It it normal for a new computer to have this sound?

Factual Questions
1

The problem is, I don’t know how to describe the sound which I think is caused by the fan. Instead of a steady humming(?) sound coming from my Dell 8400, I get something that suggests a gentle (analog?) wave.

The sound gets a little louder and a bit higher pitched, then subsides to a quieter and lower pitch. Then it repeats ad infinitum. In and out, up and down.

Just occurred to me. It’s sort of like what you hear from an oscillating fan.

In any event, with Dell tech support in foreign countries, you can probably appreciate why I am loath to try to describe this phenomenon to the techies.

So, that’s the question. Should the computer hum like a Johnny One Note, or is it ok for it to do impressions of a wave?

2

Dells are usually very quiet. Maybe you should have your computer checked by a Dell technician.

3

The noise can be due to many things, most likely the fan and the way air is flowing through your PC. I guarantee that you will get some very informed answers from fellow Dell Dimension users at the Dell forum. Post your question there.

4

I don’t know if it is actually okay, but mine does the same thing. Right now, it is quiet and fine, but other times it can be distracting, it is so loud with the same quality you describe. WAA-ooo-WAA-ooOO…like that?

I asked a friend who does computer repairs, and he said as long as it doesn’t smell hot, like there is an electrical fire about to break out, that it should be okay, but agrees it is the fan.

5

Thank you nivlac!

I registered at the Dell Forums just as you suggested and popped the same question.

Let’s see what develops. I’ll keep you all informed.

And to Antivenin…

Yes, I guess “WAA-ooo-WAA-ooOO” is about as close as one can get. Though kind of funny, the eye. :slight_smile:

6

Could it be that the fan is kicking onto high power, then to lower when the temperature reaches a certain point, then going back to high?

7

No bites from the Dell Forum yet, but if you’ve got a fairly new system, you might want to register there, if only to download the free “Dell Support 3.0” app. It monitors your system for Security and Maintenance.

Before you go, have your Order Number & Service Tag handy.

8

First response from the Forum.

"It reads like the fan is making the noise. The fan’s speed will fluctuate up and down, according to the demands of the processor. You could contact Dell’s Technical Support and request a replacement, hopefully quieter, unit.

You could check this.

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/kb/en/document?dn=1033989&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19"

It doesn’t seem to be all that loud. Nevertheless, I’ll call tech support mañana.

9

I don’t think so. The waves have a very short duration and are extremely repetitive. And it’s always the same, whether the computer is idle or in use. Think of that oscillating fan mentioned in the OP.

10

I have Dell 8400 and mine has done exactly the same thing since new- about 4 months ago. I decided to ignore it and hope for the best. I’ll be watching with interest though to see how you get on.