Hearing strange clicking or tapping sounds coming from your computer can be annoying and concerning. However, in most cases these types of sounds are harmless and can be easily explained. Here are some of the most common reasons why you may hear clicking or tapping noises from your computer and what you can do about them.
Mechanical Hard Drive Clicking
One of the most common causes of clicking or tapping noises in a computer is a mechanical hard drive. Hard disk drives have moving parts inside like a read/write head that moves back and forth to access data on the drive platters. When the head moves or repositions itself, it can make a distinct clicking sound.
This operating sound is completely normal for a mechanical hard drive. The clicks are simply the drive doing its job reading and writing data. However, if the clicks become more frequent or irregular, it could indicate a problem with the hard drive. Frequent sharp clicking noises from the hard drive usually mean it’s on its way to failure.
Solutions for Hard Drive Clicking
- Back up your data immediately in case the drive is failing
- Try updating hard drive drivers in case it’s a software issue
- Check hard drive power and data cables for a secure connection
- Consider replacing the hard drive if clicking persists
Fan Noise
Fans are another common component that can make clicking noises in a computer. Desktop computers have multiple fans to cool the CPU, graphics card, power supply, and case. Laptops also have internal cooling fans. As fans rotate, they can produce light clicking or rattling sounds.
Fan noises tend to be more subtle and higher pitched compared to a hard drive click. The sound may come and go as the fan speed varies based on temperature. Fan clicking is rarely a cause for concern. But if the fan sound becomes loud, inconsistent, or grinding, the fan may need to be inspected and potentially replaced.
Solutions for Fan Clicking
- Clean dust buildup from fans and vents
- Make sure nothing is obstructing the fans
- Check fan mounts and make sure screws are tight
- Replace the fan if bearings are worn or damaged
Electrical Component Clicking
Other electrical components in a computer can also emit clicking noises in some cases. This could include:
- Hard drive power supply unit
- Motherboard voltage regulator
- Power supply transformer or chokes
- Relays and solenoids
Clicks from electrical components tend to be very rapid, almost buzzing rather than tapping. The sound may change pitch from low to high. Electrical clicking is usually not a problem on its own. But if accompanied by symptoms like crashing or difficulty powering on, it may indicate an issue with a part that needs replacement.
Solutions for Electrical Clicking
- Check components like PSU and motherboard for signs of damage
- Make sure components are securely plugged in
- Try replacing the power supply unit
- Replace the motherboard if confirmed as the clicking source
Incorrectly Seated Components
If something inside your computer is slightly loose or seated improperly, normal vibrations from fans and hard drive activity can cause clicking noises. Two common culprits are:
- RAM modules – If RAM isn’t fully pushed into the slots, it can vibrate from fan air and heat sink operation.
- PCI cards – Improperly seated graphics cards, network cards, and other PCI devices can also click from small movements.
Reseating components properly will typically stop any clicking from loose parts right away. Just gently press down on the RAM and expansion cards until the retention clips click into place.
Solutions for Incorrectly Seated Components
- Press down firmly when installing RAM and PCI cards
- Check the component retention clips locked in place
- Reseat loose components by removing and reinstalling them
Damaged Case, Drive Bay or Card Bracket
There are a variety of other physical computer case problems that could lead to clicking noises during operation:
- A damaged or bent part of the case striking another component
- A loose drive bay vibrating against its mounts
- A graphics card bracket not flush with the case backplane
- Internal cables touching fan blades
Carefully inspecting for anything loose, bent or rubbing inside the case can help isolate these types of clicking causes. Applying pressure to stop the movement or adjusting the position is usually the solution.
Solutions for Case Damage Issues
- Inspect for any loose case panels, bay covers or brackets
- Check for bent case tabs striking components
- Realign drive bays, expansion card brackets, and cables
- Replace damaged case parts if needed
Optical Disc Drive Sounds
If your computer has an optical disc drive for CDs, DVDs or Blu-ray discs, this can sometimes be the source of clicking when opening or closing the tray or spinning up discs. The sounds produced include:
- Tray motor clicks – As the disc tray slides in and out
- Spindle clicks – When the central disc hub starts and stops spinning
- Laser head clicks – As the laser pickup assembly moves back and forth
These are all completely normal operating noises from an optical drive. However, if the drive starts making very loud repetitive clicking noises, the internal mechanism may be damaged or misaligned.
Solutions for Optical Drive Clicking
- Ensure a disc isn’t loose or off-center while spinning
- Try cleaning the laser lens with a disc cleaner
- Test different discs to isolate whether it’s a specific disc or the drive itself
- Replace the optical drive if the clicking noises persist
Keyboard Clicking and Switch Noise
The keys on your computer’s keyboard can also sometimes produce light clicking sounds as they are pressed or released. Common causes include:
- Keyboard switch noise – Most keyboard keys use a scissor switch or mechanical switch that clicks subtly when actuating.
- Keycap vibration – The keycaps can vibrate against the switch plate, causing additional click sounds.
- Loose keycap – A loose key not properly seated on the switch will click more prominently.
Some amount of clicking from keyboard keys is normal, especially on mechanical switch keyboards. But keys with excessive play or vibration noise could benefit from maintenance.
Solutions for Keyboard Clicking
- Snap loose keycaps back into place
- Check for debris or damage to the key mechanisms
- Replace the entire keyboard if multiple keys are noisy
Why Diagnosing the Cause Matters
Taking the time to correctly diagnose why your computer is making clicking noises is important. The specific sound can help pinpoint the faulty component. Attempting repairs without understanding the root cause often wastes time and money.
For example, a hard drive clicking sound always warrants inspection of the HDD itself first. While random electrical component clicking may require testing the power supply and motherboard.
Listening closely to noise patterns and replicating the sound can provide the critical clues needed to determine the underlying problem. Referencing the common computer clicking causes above gives a helpful starting point for further troubleshooting.
When to Be Concerned About Clicking Sounds
In most cases, clicking or tapping coming from a computer is not a serious issue. As long as the computer continues working normally, the sound itself is just an annoyance.
However, certain clicking scenarios do require prompt attention to avoid larger problems:
- Frequent hard drive clicks – As mentioned previously, this often means the hard drive is failing and data should be backed up immediately.
- Grinding or buzzing noises – These types of sounds can indicate a fan motor or electrical component about to fail.
- Clicking that causes crashes – If clicking precedes lockups or blue screens, hardware damage may be present.
- Clicking from multiple components – Strange system-wide clicking noises should be inspected in case the power supply or motherboard are malfunctioning.
At the first sign of any mechanical or component failure noises, it’s smart to schedule repairs to avoid being left with an unusable computer. Catching the issue early also prevents damage from spreading to other parts of the system.
How to Stop Clicking by Replacing Components
When computer clicking is traced back to a faulty component that needs replacement, here are some tips for doing it yourself:
- Follow ESD and grounding precautions – Static electricity can destroy computer parts. Always ground yourself properly before working inside a case.
- Research repair guides – Review the manufacturer repair manuals to understand the proper process before attempting any component replacement.
- Apply new thermal paste – Any time a CPU or heatsink is removed, thoroughly clean and reapply thermal paste to maintain heat transfer.
- Keep track of screws and connections – Carefully note the location of every cable and screw to ensure everything is restored properly.
- Test after repairs – Always verify that replaced components have fully stopped any clicking or tapping noises before reassembling the case.
If the prospect of replacing major computer components seems daunting, computer repair shops can handle the installation work for you. Their skilled technicians have extensive experience diagnosing and swapping out parts prone to clicking issues.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Tricky Cases
In some situations, clicking sounds can persist even after inspecting and replacing obvious computer parts like fans and hard drives. This typically occurs when:
- The source of the noise is intermittent and difficult to isolate.
- The sound transmits misleadingly from a different component.
- It’s caused by an internal short that’s hard to visually identify.
For these tricky cases, advanced troubleshooting steps may be necessary to pinpoint the root cause. Helpful techniques can include:
- Process of elimination – Systematically swap in known good parts like PSU, GPU, drives, and RAM until the noise disappears.
- Case vibration dampening – Add sound dampening material temporarily inside areas like side panels to narrow down the source.
- Isolate components – Unplug non-essential parts to reduce variables and listen for changes in the noise.
- Electrical testing – Use a multimeter to measure power supply voltages and check for abnormalities indicating a short.
With patience and diligent testing, even intermittently clicking components can eventually be identified. But don’t hesitate to enlist professional help from a repair shop when you’ve exhausted all DIY troubleshooting options.
Clicking Noise FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about resolving clicking sounds coming from a computer:
Is any clicking noise from a computer normal?
Some minor clicking or tapping from components like hard drives, fans, and keyboards is completely normal during regular operation. These are not necessarily signs of problems on their own.
Can clicking noises go away on their own?
In very rare cases, transient airflow or vibrations might cause temporary clicking that subsides over time. But persistent clicking that follows a pattern almost always indicates a real issue needing repair.
Should I replace a hard drive making noise?
Yes, frequent sharp clicking noises from a hard drive often means it’s starting to fail. Replacing the drive before it crashes entirely lets you backup data and avoid potential loss.
Can clicking noises spread between components?
It’s possible for a failing fan motor or loose bracket to cause sympathetic clicking and vibration in nearby computer parts. Always inspect closely for the primary source.
Is clicking more common with older computers?
General wear and tear definitely makes random clicking noises more likely in older systems. But even brand new devices can suffer faults resulting in clicking right out of the box.
Conclusion
Hearing strange new clicking or tapping coming from your computer can be worrisome at first. However, a methodical troubleshooting approach comparing the noise to known mechanical and electrical causes will usually reveal the underlying problem.
Correctly diagnosing the faulty component making the clicks then lets you take appropriate action. Minor noises may just require securing brackets, reseating parts, or adjusting cabling. Severe noises call for component replacements before failure can occur. Swift repairs will then safely eliminate those annoying clicking gremlins plaguing your system.