XPS 8930, annoying buzzing noise from right side cover

If it is a vibration place a mat under the tower such as a couple of end to end mouse pads (remember those?) to cushion the tower. Have you tried opening the case to check where it's coming from or seeing if the case is closed properly? There should not be any leeway in the case if it is closed correctly.  

Check the latch for the right side to make sure it is tight. See the service manual here for the directions on opening the case--

https://topics-cdn.dell.com/pdf/xps-8930-desktop_service-manual_en-us.pdf

On various machines over the years ...

1. Try to isolate and minimize the vibrations. If you have a 7200rpm HDD, sometimes rubber grommets help.

2. Use some carefully placed "kitchen cabinet-door bumpers" ... or similar material like maybe a little piece of weather-stripping.

I've already tried putting in foam bumpers, but that didn't seem to stop it. I'm not sure where on the panel the buzzing occurs (beyond the general area of the top 2/3 of the panel). I took out my hard drive (since I have an SSD as my boot drive) and that didn't stop the noise. Just the fan vibration alone is enough to cause the panel to buzz.

In regards to the suggestion of the large mouse pad, I actually own one and just tested that after reading your post. It seemed to actually make the problem worse while it's on the mouse pad. The buzzing is almost always happening there, and much more aggressively.

I've already tried taking out the panel and putting it back in again. It's definitely hooked in properly. The leeway is coming from the fact the black plastic isn't very tight against the metal part. Like, the black plastic is "hooked in" but it's not tight enough to stop vibration related sounds, if that makes any sense. After trying to locate the sound source, it might actually be related to black plastic half of the side panel but it's hard to determine.

It's honestly such a weird issue, but having to hear this constant buzzing when I'm working for 4-8 hours daily is aggravating. I've never dealt with weird buzzing noises on any of my prior computers.

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@Mark_Rob wrote:

1. I've already tried putting in foam bumpers, but that didn't seem to stop it.

2. The leeway is coming from the fact the black plastic isn't very tight against the metal part. Like, the black plastic is "hooked in" but it's not tight enough to stop vibration related sounds, 

3. having to hear this constant buzzing when I'm working for 4-8 hours daily is aggravating.

4. I've never dealt with weird buzzing noises on any of my prior computers.

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1. Hmm

2. Latching surfaces can be "build-up" with tape (black or metal) ... heat-shrink ... maybe just shove some foam in there? 

3. Agreed... that's why I tried to help.

4. Actually, very common on these "snap apart tool-less cases" nowdays. Personally, I think if you can't use a screw-driver you have no business getting inside it.  :Smile:

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@Mary G wrote:

If it is a vibration place a mat under the tower such as a couple of end to end mouse pads (remember those?) to cushion the tower.

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Yes, I have a little mat under my external HDD (works good).

Yeah, one time I was setting up a (new) inexpensive Inspiron for a family member. Worked fine except for rattling side cover. I just stuck an old mouse pad inside the machine and shut the cover ... also worked fine.  :Beer:

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@Mark_Rob wrote:

Just the fan vibration alone is enough to cause the panel to buzz.

 

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After you isolate "vibration causer" add rubber grommets ... fan or whatever.

I think using rubber grommets to isolate vibration is tricky. A lot will depend upon the stiffness of the rubber and  tightness of  the mounting screws. I think you need to attack the right-side cover. If the vibration caused by the plastic vibrating against the metal then you need to place something between the plastic and the metal to fill the gap and stop the motion. Either that or you have to more firmly attach the plastic to the metal I would look closely at the construction of the cover and see what could be done

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@Vic384 wrote:

I think using rubber grommets to isolate vibration is tricky. 

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Agreed. But I'm running out of ideas (they say they tried everything already).

  :TongueTied: 

Try a wooden toothpick to tighten the snap connector. If it works, snap off the piece sticking out.

I’ve been in this case so many times.  Barebones right now as attempting a case swap.

Have never had a problem with noise but if that top fan and CPU fan gets spinning there is a hum that can certainly cause a noise.

Would look at the components that can make a noise first then the chassis next.

Under top cover not much there that can buzz, front IO Panel, wireless antenna.  Top is easy to get on/off once you figure out how.

Under top of chassis:  The upper fan is held in place by rubber fan pins, if one loose could cause a noise.  The bracket itself has a single screw, it should be tight.  The slim optical drive bracket is a fairly loose fit.  Make sure it is locked in.

Front bezel: The slim optical drive pop out tray has a black cover which is removable and fits into the opening In the front bezel.  Can cause a noise there from vibration.  Also the way the front bezel locks onto the front of the chassis and there are plastic tabs and raised pins that articulate onto the metal chassis.  If pushing on the front bezel makes it the noise go away then just put some black electrical tape on the front of the chassis where those plastic pieces fit.

Look at how the back side panel fits at the corners of the case where it meets the front bezel as well.

PSU bracket:  Vibrates a lot, especially near the lock points where the latches are and the triangular piece that lies over the graphics card.  Look also how it fits at the top of the case where it meets the top cover.   Putting pressure on the latch points and the bracket with the side panel off is the way to check this.

Motherboard, just do a quick check and make sure the hold down screws are snug.

The HDD trays on bottom and the HDD holder at the upper front, rear pci tabs also screw into case.  Check those screws as well as they are metal to metal contact.

HTH

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@Mark_Rob wrote:

I purchased an XPS 8930 less than a year ago, and I've had this very annoying problem since I've owned it. The right-side cover starts to buzz (probably from the vibrations of the PC) every few minutes and requires me to lightly push on the panel to stop it temporarily (it'll come back after a few minutes). The buzzing seems to come from the top portion of the cover which has about a millimeter or two of leeway. This sound has gotten on my nerves over the months and I'm trying to find a solution.

Is there any way to stop this noise?

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Silly question, maybe, but have you confirmed that the buzz is not there when you leave the right-side cover off?

When you have the right-side cover off do you see any cables or anything else that might be resting against the cover when you put it back in place?

It's a simple fix, find the buzz and stick something in there to stop it...…….not that hard but as a former mechanic maybe it's just a no brainer for me.