The computer generates a clicking noise approximately every three seconds.
The computer generates a clicking noise approximately every three seconds.
I recently increased my computer's memory by installing an 8x2GB 1866MHz module. During the installation, I discovered a loose screw in my case and removed it, believing the issue resolved. My PC starts successfully, however, during the initial loading phase—when the motherboard and other components are processing—a clicking sound occurs every three seconds, which ceases only when the hard drive is actively loading. It might be related to the optical drive, or perhaps something else entirely. I’ve configured all DRAM settings to automatic using my MSI G70A-G43 motherboard, and the sound persists.
Mechanical sounds, such as from a DVD drive, hard disk, or cooling fans, are likely. Disconnect the DVD player and any case fans; however, leave the CPU and graphics card cooling fans in place. Observe if the clicking persists – if it does, the source is almost certainly a hard drive.
If you’d like to pinpoint the problem, try disconnecting and reconnecting items individually. My son's computer initially sounded like it had a failing fan, so I purchased a replacement. However, when I disassembled the PC, I discovered that the sound was actually caused by a vibrating hard drive within a poorly designed, tool-less mounting system—I strongly dislike these types of attachments; everything should utilize screws. Applying double-sided adhesive tape (removing only one side) to secure the drive resolved the issue and eliminated the ticking sound. Therefore, be certain to thoroughly examine all components with careful attention.
The persistent sounds are likely coming from a physical component – possibly a DVD drive, hard disk drive, or cooling fans. Disconnect the DVD drive and any case fans, but leave the CPU and graphics card fans in place. Check to see if the clicking continues; if it does, a likely source is the hard drive. You were correct. It appears one of the fan blades on the graphics card has been damaged. This expensive graphics card is a major problem, and I’m frustrated with what to do now.
What graphics card model are you using? Certain models allow for simple fan replacements. If it’s still covered by its warranty, the manufacturer should repair or exchange it. Otherwise, you could purchase a separate cooling solution. It’s an MSI Radeon R9 390 that was installed in my system around springtime of 2016.
This link—arctic.ac/us_en/ax4.html—appears to present a potentially unfavorable situation. Dammit, 90 euros is a significant expense; I’ll likely postpone this purchase and try to accumulate funds for something like a GTX 1070 or 60 instead.
I recently increased my computer's memory to 8GB of RAM, and during the process, I discovered a loose screw in my case that I removed. My system initially booted without issues, but while the motherboard and other components were loading, a distinct clicking sound occurred every three seconds until it ceased when the hard drive began to load. It might be related to my optical disc drive, or perhaps something else entirely. I've configured all DRAM settings to automatic (using an MSI G70A-G43 motherboard), and the sound persists. Removing the graphics card is remarkably easy, and I’m considering attempting to bend it back to see if that resolves the issue.