HELP, Sawing noise coming from pc case

[freezspirit]

Ok I know it sounds daft, but thats the only way I can describe it. A saw cutting wood not continuously but at the start it was a few seconds randomly 2 or 3 times yesterday now its becoming increasing more often.

My pc was noisy so I got a new case and psu which I moved everything over Monday night, thinking the noise was the old psu (which was a cross between a tractor, motorcycle and helicoptor with a hint of washing machine). Also got a new heatsink and fan which I was going to change today but want to sort out this noise first.

I was thinking it was my memory cos the when the noise comes so do the led's on the memory go into overdrive. The other things that I could think of is some sort of warning that I need to change the mobo battery? Or could it even be the primary HD with the o/s, software etc on dying on me.

Now if its the battery I can go and buy one tomorrow or I might even have one lying about.

I'm slightly more concerned if its the HD, this is where I need help:

Do I transfer HD contents to another HD, will this effect the o/s - mobo etc.

How do I transfer everything over to new HD - cut and paste or is there some software I need to clone the HD etc?

[peterb]

Check the fans, either something catching on the blades, or a bearing on one on teh weay out.

It certainl;y 'sounds' like a mechanical noise - might be worth changing the CPU heat sonk and fan (as you have them.

Disk drives don't usually make that sort of noise as they faikl (if they do, it it trashed - and you would know)

[Workaholic]

Like peterb says main thing that pops to mine are loose power / data cables getting caught.

[freezspirit]

Thanks Peterb and Workaholic, checked fans - seem fine, no cables in the way, one molex (power) connector was in but not correctly seated (although I shouldn't of really checked with pc running). Noise still there but less often.

HD is really hot so tomorrow will put a HD fan on it.

The heatsink and fan I got to replace stock asus one is Artic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro (socket 939) but as the psu is just above the mobo, it might not fit (case is a coolermaster 331). Decided to not use the Antec Sonata III (gong to use that on my new build but can't decide on what processor or mobo but thats another thread post.). So might have to order a low profile one tomorrow.

If it is something wrong with the HD, is there a way of transfering the o/s to another HD so the pc will run?

[peterb]

Yes - you can clone the drive - that is, make an exact logical bit by bitt copy of it.

You can do that from within windows (I have used caspar XP) or you can use something like acronis.

Other ways (the ione I tend to use now) is to boot off a Linux live CD and use the dd command, but you do need a little (only a little) linux knowledge. Its a free solution though!

[Koolpc]

Sounds like it could be the hard drive. Have yout tried disconnecting hard drive's power to see if the noise goes? You can do that and then plug it back in again.

[Jay]

I still think this is a fan bearing on its way out.

[Koolpc]

I still think this is a fan bearing on its way out.

Still worth trying everything.

[Betty_Swallocks]

Yes, but rule out the cheap options before experimenting with the expensive.

(Mind you, I'm with you. I think it sounds like a hard drive)

[Koolpc]

Yes, but rule out the cheap options before experimenting with the expensive.

(Mind you, I'm with you. I think it sounds like a hard drive)

Doesn't cost anything to unplug the power lead from the Hard drive for a min or so.

[Betty_Swallocks]

Indeed not

[freezspirit]

All recommendations are greatly recieved and I will try them all out one by one, tomorrow, was meant to do it today but had some unexpected visitors over.

About the software - casper xp/acronis would a trial version do or is it best to buy full version.

About Linux - never used it but thinking of using it in my new build (when I get around to it) so will do some research on it.

About a new HD, can anyone recommend a good reliable stable, long lasting one. It will have to be powered by molex as the psu doesn't have any sata power cables which I just noticed (well it came free with the case so can't really complain. lol). Current HD in case is Maxtor DiamondMax 10 6L200P0 200GB 8MB ATA/133 so anything better. Not really bothered about size, has this will become second pc. Budget between £25-£45tops. So was thinking either Samsung or Western Digital but I have problems making decisions would like other to make the choice for me, make and model.

[moogle]

Western digital sata drives allow them to be powered by molex without molex->sata power converters. Unless your board doesn't support sata drives. They are a good choice to go with. If memory serves me right the SATA drives are cheaper than IDE ones generally.

[Koolpc]

If you need a Molex to sata power cable let me know and i'll pop one in the post for you mate.

[Splash]

If the disk *is* on it's way out you should really be getting some form of SMART error on boot (if enabled). You could always try a chkdsk as well and see if you get any errors that way.

If the disk is getting very hot it might be worth considering airflow around it - is it sat close to other components in the case, or is there clear airflow both under and over it? If the issue is actually poor case layout then chances are that you're going to keep killing disks until that's addressed.

Please don't take this as an insult - I've no idea how your case is laid out, but it's worth bearing in mind.

[peterb]

Caspar XP wasn't that expensive - I don't think the trial version limits the size of transfer. Not sure about acronis.

I have done a couple of posts about using the dd command under linux it isn't difficult - a search should find them.