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    GT73VR annoying gpu fan noise

    Discussion in 'MSI' started by Totemsky, Aug 16, 2017.

  1. Totemsky

    Totemsky Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,
    I just got my new GT73VR and have noticed that the gpu fan makes something like high pitched grinding noise.
    It gets louder with more rpm. It's tolerable at ~1000-1200 rpm, but gets really annoying at 1800+. It's not loud, it's not louder than the fan noise (which I don't mind), but it is annoying when not playing with headphones.

    Should I send it to MSI?

    Temperatures are really great, everything else works like a charm.

    It sounds like this:
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2017
    Totemsky, Aug 16, 2017
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  2. jrwingate6

    jrwingate6 Notebook Deity

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    Doesn't sound normal. Something sounds loose.

    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
     
    jrwingate6, Aug 16, 2017
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  3. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Try getting a can of compressed air for electronics (not for cars, it's got oil in it), or computer freeze mist in a can.

    Use that compressed air/mist to shoot into the fan while off to dislodge what sounds like a tie wrap end that was clipped off getting stuck.

    I know the video isn't of your sound, but that's what that video sounds like :)

    Try shooting from the far left and right of the fan exhaust while off, and if that doesn't work try it while on. One side will speed up the fan, one will work against the fan direction, pick the one that increases fan speed and try it a few times.

    Otherwise if you are handy with stuff, and have opened laptops before, ask MSI to send you a replacement fan for self-install. Sending in for RMA is good too, it just means you will be without the laptop for a while.

    Good luck :)
     
    hmscott, Aug 16, 2017
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  4. saturnotaku

    saturnotaku Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The fans in these systems must have a design defect that causes the bearings to fail prematurely. I had the exact same problem with my GT73. If you fill out a tech support request online, MSI will grant you an RMA number. However, they expect you to pay for shipping (which will be $50 or more), and there's no telling how long you will be without the machine. The person who responded to my query online said it could be up to 30 business days.

    So I actually called MSI tech support (the number should be on the bottom of your computer). I pleaded my case with the person on the other end of the phone. I told him that it made no sense for me to spend money out of pocket to ship the entire machine back, especially when removing the fans consists only of 3 screws each. You don't need to remove the heatsinks or anything. I can swap out both fans, start to scratch, in 10 minutes. The support person agreed, and he said he would place an order for a pair of replacement fans. I didn't have a ton of faith, so I kept an eye on eBay, and lo and behold, someone put up a set of like-new GT73 fans, so I promptly purchased them.

    About 10 days after receiving the eBay fans, I got an email from MSI with a tracking number, and a couple days later, the parts showed up. So I have an extra set that I will be including when I sell the machine once my EVOC 16L-G-1080 arrives.

    Bottom line, call MSI and ask them to send the parts. Be polite, but insistent and make sure to say that it doesn't make sense for you to spend money on shipping the entire machine back when it takes minutes to do the job.
     
    saturnotaku, Aug 16, 2017
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  5. Totemsky

    Totemsky Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thank you both for replying.

    I was afraid the fans are somehow attached to heatsinks and replacing them would be harder than necessary.

    But if it's easy like that, I'd rather do it myself.
     
    Totemsky, Aug 17, 2017
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  6. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    If you are comfortable pulling the fan in question, you can get a better angle on it to see if there is anything caught in there and pull it out if possible. See if it's a misshapen fan blade or a rough fit / guide.

    You might as well get a free one under warranty from MSI rather than try to get one on your own as @saturnotaku suggests :)
     
    hmscott, Aug 17, 2017
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  7. Totemsky

    Totemsky Notebook Enthusiast

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    Since you had same problem, maybe you know if GT73VR shares the fans with any other GT models?
    I can't find one specifically for 73VR on the market.
     
    Totemsky, Aug 17, 2017
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  8. Totemsky

    Totemsky Notebook Enthusiast

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    Would that void MSI warranty?
     
    Totemsky, Aug 17, 2017
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  9. hmscott

    hmscott Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Not as long as you don't break it or something else along the way :)

    If MSI is sending out fans for self replacement, then they aren't going to void your warranty.

    They also don't void it for re-pasting, or RAM / Storage replacement.

    I wouldn't start hard modding parts, but other than that or breaking something accidentally (or on purpose) I don't think they are going to mind.

    Ask them to be sure, via a ticket through their support system:
    https://register.msi.com/home/login
     
    hmscott, Aug 17, 2017
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