PHN16-72-95HS Laptop CPU is making a crackling noise, what could it be?

Hello, I have a brand new out-of-the-box Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (PHN16-72-95HS) in front of me. The last one I had was the exact same one which I swapped cause I thought there was a defect in the CPU fan. This new one has the exact same sound coming from near the left-top side of my keyboard, near the cpu fan. This crackling sound seems to be worse if I partially block the intake vent beneath my laptop. It's audible clearly when I do that, but otherwise only when I put my ear to it. The previous laptop I had developed this issue after a month of use. My current one has it straight away.

Now I'm unsure if its a CPU issue, coil whine, or something else. And I don't feel like returning to my retailer with the same issue again, since I already swapped my last machine with my current one. Both machines having the same issue is either very unlucky, or something 'normal for these machines'

I don't know, hence why I'm here to ask.

[Edited the thread to add model name to the title]

Accepted answers

Sharanji

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337277#Comment_1337277

Yes, the humming noise from your Predator Helios Neo 18-71 CPU fan is likely just the fan doing its job, especially when it ramps up to higher RPMs to cool the system during intensive tasks. You can try adjusting the fan settings using the PredatorSense software, which allows you to control fan speeds and modes

if the noise seems unusually loud or is accompanied by vibrations, it might be worth reaching out to Acer support.
You can download the user manual and other product related info here Predator PH18-71 downloads

All comments

Jack22

@Xiapher

Could be faulty fans, or even loose components causing vibrations

Xiapher

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337008#Comment_1337008

Its brand new out of the box though. Could that really bit it? The last one I had was the same exact machine, and it only showed these exact signs of noise a month after purchase. How could two machines have the exact same issue.

Sharanji

@Xiapher

It sounds like you're dealing with a tricky issue, especially since it persists across both laptops of the same model.

Given that you’ve experienced the same issue on two identical laptops, it’s possible that this noise is somewhat characteristic of this particular model or series. High-performance laptops like the Acer Predator series are packed with powerful components that can sometimes lead to coil whine or fan noise. If the sound isn’t extremely loud or disruptive, it could be a normal part of the design, although it's understandable why it would be annoying if it's noticeable even with normal use.

You may also report this and get more information by contacting Acer Support Acer Support

Xiapher

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337021#Comment_1337021

Yeah, I'm dreading that this issue might be 'normal' for this model. It just sounds like my cpu fan is grinding up a small piece of paper constantly.

It's outside of service hours right now, but I am going to contact the dutch branch of Acer by phone tomorrow. See what they have to say.

If this isn't a normal thing, I don't understand why this would appear in a newly bought machine. it grinds my gears.

Thanks for showing that I'm not the only one to be in this mindset. I'll keep this thread updated with what the people at Acer have said.

Xiapher

I got on the phone with Acer Support. They told me my issue is a new issue, and while they think to know what it could be, they wouldn't know for sure without having one of the machines in front of them. They suspect it might be a bad batch from my retailer, but also suggested to swap it for a third machine, to invoke the good luck of 'three times' the charm'. So hopefully the third one will be better/without issue. Otherwise they told me to send it to their repair department, with the promise that it will be helped then and there. Cause three of the same model laptops with the same issue wouldn't be funny anymore.

Sharanji

@Xiapher

It's reassuring that they're committed to resolving the problem, whether through replacing the unit or having it repaired directly at their department.

Sometimes manufacturing defects or bad batches can occur, and it's great that Acer acknowledges this and is willing to help. Hopefully, the third time really will be the charm for you—and if not, their repair team seems prepared to step in and sort things out.

Xiapher

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337103#Comment_1337103

Tomorrow I'm also going to see if perhaps purchasing the 18-71 of the same kind of computer. is an other option. Which is a bigger machine, and a slight bit more expensive. But perhaps this apparant manufacturing curse doesn't appear in 'that' machine.

Xiapher

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337103#Comment_1337103

I have purchased a Predator Helios Neo 18-71. It doesn't have the odd paper-crumple sound. I do find that the CPU fan has a bit of buzz/hum to it, but I'm just associated that with the component working. Its spinning, so it makes a little sound, right? But yeah, all-in-all, should be better.

Sharanji

@Xiapher

Thanks for the update. After a rocky start, this one seems to be perfect. Hope you enjoy gaming with this mid-range laptop that offers solid performance and value for its price.

if this concludes your question, please mark my comment as "Yes, Answered"

Xiapher

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337274#Comment_1337274

Just one more question. The cpu fan of this one is making a constant humming noise, which really gets intense when going at higher rpm rounds. I can hear this hum due to my desk being a sound-enhancer. And when I put my ear to it. That's just the component working right? Like, things that are in motion make sound. I just don't want to let my paranoia make me believe I should be worried 'again.'.

Sharanji

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337277#Comment_1337277

Yes, the humming noise from your Predator Helios Neo 18-71 CPU fan is likely just the fan doing its job, especially when it ramps up to higher RPMs to cool the system during intensive tasks. You can try adjusting the fan settings using the PredatorSense software, which allows you to control fan speeds and modes

if the noise seems unusually loud or is accompanied by vibrations, it might be worth reaching out to Acer support.
You can download the user manual and other product related info here Predator PH18-71 downloads

Xiapher

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1337278#Comment_1337278

it's not excessively loud, not is it causing vibrations. Its audible on low rpm, but not so loud that its audible through my headset when I have audio on. So yeah, I'll consider it normal then, and just go on with it. I'll get used to the sound in time, I'm sure. Thank you.