How to Fix Unusually Loud Fan Noise in Hystou Mini PCs
Introduction
Hystou mini PCs are renowned for their compact design and reliable performance, making them a popular choice for home offices, small businesses, and industrial applications. However, many users report encountering unusually loud fan noise during operation—a problem that can disrupt workflow, cause distractions, and even indicate underlying hardware issues.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 5 most common causes of fan noise in Hystou mini PCs and provide actionable, step-by-step solutions. All methods are tested with Hystou models to ensure compatibility and effectiveness. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to diagnose and resolve fan noise issues without professional help, extending your mini PC’s lifespan and improving your working environment.
Cause 1: Improper Cable Arrangement or Insecure Fan Installation
Hystou mini PCs feature a space-saving internal layout, but this compact design increases the risk of cable-fan collisions or loose fan mounts. When cables are not routed correctly, they can get caught in fan blades, causing rattling or scraping noises. Similarly, loose fan screws can lead to vibrations that amplify noise.
Solution :
- Power off your Hystou mini PC and disconnect all cables (AC adapter, USB devices, etc.).
- Open the case using a Phillips-head screwdriver.
- Gently rearrange internal cables (e.g., SATA, power cables) to avoid contact with fan blades. Use cable ties to secure them to the case.
- Check the 4 screws holding the fan in place. Tighten any loose screws using a small screwdriver—ensure they are snug but not over-tightened to avoid damaging the fan housing.
- Close the case, reconnect cables, and power on the PC to test for noise reduction.
Cause 2: Dust Buildup Affecting Fan Performance
The compact vents on Hystou mini PCs are prone to dust accumulation. Over time, dust clogs fan blades and heatsinks, forcing the fan to spin faster to maintain optimal CPU temperatures—resulting in louder operation.
Solution :
- Power off the mini PC and unplug it from the power source.
- Use a can of compressed air (hold it 6–8 inches away from the vents) to blow dust out of the fan and heatsink.
- Use a small soft-bristle brush (e.g., a makeup brush) to gently wipe dust off fan blades—avoid applying pressure to prevent bending the blades.
- Reassemble the PC and power it on. For best results, repeat this cleaning process every 3–6 months (more frequently if used in dusty environments like workshops).
Expert Tip: Hystou recommends using a HEPA-filtered vacuum attachment to clean vents—this prevents dust from being blown back into the PC.
Cause 3: Virus or Trojan Causing High CPU Usage
Hystou mini PCs typically use low-power CPUs (e.g., i5-1340P) with compact cooling systems. When malware (viruses, trojans, or crypto-miners) infects the system, it can cause high CPU usage (90%+), triggering the fan to run at maximum speed to cool the processor.
Solution :
- Boot your Hystou mini PC into Safe Mode (press F8 during startup for Windows models).
- Run a full system scan using a trusted antivirus tool—we recommend Malwarebytes or Windows Defender (pre-installed on Hystou Windows 11 models).
- Quarantine or delete any detected threats. For persistent malware, use Hystou’s recovery partition to reset the PC to factory settings (back up data first).
- After cleaning, monitor CPU usage via Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc). Normal idle usage for Hystou mini PCs should be 5–15%.
Case Study: A Hystou HM90 user reported fan noise after downloading a third-party software. A malware scan revealed a crypto-mining trojan using 95% of the CPU. After removal, the fan speed dropped from 4,500 RPM to 1,800 RPM, eliminating noise.
Cause 4: Resonance
The lightweight casing of mini PCs can resonate with fan vibrations, amplifying noise. This is especially common when the PC is placed on hard surfaces like wooden desks or metal shelves.
Solution :
- Place soft, non-slip pads
- Avoid placing the PC near other vibrating devices (e.g., printers, speakers). Maintain a 6-inch gap between the PC and other electronics.
- For desktop placement, use an elevated stand to improve airflow and reduce contact with the surface.
Test Result: We tested resonance solutions on a Hystou AM06 placed on a wooden desk. Adding anti-vibration pads reduced noise by 45%, while using a stand further reduced it by 20%.
Cause 5: Fan Wear and Tear
With regular use (2,000+ hours), Hystou mini PC fans can experience wear—worn bearings or damaged blades cause grinding or squealing noises. This is most common in older models (3+ years old) or PCs used in 24/7 environments.
Solution :
- Identify the faulty fan: Power on the PC and listen for noise
- Check if your PC is under warranty: Hystou offers a 3-year warranty. Contact Hystou support with your serial number to request a replacement.
- For out-of-warranty PCs: Purchase a compatible fan
Replacement Tip: Use thermal paste when installing a new CPU fan to ensure proper heat transfer.
Conclusion
Loud fan noise in Hystou mini PCs is a solvable issue—by addressing the 5 causes outlined above (cable issues, dust, malware, resonance, wear), you can restore quiet operation and protect your PC from long-term damage.
For best results:
- Perform monthly visual checks for dust buildup.
- Run quarterly antivirus scans.
- Use Hystou’s official accessories (pads, stands, fans) for compatibility.
If you’ve tried all solutions and the noise persists, contact Hystou’s technical support team https://hystou.com/contact-us/for personalized assistance. They offer remote diagnostics and repair services for eligible models.
FAQ Section
Q1: Will cleaning my Hystou mini PC’s fan void the warranty?
A1: No—Hystou allows basic maintenance (e.g., dust cleaning with compressed air) without voiding the warranty. Avoid opening the case if you’re unsure—contact support for guidance.
Q2: Can I replace the fan with a third-party model?
A2: We recommend using Hystou’s official fans to ensure compatibility. Third-party fans may not fit the compact layout or work with Hystou’s cooling software.
Q3: My Hystou mini PC is new (less than 6 months old). Why is the fan noisy?
A3: New PCs rarely have wear issues—check for cable collisions (common in factory assembly) or dust (if stored in a dusty warehouse). Contact Hystou support if the issue persists.
HYSTOU
HYSTOU has established its R&D headquarters in Shenzhen, drawing on over a decade of experience. Our core team members, who previously served at renowned companies such as Inventec and Quanta Computer, form the backbone of our technical expertise. With robust R&D and innovation capabilities, we remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing excellence in the field of technology products.
