Whirring PSU fan

So the computer that I’m using is my brother in-laws. I don’t know much about it other than that he apparently paid to have the specs all “top notch”. I don’t think it’s anymore than 2 years old.

I use the computer for my work every day from 6 am to 10 pm and it is my lifeline. Before starting this work there was an extended period of time where we were “trading” on a binary options platform which required us to have the computer running at pretty much all times. We got found out for using a bot and were ultimately banned, but the point is that the computer used to be on a lot, and still is, just not to the same extent.

As of yesterday , the psu fan has started an awful whirring sound once the computer has been on for a while. I know it’s the psu because I took the side panel off and listened for it. My first line of action was to clean all the dust out with an air duster, but that didn’t do anything. I’ve tried installing an update in case for some reason it wasn’t a hardware issue.

Today with all of the restarting I’ve been doing, I’ve noticed that occasionally the whirring will begin on start up , but most of the time it happens after the computer has been on for 30 mins to an hour.

The psu and none of the surrounding components are hot, so overheating is not the issue.

How do I know if it’s hardware or software? I’m assuming if it’s a hardware issue my only option is to replace the psu? I’m not very handy with computers and don’t know what’s going on but I need this computer to be in working condition for me and my husband to be able to survive.

Please help me.

The only moving part in the PSU is its fan.

If you can't get warranty service on it, you can either repair or replace it.

Home repair of PSUs may be dangerous. There are fairly high voltages inside PSUs, and they may be present for some time after the power is disconnected.

In the US, replacement PSUs tend to be fairly inexpensive, although local choices may be limited. (I tend to buy most of that sort of thing online.)

If you need the PC immediately, replace the PSU. Even if it's still under warranty, I presume that it'd take days or weeks to have the manufacturer deal with it. The exception to that would be if they were prepared to cross ship a replacement.

I hope that someone in your household is capable of swapping PSUs. (It's not difficult, as such things go.) I'd hate to pay a tech to do something that an unskilled person (like me) can do in a half hour or so.

Only try replacing the fan if you have the expertise to avoid electric shock since there is significant energy stored in the PSU capacitors until they self discharge. I've had bad luck with XFX PSUs and now have a EVGA PSU which has a 10 year warranty.

Hey everyone I just wanted to update you. I live in Japan but I was able to go to a computer parts store and get a psu suitable for my needs. It was my first time but I was able to switch it out without any issues and my problem is now resolved. Thank you very much for your help.

Lsueki said:

Hey everyone I just wanted to update you. I live in Japan but I was able to go to a computer parts store and get a psu suitable for my needs. It was my first time but I was able to switch it out without any issues and my problem is now resolved. Thank you very much for your help.

Thanks for posting back. I'm glad that it went well for you.