Bubbling gurgling sound from desktop

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Level 1

8 points

Bubbling gurgling sound from desktop

For a long while now my iMac desktop produces a mild but frequent bubbling or gurgling sound. Usually when it's processing but sometimes it just keeps going. This has existed long before El Capitan and now with it. The Mac is 5 years old, 27 inch. I assumed it was normal but now I'm not so sure. It does seem sometimes related to the Mac running slow. Too many browsers? Too many programs? I'd love to hear from anyone who knows. As you might surmise, I'm not a sophisticated user. Thanks.

iMac, OS X El Capitan (10.11.2)

Posted on Jan 20, 2016 2:26 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 20, 2016 2:45 AM in response to connie50

The two most likely causes are due to the fact they are the only two components with moving parts are -

The fan in the computer, either a bearing is wearing out, or dust etc. has built up in the fan and is affecting it
The hard disk in the computer is similarly beginning to wear out

I would suggest booking an appointment at an Apple Store for them to check it, at a minimum they could open it up and clean it out.

As you should anyway make sure you have a backup of everything, this is especially important if indeed the hard disk is starting to wear out.

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Answer 2

connie50 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 20, 2016 10:27 AM in response to John Lockwood

Thanks for your speedy reply, John. I appreciate it. I do use the Time Machine and am about to add another back up. Bummer that I live in the boonies and the desktop is 27 inches--too big for me to want to carry on the train. Until/unless I have to....😝

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