Noisy D420

Question

My D420 makes a loud scratchy, high-pitched noise. It is loudest when the computer is idle and then quieter when the hard drive is doing something. I thought it was the hard drive, but then I took off the battery and listened while it ran off wall power, and it didn't seem to be coming from the hard drive. It seems to come from the area around the RAM and the vents... maybe that's just because that's the only place where the noise can escape from. Does this sound familiar to anybody. It did this right out of the box.

areacode206 · Answer

I received my D420 today and I have noticed the exact same issue.  As soon as I turned it on, I noticed the noise.  If you do a search on this forum you will find that others have the same complaint about noise on this system.  I am thinking very seriously about returning the system since I do not think Dell has found a solution to this problem or is even investigating it...   Should have researched this on the net before deciding to purchase..

bjamin2002 · Answer

I talked to the tech support yesterday for a while and we ran through some diagnostics. Couldn't figure it out. It doesn't seem to be the fan. It's related to the hard-drive but doesn't seem to come from the hard drive itself. They are sending me a replacement. Hopefully that one doesn't make the noise.

Other than this minor issue that doesn't affect its function at all, I love this laptop.

Message Edited by bjamin2002 on 11-17-200609:24 AM

areacode206 · Answer

Could you tell me what 'part' they are sending you?  I talked to the tech for my problem as well and they are asking me to send in my system (minus hard drive) to replace a part (I am assuming that its a fan).    Just curious as what they are doing to your system as apose to mine...   Also for others having the hot system issue..When I described my problems, first question she asked me was whether my system was running hot as well..I stated I haven't had the system long enough to actually notice whether system was running hot and she seemed relieved by my response...I think they have had alot of complaints about the 'running hot' problem..

bjamin2002 · Answer

They are sending me a replacement system. Mine also gets quite hot. On the right side, almost too hot to touch if I'm doing some intense processing. It doesn't bother me too much really, unless it's wearing out my processor or something and it's going to die after a few months. But that's what the warranty is for.

dlaptopr · Answer

Yes, I can confirm this same noise issue in my brand new D420. Did Dell resolve this for any of you?   It's an annoying buzzing/whining noise that comes from the right-side fan vent. In a quiet office it can be very distracting. I talked to Dell Tech Support and they are sending me a new fan, however I don't believe it's a fan problem. I subsequently noticed that the noise is present even when the fan is not running. I tried unplugging power, network, and USB mouse -- no change.   As others have noted, this seems to be either hard drive or RAM related. The noise will stop when a new program is loading. I am suspicious that it is RAM related, because the noise will even stop when a large program is repeatedly loaded, and most of the activity is disk cache -- the hard drive light barely flickers. I have 2 GB RAM on my machine and wonder if that 2 GB chip could be the problem?   I too am considering returning my D420 within the return period. It's a shame because I like the machine otherwise. But distracting noise in this kind of machine is unnacceptable. Please let me know if there are any resolutions for this problem. Thanks!

wing1112 · Answer

I didn't realize the problem until i took the notebook with me to a library (my house is always noisy; therefore, i couldn't hear a sound of it at all).  I took my notebook to the library and i realize the high pitch noise coming from the right side but i thought i broke and cause this.  It seems to me that the noise issue and the hot temp issue have applied to all the D420.  I wonder what has caused the problem.  anyone know?

Ryan Stewart · Answer

Mine does it when you shut off the bluetooth controller with the switch on the side.

I have tried the disabling power management on USB root hub trick but nothing.

Message Edited by Ryan Stewart on 06-25-2007 02:42 PM

wing1112 · Answer

my best guess the noise comes from the rams since you load program, noise will be stopped.  not sure since dell never really replied

Ryan Stewart · Answer

I went into chat with a dell tech.  Chat > email, definately use it.   I told him what it was doing and that I narrowed it down to when the bluetooth controller was off and he is sending me a replacement controller.

Ryan Stewart · Answer

bluetooth controller didnt fix it but it still does the same thing.   I did notice the buzzing stops for a split second when the hard drive is being read.

Ryan Stewart · Answer

Well, now I am WORSE off.   I sent it into dell and they replaced the mainboard and bluetooth controller.  Not only is the noise still there (although much quieter) but now it wont detect my docking station and they put it back together HORRIBLY.  The palm rest isnt in properly so its bulged up and when you close the display sticks up on one corner a lot like the chassis was twisted.

Ryan Stewart · Answer

also, if you search for 'buzzy' you can see this is a common issue.  It has to do with the power states apparently.  Many other versions are doing it.  the M1210, older latitudes, ect.

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Noisy D420

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