Hi there,
It is normal for the computer to do this. When an application you are
running makes greater use of the CPU, memory, video card, and disk
drives, power consumption increases, and the fan either kicks up in
speed or turns on. If the sound is annoying, you may be able to
reduce the fan cycles by cleaning the dust out of the computer case.
Get a can or two of Dust-Air or a similar product.
Open the case of your computer by removing the screws on the back. Some
computer cases have easy-open latches, so you may not need tools. Use
a vacuum cleaner to get the bigger dust bunnies out of the case, then
use the Dust-air to blow out all of the nooks and crannies. Make sure
to blow out the heat sink for the CPU; the vanes tend to clog with
dust. Blow off the vanes of all the cooling fans, too. There will be
one on the CPU, and probably a few others, e.g., most video cards have
their own fans and heat sinks now.
Replacing the case fan with a quieter model, such as a Vantec, can also help:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=674644&sku=V13-4009
Computer makers build systems with the
cheapest parts they can get their hands on, and if you're handy, it's
worthwhile upgrading.
Warm regards,
Anirban Mazumdar