FAQ
TL;DR: 2 out of 2 swapped Lenovo IdeaPad 320-15ISK units showed the same noise; "Evidently a hard disk for me." Confirm with HWiNFO64 and CrystalDiskInfo, then consider an SSD upgrade for silence. [Elektroda, Mac!, #17052848]
Why it matters: This helps Lenovo 320-15ISK owners quickly pinpoint loudness causes and choose a fix or upgrade path.
Quick Facts
- Model discussed: IdeaPad 320-15ISK, i3-6006U, 4GB RAM, 1TB HDD, GeForce 920MX, Windows 10. [Elektroda, Dreams_1290, post #17048897]
- Typical noise sources called out: fan, HDD, optical drive, or motherboard coils. [Elektroda, Mac!, #17049021]
- First-step diagnostics requested: HWiNFO64 (sensors only) and CrystalDiskInfo screenshots. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #17048931]
- Quieting it: replacing the 1TB HDD with an SSD was advised for “silence.” [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17052877]
- If audio upload fails, compress the file with WinRAR and attach it. [Elektroda, RADU23, post #17050120]
Why is my Lenovo IdeaPad 320-15ISK loud when new?
The noise most often comes from mechanical parts. "Noise may come from fan, disk, drive, or coils." HDD hum or seek sounds are common. Fans spin up under load. An optical disc can spin intermittently. Coil whine can be tonal or chirpy. [Elektroda, Mac!, #17049021]
Is the loud hum or clicking normal for the 1TB HDD in this laptop?
Yes, mechanical HDDs produce audible hum and seek sounds, especially in quiet rooms. The forum guidance here treats that as normal behavior. If it bothers you, the practical remedy is swapping the HDD for an SSD for quiet operation. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17053142]
Should I return it or is this expected behavior?
In this thread, a store swap yielded the same noise on a second unit. That is 2 of 2 units, suggesting the sound is characteristic of the HDD-equipped configuration, not a one-off defect. An SSD upgrade is the reliable way to eliminate it. [Elektroda, Dreams_1290, post #17052033]
How can I check if the sound is from the HDD or the fan?
Use the requested diagnostics and correlate activity with noise.
- Install and run HWiNFO64 (sensors only) to view system activity.
- Open CrystalDiskInfo to read the HDD’s SMART status.
- Capture screenshots and share them for review.
These help separate disk and thermal behavior. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #17048931]
What do HWiNFO64 and CrystalDiskInfo tell me?
HWiNFO64 shows sensor data that hints at fan activity and system load. CrystalDiskInfo shows HDD health via SMART status. Together, screenshots provide enough context for the forum to confirm whether the HDD is the noise source and if it’s healthy. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #17048931]
Will switching to an SSD make the laptop quiet?
Yes. SSDs have no moving parts and operate silently, removing HDD hum and seek sounds. As one expert advised, replace the HDD with an SSD and "there will be silence." Expect a quieter laptop and faster responsiveness after the upgrade. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17052877]
Do I have to pay for the SSD upgrade?
Yes. The SSD is an optional, user-paid upgrade. It is not a warranty replacement for normal HDD noise. Plan for the SSD cost and possible migration or installation service if you do not handle the swap yourself. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17053089]
Could the noise be the optical drive or coil whine instead?
Yes. The thread identifies the optical drive and motherboard coils as potential noise sources. Optical drives can spin when accessed. Coils can produce high-pitched tones. Confirm with diagnostics and by listening near the drive bay versus the exhaust. [Elektroda, Mac!, #17049021]
How do I share an audio sample if .m4a is blocked by the forum?
Compress the audio file into a .rar archive and use Add attachment to upload it. This method bypasses the filetype restriction so others can hear the noise and help diagnose it effectively. [Elektroda, RADU23, post #17050120]
Can I upload the sound to YouTube instead?
Yes. Upload the recording to YouTube and paste the link into your post. This provides easy playback for helpers and avoids forum attachment limits on certain file extensions. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17049112]
What’s the quickest fix if the HDD noise annoys me?
Replace the mechanical 1TB HDD with an SSD. This removes mechanical noise and improves responsiveness. It is the forum’s recommended resolution for a quiet experience on this model when noise is traced to the hard drive. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17052877]
What exact configuration was discussed in this thread?
Lenovo IdeaPad 320-15ISK, 15.6-inch display, Intel Core i3-6006U, 4GB RAM, 1TB hard disk, GeForce 920MX, Windows 10. Knowing this helps others match behaviors and fixes to a comparable hardware setup. [Elektroda, Dreams_1290, post #17048897]
