Dell Inspiron 1520 - Fan sounds like it's dying

The sound of the fan isn't constant, it sounds like it's at an angle and hitting something. Or slowing down for a split second.... it almost sounds like it's breathing. Should I get it checked out immediately? It happened when I was playing a videogame. It's not affecting the temperatures, they're normal. But I'm afraid my fan will die and I wouldnt even notice till it's too late.

Any idea what it could be?

 

Try blasting some compressed air through the fan and vent? Could just be a bit of dust buildup or some debris in there...

 

I had the same problem with my Dell Inspiron B120, it started almost 6 months ago and one time stopped working at all and made my cpu work at 100% the same sound that you are describing, I finally changed it and now its ok. You can go like that for a while just make sure your fan is always working before you change it. Like I said, if you computer is working very slow and the cpu is working at 100% almost all the time, that is a sing that the fan is not working anymore, that what happened to me.

 

My computer is completely normal, it's just that sound, but I'll keep a look out.

And I'm going to go to the mall to get some compressed air. Thanks.

Any precautions when spraying air? Like instructions? Or is it simply spray into the went until all the dust is sprayed out?

 

Just don't hold it upside down or spray it real real close after shaking the can or you get a bunch of condensation. Fried a couple ports by spraying them out with the can upside down once

 

Hmm, I sprayed it in short bursts with the laptop off, apparently the air can combust. I think I cleaned out most of the dust, but the sound still continues...