Crackling, whining noise

I just bought an Asus N55sf-a1 laptop, and on the second day, it started to make a crackling/static-like noise with some whine mixed in that's coming through the fan vent. It happens at unpredictable times seemingly unrelated to any heat issues. Any idea as to what it might be? I can record it if that would be helpful.

Thank you!

 

Two days? I would return it for an exchange. I don't see any reason to troubleshoot a brand new machine. Remember any opening of the case will void your warranty. Right now the store itself will just give you another one and let Asus credit them for the faulty one.

Maybe it is something simple but the above is my advice.

 

I bought it at B&H, which was apparently stupid as their fine print says they don't accept computer returns once opened. I'll probably end up going through Asus's warranty service, but I really didn't want to do that if it just turns out to be a hair stuck in the fan. :-/

 

The sound would appear to be a problem with the fan. Let's see if someone can help you troubleshoot.

I think it might be worth a call to B&H explaining the whining noise on your computer. Just because their written policy says no returns/exchanges doesn't mean they won't take back a defective unit. I would definitely press the matter--your credit card company may be helpful also. I don't want to be too militant about it but if I bought a computer that didn't sound right after two days, the store would give me my money back or exchange the unit. I simply wouldn't stand for it. Asus's warranty process will probably take weeks--the store cannot sell defect units and expect to keep the money. The BBB or your credit card company will definitely back you up on that or at least give the company's reputation a black eye.

 

No, you're totally right, I shouldn't stand for it either. I contacted B&H, and they're willing to do an exchange. Thank you so much for your help!

 

I'm glad they B&H is doing the right thing. You should be able to enjoy a new machine without problems--that is half the fun of buying something new.

Fans are important especially for a laptop, no point in having to keep an eye on one when you just bought the laptop. (I learned from power tools--if a motor doesn't sound or perform correctly the first day it goes back to the store for an exchange. Moving parts don't usually fix themselves.)

Probably just a bad bearing or misalignment in a $2 part but that should not be your problem. Let them refurbish it and sell it to someone else. They know there will be a certain failure rate and it is expected, it is part of their cost/benefit analysis.

I'm sure your replacement will sound better and you will be glad you went to the trouble of exchanging it.

 

Thank you, I can't tell you how much better I feel now about this decision.