GP73 fan noise - is this normal?

Hello all,

I recently bought this laptop - very impressed overall but there's one small problem that's bugging me. I noticed that the graphics card fan (on the right-hand side) has a bit of a 'buzzing' noise to it. I suspect this isn't normal because the CPU fan (on the left-hand side) doesn't have this buzz. It's not that loud and usually drowned-out by the speakers during gaming, but since I started noticing it I can't tune it out.

I'm considering contacting the retailer to see if they can do anything about it... but first I wanted to ask some other owners' opinions. Do any of your fans make this kind of noise? Is it normal? Or am I right to be concerned? (Even if the noise is somewhat minor, it means something isn't right and the lifespan of the laptop could be shortened. I feel like I spent a lot of money for the laptop so everything should work)

Video to explain...!


I imagine it's the same/similar fan setup on the GP63 / GE73 / GE63 / possibly others, so any other opinions also welcome of course...!

Thank you!

Edit: Something else I was worried about - not sure if anyone knows anything about this - is that: to register the warranty I went on the MSI website, made an account, and entered the laptop's serial number/etc.
But if the retailer decide to replace this laptop (different laptop = different serial number)... will MSI still recognise the warranty? Or is it tied to that specific serial number?

 

Not normal for me. Fans just sound like fans.

 

Thanks for replying! Do you mind if I ask just to clarify - are you saying you think my GPU fan sounds normal? Is it the same on your laptop?

 

Sorry, I wasn't very clear. Mine does not make that noise at all. It sounds identical to the CPU fan.

 

Ah thanks, that's very helpful. I think I will contact the retailer then...!

 

That sounds like there is a wire rubbing or something. If it was me, I would take the back off this beast and find out what is going on in there. Just my .02. But yeah, not normal, that sounds like there is some kind of obstruction rubbing against the moving blades.
On a side note, finally changed my TIM to MX4 last night. My fans don't even run during normal use anymore.

 

Right on. I got the thermal upgrades from HIDevolution when I purchased mine and it's the same story. No fan noise during anything but gaming.

 

Why thanks. I'm not sure I feel confident/competent enough to pull the cover off, even though it would probably be the easiest solution... but there's also the warranty-void-if-removed factory seal that scares me.
It would be pretty sweet if I could take the cover off and re-apply thermal pastes and whatnot. But I have found the stock paste/etc. to be quite decent so far (other than this buzzing fan issue)

 

Depending on what country you are in, the warranty isn't voided just because you take the cover off. In the USA, it doesn't get voided. Just don't play around, and wear gloves. Get the proper tools, the cover comes off fairly easily with just a screwdriver and a pick. Get the screws out, and a plastic pick can be used to just leverage the back off. Like I said, latex gloves will help with static, just don't go in there touching everything. Watch the video on youtube about removing the back cover, and that will build confidence. I am just the type of guy that takes everything apart. I like to know what makes things tick, and how it can be improved.

 

This is true. The warranty void sticker isn't valid in the US; you have a right to repair. It won't be hard to see if the fan is hitting a wire or something.