[Bytebabe]

I just purchased a refurbished Dell desktop, GX620 Dualcore 3.0 GHz, 4GB RAM, 500GB hard drive, Windows XP.

I use it for internet surfing, simple cameras, and classwork (no gaming). Really, it is not being overworked, as I usually spend my time on a laptop, and the desktop may go for 2 or 3 days at a time without even being powered up.

Sometimes the fans make a noise that reminds me of an airplane getting ready for take off!! It doesn't seem to matter what I am doing, sometimes it starts very soon after I have turned on the PC. It also often makes a "percolating" or bubbling noise for an extended period (again, it's quiet at this moment while I type this).

My main question: Is this noise indicative of a hardware failure about to happen? Is there any harm (other than to my ears) if I don't fix it?

If I would decide to fix it, what is the first step? Did I buy a lemon?

Thanks in advance for any direction you can provide.

[midders]

Most likely culprit is the bearings on the PSU and/or case fans. Whilst annoying, this problem can persist for years before the fans degrade enough to fail completely. I've just replaced an old PC for my Gran (still working), which when turned on sounded like it was about to go into orbit!

if it bothers you and you're good at DIY you could replace the fans in question, or get hold of a second hand PSU (if that's the culprit) with a better quality fan.

Slainte

midders

[win2kpro]

The Optiplex 620 was manufactured in 4 sizes, i.e. Mini Tower, Desktop, Small Form Factor and Ultra Small Form Factor.

You can identify your model by selecting the different models here;

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...html/index.htm

All the models other than the Ultra Small Form Factor used BTX form factor motherboards. The Dell BTX form factor boards historically have a high failure rate. In normal operation the fan will "roar" when the machine is initially started, then as it boots the noise will subside.

When the motherboard fails, the fan will "roar", but there will be no display on your monitor. If the motherboard subsequently fails, I wouldn't bother with repairing it since the BTX form factor developement was discontinued by Intel in 2006. Most any replacement motherboard will be a "pull" (used motherboard).

If your machine is one of the ones with a BTX form factor board, I would just use it until it fails, then scrap it.