Noisy ventilator (left side)

[N-drju]

I guess this question has been asked millions of times before, but do you perhaps know what might be causing a rattling noise in the left part of the lap top?

Some background: I have an MSI GE72 2QL with a dual fan. Left one is the most heavily used and it's the CPU fan. The problem is most noticeable when the fan is rotating slowly. In other words, I hear no rattling while rendering, but I hear strange, fart noises when watching You Tube or reading.

Obviously, it might be the fan, but I have also read that some electric stuff might be the source of the problem? Is there any way to diagnose it on one's own other than taking the machine to a "pit stop"?

[raymoh]

I think it's the fan: I had that twice. The first time, the worn ball bearings were ultimately the reason for the noise. In the service department the fan was replaced.
At low revolutions the noise was audible, when the fans went up it disappeared. Exactly the way you describe it.
The second time (another computer!) it was a resonance of the fans with the case. It disappeared (until now) when I gently moved my iMac back and forth a couple of times, turned it upside down and put it down again  .

[WAS]

The turbo fans get a little loose and rattle in the housing.

[N-drju]

Thanks for the tips guys. It is indeed a ball-bearing problem.

I've been to the service yesterday and the guy said I will need to either replace the CPU fan (read: jury-rig the system) or the entire cooling component...

The former would be much cheaper of course. If I decide to go with the latter solution, perhaps it is wiser to get a dedicated cooling system...?

In any case, I'm relieved to know it can be fixed and should not cause serious problems in the near future. Apart from the irritating sound of course.

[WAS]

Shouldn't need to replace the whole cooling unit. That's a bit extreme (and it's risky + they likely overcharge). Should be able to replace the fan itself. It may even just be dirty. For example, a few particles of dust getting to the bearing can cause a grinding and a noticeable noise. Maybe try cleaning the unit, and you should be able to access the bearing under the center label, you could than apply a drop of CRC 2-26, which is likely what it left the factory with. This will help dissolve any particles and lubricate.

I honestly find it unlikely a bearing is going out so soon.

[N-drju]

Depends on what you mean by "soon". This 'ere machine is almost four years old. Daily use mostly and has been in session for some lengthy gaming too.

In any case, the computer has been thoroughly cleaned and there simply is no dust left to account for the noise. The fan itself has been greased too.

I count that a new fan will do. Like you say, I do not wish want to replace the entire unit. And if I wanted to, I'd perhaps ask for a dedicated system. Maybe liquid this time...?

[WAS]

Liquid metal instead of thermal grease makes a really nice impact on laptops from what I've seen, if that were an avenue. I'm not sure how liquid cooling all works for laptops, and I'm not a fan of liquid cooling because it doesn't handle heat spikes well which cause ware. The system has to literally cycle that heat away and get cooled liquid to it, all while that spike is still there. A fan is much more responsive to spikes and is almost immediate upon revving up as it's not cycling any liquid from a radiator. I feel liquid cooling is for moderate use of a CPU to keep it under load spec, which makes it always run smooth and prolongs the life of the dye.

[N-drju]

I'm not sure how liquid cooling all works for laptops, and I'm not a fan of liquid cooling because it doesn't handle heat spikes well which cause ware. The system has to literally cycle that heat away and get cooled liquid to it, all while that spike is still there. A fan is much more responsive to spikes and is almost immediate upon revving up as it's not cycling any liquid from a radiator.

Never thought of such considerations really. Sounds very reasonable. I'll keep that in mind!