Dell Whines (Laptop, Not The Company)

With the problems that Dell has been having recently, it would not be hard to believe that the company is whining. However, in this context, some of its laptops are whining. Seems Dell tech support has announced that some of its laptop computers using the Intel Core 2 processors are the culprits. When the system enters into a power saving mode to extend battery life (C3), the system emits a buzzing sound which Dell describes as:

When the notebook is used in a quiet environment, an intermittent high frequency buzzing noise may be heard from the system. It appears to change with processor activity and can increase in amplitude if USB 1.0 peripherals are attached. It can also vary between platforms depending on the installed devices and system specifications.

The buzzing noise is apparent to some degree on all notebooks, but is perceived as abnormal because it is different from other more familiar noises generated by the notebook.

The noise has been isolated to the processor’s power circuit and is only audible when the processor is in C3 (clock-stopped) power state. In C3 power state, notebook power is conserved resulting in reduced overall chassis heat and extended battery life. The varying voltage changes to the components in the processor’s power circuit are caused by a phenomenon referred to as the piezoelectric effect. When a specific varying voltage is applied to these components, they begin to resonate producing sounds that fall within the frequency range of human hearing (15 – 20 KHz).

The level of the noise is within the acoustic specifications of the notebook and well below other noises from components such as the system fan and the hard disk drive.

Dell also lists some steps to take to try and keep the whining down on your system. All future Dell systems will come equipped with a set of Bose earphones to block out the noise. Just joking!

If you are one of the poor souls who is being afflicted with this nuisance, take a look at Dell’s site for additional instructions.

Dell site here.

[tags]dell, laptop, whine, noise[/tags]