high pitched noise, like a smoke detector

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newmanm · #1 Post by **newmanm** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 12:57 pm

twice now I've heard a high pitched noise coming out of my thinkpad. it's not as loud as a smoke detector, but it's pretty loud.
the last time I heard it was at least a couple of weeks ago.

I rarely turn off my thinkpad, I just close the lid.
the unit was plugged into the power supply.

any ideas?

#2 Post by **rkawakami** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 2:58 pm

I'd say that there are several things can make a sound like you described in a laptop (arranged in decreasing amount of noise):

1) Speakers
2) Fan
3) LCD inverter
4) Inductor on the motherboard

#1 and #2 would be the loudest, while #3 and #4 are too soft to be mistaken for a smoke alarm, unless you are referring to the frequency (i.e., pitch) of the sound and not its volume. But as you say it's pretty loud I don't think that those two things could ever emit that much noise.

Enabling the built-in microphone can in some cases lead to "feedback". There would have to be a specific program running which is designed to record audio, while at the same time broadcasting it out your speakers.

If the fan bearings are wearing out, that could generate a considerable amount of noise. As you say you rarely turn off your system, I'd take a guess that your fan needs to be replaced. Is there any kind of description that you can assign to what you're hearing (besides sounding like a smoke detector)? When it occurs, is it a constant tone or does it seem to warble? Do you do anything to make it stop or does it go away on its own?

newmanm · #3 Post by **newmanm** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 5:09 pm

it's a constant tone.

it does sound like something that would come out of a speaker.

I can't remember now if it stopped when I opened the lid. seems like the last time I had to turn off the computer.

the fan does not come on when the computer is idle, with the lid closed. I've noticed a lot of threads about fan noise, but it doesn't bother me so I've never tried to do anything about it. when the fan comes on it's very noticeable. I think the unit is hibernating because after a bit I hear a beep, a little fan noise, then it shuts itself down or goes to sleep.

#4 Post by **richk** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 6:05 pm

Some disk failures (sick bearings) can make a high-pitched whine. I would make sure I had a good backup. I am guessing the noise stops when the disk spins down.

#5 Post by **rkawakami** » Sun Aug 12, 2007 6:41 pm

Good point! I forgot about the bearings on the disk drive

high pitched noise, like a smoke detector

high pitched noise, like a smoke detector

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