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My Dell Tower Hoots! Why?
My tower bugles. Frightful noise.
Of
course my Dimensions Desktop L933r is out of its 3-year extended warranty! But the tower began hooting like a bull moose in full rut while
in warranty over a year ago. I was assured I just needed to remove the case and dust it. I did. And I do keep it away from the wall, etc. Despite all my efforts this puppy has taken to hooting at start-up, hooting at random, and ever more frequently and loudly. I've gently moved the tower and sometimes the noise instantly stops. Or not.
I've maintained my Dell with surgical precision, updated my Windows to bits, and cleaned, de-fragged, anti-virused and babied it to a fare-thee-well. It otherwise runs on Windows ME just fine.
Yet it hoots. Fan? Possibly. Motherboard? Freebie on-line diagnostics to check overheating don't list my particular Dimension (too old, perhaps. Had it since 2001). My biggest worry is that simply living with it will resign it to a premature scrap heap. I rather like it. And it cost me a fair piece, besides.
I suspect the issue is a mechanical one. Did Dell make a mistake with this model? Any ideas, anyone? And has anyone else had a bugling Dell tower and fixed it without a big bill of expense?
Sincerely,
MouseB
Message Edited by MouseB on 12-02-2004 09:01 PM
shesagordie
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Posted December 3rd, 2004 01:00
MouseB.
Replace the fan.
You should be able to buy a replacement from Dell Spare Parts, Phone 1-800-357-3355 x69937 M-F 8 to 5 CDT and have the system's "Service Tag" handy.Bev.
shesagordie
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Posted December 3rd, 2004 02:00
MouseB.
Fans are like all mechanical parts, they wear out in time, it's just a question of when.
The L Series only has two fans, the processor heatsink fan and the PSU fan, for more information see the following
Bev.
This is great information. Thanks. Under "fans" the Removing and Replacing Guide refers to a heatsink and fan assembly "included in your upgrade kit." Is that the "part" to order from Dell? Since there are only 2 fans in the Dimension "L" series, would both be needing replacement?
MouseB
shesagordie
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Posted December 3rd, 2004 20:00
MouseB.
First thing you should do, is open the case and check which fan is making the noise. The "Upgrade Kit" refers to upgrading the processor.
Bev.
shesagordie
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Posted December 3rd, 2004 22:00
MouseB.
Good luck on finding it.
Bev.
simpswr
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Posted December 3rd, 2004 01:00
More than likely a fan . . take the side off, start it and listen to see if you can determine where it is coming from . . you can stop fans by touching with your finger to see if it stops . .
wrs