I just purchased a HP Pavilion tx1000 notebook, running MS Vista Business, BIOS version F.11, date 04/18/2007. It has a 2 GHz processor, and 2 GB RAM. I really like it, but I may have to return it due to excessive fan noise. The fan runs continuously, making a whining noise which annoys and distracts both me and my office mate.
Is the noise typical for this laptop? Is there a setting to reduce the continuous noise? Can it be repaired by HP?
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Hi Robert. Try updating the bios if it is higher than f.11.
and then...
Depending on the model, vents can be found on the side, back, and/or bottom of the notebook PC. These vents allow air to flow through the PC and keep it cool. Buildup inside these vents impedes the cooling process. Purchase a can of compressed air (available at most computer retailers) and blow the particles out of the vents.
The BIOS on the website is version F.07 date 04-2007. My BIOS,F.11 date 04-18-2007, appears to be a later version.
I have compressed air, and I will try it when the computer will be off for a while. I don't want to do it while the computer is on since it often causes condensation which can cause short circuits. I do not have much hope that it will work since this is a brand new computer which should not have clogged vents.
Excessive fan noise is a common complaint with Laptops because they have less air circulation than space rich desktops, thus they need to be cooled more. However, I have no idea if the fan noise in your particular model is more than usual.
Plus, a lot of Laptops equipped with AMD or Celeron processors create excessive heat because those processors typically run hotter than Pentiums. Celerons and AMD's make a laptop cheaper, but the trade off is more heat.
There are two power settings for the notebook in the power control panel - High Performance and Power Saver. I find that using Power Saver for both battery and plugged in operation prevents the fan from running all the time. High Performance doesn't seem to improve performance all that much so I changed the notebook to run at Power Saver all the time.
With High Performance, the notebook gets hot and the fan is loud. A cooling mat would help in the office and reduce the heat as well but I haven't tried that yet. Try reducing the power setting first. If the fan is still out of control, the notebook probably has a problem. -Rich
Excessive fan noise may be a common complaint with laptops, but it is certainly not universal. A friend of mine has a new 15 inch Dell, and a MAC Power Book. I have seen them operate for a long time without the fan coming on. He says he has never noticed the fan operating on either one.
HP tech support had me ship my Pavilion tx1000 back to them for repairs. They supplied the packaging and an overnight FedEx label. They say there may be a problem on the System board. I hope so. Otherwise, I will have to return the laptop. I cannot take the constant whine.
I previously posted in this thread, and elsewhere complaining of excessive fan noise. My fan ran continuously and produced a loud whining noise which annoyed both me and my office mate.
The problem is fixed! Apparently, I had a bad unit. I returned the tx1000 for a new one under the 20 day return guarantee. The new tx1000 is whisper silent! The fan still runs almost all the time, but I have to hold my ear near the vent to hear it.
Robert... Thanks for sharing this info. How long did it take HP to get the replacement to you?
I've got a dv6000 with a similar problem. Fan goes on and off every 2 minutes. Very annoying. I updated the bios and did all the other things recommended by HP. No improvement.
I guess I'll have to send it back. Hate to think how long this will take.
I returned the noisy tx1000 for a credit to my Visa, and purchased a new one. HP emailed me a pre-paid overnight FedEX label. I put it on the original tx1000 box, and dropped it at a FedEx office, but you can also call FedEx for a pick up. HP credited my Visa as soon as they received the computer. It took a day or two to appear in my Visa account which I can check online. I purchased a new tx1000 just like a new buyer. It takes about 7-10 days to build the custom unit in Shanghai, and ship it to me.
Here is one caveat. I purchased my tx1000 directly from HP. Apparently, HP sales and tech support are completely separate. When you call HP tech support, they assume you purchased your computer from a third party, and their approach is basically to have you send it back for repairs. If you phone HP sales, within 20 or so days of purchase, their approach is to give you a credit, and let you buy a new one.
I'd advise phoning HP sales if you have not had the unit too long. That should take 7-10 days. If you have had it for a while, send it back for repairs. That should take a few days longer.
My new HP tx1000 is still working great. The fan runs almost continuously, but it is whisper quiet. The bad one had 2 fan speeds, annoying and unbearable. The new one also has 2 speeds: inaudible, and barely audible.
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