered in dust -- causing it to run hot and explain the high fan speed.

 

Otherwise, the circuitry which controlls the fan speed could have failed.

No, I can't tell which fan there is warm air blowing out of the back of the compter.

Do you have graphics card on your computer see if that makes the noise.Also check the power supply fan.

 

Well, what kind of system is it. If is probably the thermal controller of the computer that is faulty. If the thermal controller is down, then it cannot monitor the CPU temperature so the fan runs at higher speeds.
Now, to figure this out, and I'm not saying that this is a must, it's just a test (though I'm not sure Dell would agree with me in this one :smileywink:) you could try to open the case and figure out where that thermal controller is. If the machine is an Optiplex 320 then the controller is located in the frontpanel, just where the buttons and lights are. Eventually, if you locate it (and it's not easy), try looking for visible damage or, you could call the guys that understand electricity and have them measure the controller with their equipments.

Now this is some reply, isn't it :P.

Since englisht isn't my primary language, I hope that you understood anything if not all, and I really hope this helps you :D.

Hi,

 

Your english is just fine.  I am a little afraid to open the computer because I don't know anything about the insides.  In the inside of the Owner's Manual it says Model DHP.   I guess I will have to take it to a repair shop, but that will have to wait because I know it will most likely cost a lot of money and right I a little short on that.

 

Thank you for your help,

 

You already stated that it is a 4600C; people are not reading the posts and are jumping to assumptions.

 

There is no easy way to repair the fan speed control if that is the culprit; so don't jump to that step.  Let's keep this first things first.

 

The first thing is always to clean the inside of your computer.  If you are not comfortable with doing it yourself, then you will have to pay someone else to do it for you.

 

Please fellow posters, read the posts before you try to throw out a suggestion.

 No, I don't have a graphics card on my computer.

I wish I was comfortable in opening up my compter I will try to find someone local that check to see if it needs cleaning.  I did have Best Buy add memory last year and at time the service tech also did a diagnostic and said that he had never seen such a clean computer.

 

Thank you,