Post: #1

I have a laptop that's a few years old. It overheats easily and the fan inside makes a lot of noise while I'm talking on a mic. I work online, so this is cutting into my job and has become an annoyance.

Anyone have experience with fixing this problem, or do I need to buy a new PC? Tried google, and i've taken the laptop apart and cleaned it a bit, but there was hardly any dust inside. Thanks.

Post: #2

Almost certainly the bearings in one of your fans are stuffed.

If you can find a replacement fan then it should be an easy fix, either to do yourself or for a professional.

Post: #3

I second Leonard. Although I have desktop setup, I had this problem a couple of times. Luckily, fans are dirt cheap.

Post: #4

If it's a few years old you could find one that is just as good (or more) for a good price these days. Some have no fan and run quiet.

And this will give you a way to clean up your data and start fresh. Whole new OS, clean desk top, new PC smell.

No point to hold onto that old dusty thing with your cold dead hands. Like women, out with the old, in with the new.

Post: #5

If you don't end up fixing the fan or computer, just stop using the computer's internal microphone (which picks up the fan noise and vibrations).

Try getting either an external USB microphone, or a USB audio interface + XLR plugged microphone (anything cheap, or a classic SM58 that will last forever).

Keeping the mic closer to your mouth, further from the computer, and with lower input gain, should yield a nice improvement.

Post: #6

I would take it to the shop and get it checked out. Also I would buy an external fan like this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Cooler-Cooli...1391364087

Post: #7

Get an external headphone/headset. I had a noisy fan problem and solved it with a real set of headphones with a built in mic.

Post: #8

In my case (desktop) dust is a major factor in how much noise the fans on my pc make. After cleaning it sounds a lot better.

Post: #9

Take off the back cover and clean all the dust out of your ventilation slots, holes and intakes etc.

They get clogged up with dust and overheating makes the fan be on all the time instead of just now and again during heavy processing times.

Also, you haven't got the laptop sitting on a cloth or something blocking the ventilation?

Another option is an external mike/headset to get the mike away from the fan.

Post: #10

Hi there, I think you need to replace the fan.

Post: #11

Replace the fan and also get a laptop cooler pad with an additional fan. Get one with the largest fan size you can get, instead of multiple smaller fans. Smaller fans spin at higher RPM's, which make more noise. Get a cooler pad with a single big fan and it will make less noise and give your internal laptop fan a boost too. Has helped my temps a lot.