A laptop fan making noise can be a frustrating problem because it has several causes and getting to the fan takes advanced computer knowledge. Although fan noise is often associated with more serious problems, most fixes are relatively cheap, but may require more than a novice level of expertise to resolve.

Types

Laptops contain separate fans for the CPU, the case and the power unit, according to ZDNet. Laptop fan noise can come from one or all of these. The laptop's hard-disk drive can make a noise when it encounters a problem that is often confused with a fan malfunction.

Causes

A noisy laptop fan can have several different causes. The main reason for a loud fan is the part simply wearing out and needing lubrication, or dust and debris caking up in the fan, reports laptop repairman Morris Rosenthal of DailyInt.

Considerations

Rosenthal states that owners of laptops should take note of how often the fan runs, and consider repairing the laptop fan at the first sign of an increased amount in fan action.

Effects

Also according to Rosenthal, a noisy fan can simply become an annoyance over time, but often indicates the fan's inability to cool the laptop, which could result in heat damage.

Prevention/Solution

ZDNet claims that any light lubricating oil except for WD-40 should fix a squeaky laptop fan. Rosenthal claims that users should move the laptop out of sunlight or smoky rooms. A fan that gets increasingly noisy may need replacing, which usually costs as little as a few dollars if done as a do-it-yourself project.

Source:

ZDNet

DailyInt