Fan Noise on a New or Recently Unboxed Device

Article ID Code: GK-FAN-03

If your GEEKOM Mini PC produces unusual fan noise immediately after unboxing or on first boot, this article covers the most common causes and how to resolve them. New-device fan noise is different from noise that develops over time — it is usually caused by a cable touching the fan blade or a component that shifted during shipping.

Step 1: Check for cable contact with the fan blade

The most common cause of clicking or rattling noise in a new device is an internal cable that shifted during shipping and is now touching the fan blade. This produces a rhythmic clicking or ticking sound that matches the fan speed.

Note: Opening the chassis won't  affect your warranty. 

1. Power off the device and disconnect the power adapter.
2. Open the bottom cover (usually 4 screws on the underside).
3. Visually inspect the fan area for any cable, wire, or connector that is resting against or near the fan blades.
4. Gently reposition any cable away from the fan and secure it with the existing cable routing clips if present.
5. Reassemble, reconnect power, and test.

Step 2: Check BIOS power mode and EC firmware

If the fan runs at high speed constantly from first boot regardless of CPU load, the BIOS power mode may have been set incorrectly at the factory, or the EC firmware may need updating.

1. Restart and press Del repeatedly to enter BIOS.
2. Navigate to Advanced tab → find PowerMode → set to QuietMode or Normal.
3. Press F4 to save and exit.
4. If the issue persists, update the EC firmware for your model from service.geekompc.com.

Step 3: Cold start noise — normal range vs. fault

It is normal for the fan to run at a higher speed for the first 30–60 seconds after a cold start while the system initializes and the CPU processes startup tasks. This is expected behavior and not a defect.

This is likely normal if:

• The noise reduces to a quiet level within 1–2 minutes of reaching the desktop.
• CPU temperature is below 50°C at idle (check with Core Temp: alcpu.com/CoreTemp).
• The noise is a consistent hum, not a clicking or grinding sound.

This may be a fault if:

• The high-speed noise continues for more than 5 minutes after reaching the desktop with no active workload.
• The noise is accompanied by clicking, grinding, or irregular sounds.
• CPU temperature remains above 70°C at idle.

If the noise matches the fault criteria above, proceed to Step 2 or contact GEEKOM Customer Service.

Final Recommendation

If none of the above steps resolve the noise on your new device, it is likely a manufacturing defect or shipping damage. Contact GEEKOM Customer Service and provide:

• Product model and serial number
• Order number or proof of purchase
• A short video or audio recording of the noise (attach to your support request)
• Description of when the noise occurs (constant, cold start only, under load, etc.)

New devices are covered under GEEKOM's 3-year warranty. If the issue is confirmed as a defect, GEEKOM will arrange repair or replacement.

Related articles

• GK-FAN-01: How to Solve Fan Noise
• GK-FAN-02: Abnormal Fan Noise
• GK-FAN-04: Electrical Buzzing or Coil Whine