noisy computer hard drive

[sag]

My computer has just started to make an awful noise, which is not solved by banging it!!

It sounds like the hard drive, but I'm no computer expert!.

Does anybody have any ideas as to how I might cure this noise?

Many thanks.

[hc4361]

A crunching grinding noise?

[AlBags]

Often the processor fan, graphics card fan (if it has one) or the power supply.
You should suss out which soonest.
There is a chance will go bang if power supply.
Probably shut down if processor fan fails (as core will overheat)

HDD's can make all sorts of whirring/clicking and grating noises. Not loud though.
Restart and do file error check on the drive you suspect.

[The-HouseHusband]

Have you tried cleaning out any fans on the casing/motherboard/power supply. If these get clogged with dust they can become unbalanced and make an awful racket.

[Old_Geezer]

The most likely moving part to make a noise, as has been suggested, is one of the fans. Check them first, they aren't difficult to replace if necessary.

[ChuckFickens]

As others have said, probably a fan.

You will have a faulty hard drive soon if you keep banging the computer though!

[smurfchops]

Unscrew the box and gently clean out the fan.

[sag]

Thanks very much for all the advice. I decided first of all to try cleaning the fans and this appears to have cured the problem.

It has saved my fist from getting sore by constant bashing (and potential damage as pointed out!!)

[AlBags]

Sweet : )