Member Avatar for cargenius42

Hi everyone! Well, I don't know if i'm in the right forum category or not... so sorry in advance. I have a Dell Dimension XPS Gen 4 and it is making a really SUPER annoying high pitched sound from the back. I have no clue what the sound is coming from..... all i know is that it gets on my nerves!!! :mad: Anyways, does anyone know what this sound may be caused by? ......... or will I just have to live with it? Thanks!

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As noted by the Dell Dimension XPS Gen 4 is producing a persistent high‑pitched noise from the back; the OP later narrowed the sound to the two lower fans near the power supply. ’s wire‑rubbing idea is a good starting point. Common causes are: a cable or shroud contacting a fan blade, worn fan bearings, loose mounting causing resonance, or electrical noise (coil whine) from the PSU itself.

Quick diagnostic checklist (in roughly this order):

  • Power should be removed and the machine unplugged before opening the case.
  • With the side panel off, a rolled paper tube or cardboard tube held to the ear can help localize the pitch without touching components.
  • Visually inspect the lower fans for bent blades, dust buildup, or cables touching the blades; secure loose wires with zip ties or reroute them behind the drive cage.
  • If case fans are on 3‑ or 4‑pin connectors, disconnect them one at a time (while the system is powered briefly and observed) to see if the noise stops. Do not attempt to disconnect or open the PSU fan assembly.
  • Observe whether the pitch changes with system load; a pitch that varies with load often points to coil whine or PSU regulation noise rather than a mechanical rubbing.

Practical fixes and next steps:

  • Clean the fans and shroud with compressed air and remove dust first.
  • Tighten mounting screws and add rubber washers to reduce vibration.
  • Replace a noisy case fan with a low‑RPM ball‑bearing or fluid‑dynamic bearing fan.
  • If the noise is internal to the PSU (internal fan or coil whine) the safe solution is PSU replacement or professional service—do not open the PSU.

Notes and cautions: never open the PSU (dangerous stored voltages). If hardware is under warranty, contact Dell. Wire contact is the cheapest fix and worth checking first, but persistent high‑pitched electrical noise usually means the PSU should be replaced.

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Member Avatar for tayspen

Hi everyone! Well, I don't know if i'm in the right forum category or not... so sorry in advance. I have a Dell Dimension XPS Gen 4 and it is making a really SUPER annoying high pitched sound from the back. I have no clue what the sound is coming from..... all i know is that it gets on my nerves!!! :mad: Anyways, does anyone know what this sound may be caused by? ......... or will I just have to live with it? Thanks!

I have had a noise coming from the back of mine. it turned it was a wire rubbing against the fan. It wasnt high pitched though. But it still is a possibility

Member Avatar for cargenius42

Ok, I'll take a look at the fans and see if thats it.

Member Avatar for cargenius42

Ok, I've taken a look at the computer and the noise seems to be coming from the two fans at the bottom of the tower that cool down the power supply. Any ideas? Thanks!

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