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September 17th, 2024 15:55
XPS 8960, new, is insanely loud
XPS 8960
I've been using my new Dell XPS 8960 for almost two weeks now and it's incredibly loud. The fan is quite loud and noticeable at all times, even with minimal/no activity. There is no time when the PC is what I would consider quiet. In addition, there is often a low pulsing sound that can be fairly annoying as it's not just a constant hum, it's more like a pulse (mmm, mmm, mmm). The fan pulsing isn't that loud but it is annoying. If I do even the most basic video activities on the PC like watching YouTube videos, the fans spin up even louder, to the point where I can barely even hear the video. Last night, after watching about 30 minutes of videos, I got up and my ears felt like I was just at a concert. Yes, it's that loud. I've seen some other people mention the same thing on this forum and Reddit.
Are these units just incredibly loud? I'll try to open the case and determine for sure which parts are making the noise but I'm wondering if I should just try to return the PC? It's simply unusable at this volume. I've had Dell XPS's before, Alienwares, Cyber Power PC, etc but this is one or two orders of magnitude louder.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
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56.9K Posts
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September 17th, 2024 18:00
If you want assistance from Dell support agents, they need to first verify the ownership and warranty status. Click the blue "Get Help Now" on the right to start a private live chat session. Share the private XPS 8960 Service Tag with them.
You need to create a video with audio showing the noise. The recording device should be a minimum of 1m/3.2ft from the PC. Then provide a link to the video to the GHN agents. Based on the audio results in the video, they will tell you if the PC meets our manufacturer specifications for noise.
RoHe
10 Elder
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45.2K Posts
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September 17th, 2024 18:55
@TrueTayX Do you have the liquid CPU cooler, rather than a simple heat sink/fan?
(edited)
TrueTayX
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September 18th, 2024 05:58
@RoHe It looks like I have 'Advanced CPU Air Cooling'
TrueTayX
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September 18th, 2024 05:58
@mikehood1 I will definitely take a look when I get a chance. :)
TrueTayX
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September 18th, 2024 05:59
@DELL-Chris M Thanks, Chris. I'll try to do that in the next day or two. It's been a very busy week but I should have time by Thursday. Do you have a recommended way of capturing audio? In the past, I've tried to use my phone's video recording for different noises (fridge, etc.) and it doesn't always come across very well.
RoHe
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45.2K Posts
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September 18th, 2024 18:37
If phone isn't good enough, you can use Windows Sound Recorder, which is built into Win 11. All you would need is a microphone.
Set the mic up as @DELL-Chris M said. Open the app and click red button to start recording. Click Stop to end and save the .mp3 file on your PC.
Don't forget you will probably have to enable the mic on the Win 11 mic privacy screen and give Sound Recorder permission to use the mic.
tcerv
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February 7th, 2025 23:46
Remove the 750W PS from the system. Remove the cover from the power supply (do not touch the capacitor as you will receive a powerful shock). Remove the two fans. Order 2 "Noctua NF-A6x25 PWM, Premium Quiet Fan, 4-Pin (60mm, Brown) " (can be found on Amazon for $15 each. Much cheaper than a new PS). Remove old fans and replace with the Noctua's. Good luck and hope this helps.