Computer making strange sound when turned on, ever since power outage

Question

Recently we experienced a power outage, and the PC was off. However, once the power came back, I switched on the PC and heard a strange noise - almost as if the hard disk or fans were struggling to work. I can't really describe the sound, but it's a laboured, loud sound almost like a jack-hammer. This has been persisting ever since the power outage, however the noise stops after around 10 minutes or so, and doesn't start again until the computer is turned off and on again.

At first I thought it had something to do with the HDD, but all my files are intact, chkdsk did not report any issues and performance is 100% unchanged, even in games (so the gfx card is fine, and so is the HDD most likely).

My PC setup basically has around 3 cooling fans, but I'm not sure if it's one of these either as the noise actually stops after 10 minutes or so, and if I leave the PC on for 4 hours (for example) the noise never starts again. It's there solely when turning on the PC.

I haven't got a UPS, and it's important to note that the computer was not on when the power went out - it was merely plugged in. I then promptly unplugged the PC once the power was out, and only plugged it in again when the power came back. Could it be the power supply? Unfortunately I can't open my tower as I would void the warranty.

Are there any tests which I could carry out without voiding the warranty?

Solution

Update: The cause of the problem was infact the power supply. Many months later it finally stopped working completely, and was changed through warranty. The noise then stopped after a new PSU was added.

Comments

[John Dvorak]

It seems that the hard drive is getting old (do backups, man), and it's unrelated to the power outage.

[Ramhound]

@DotNET - Its entirely possible the HDD was bound to fail, HDDs can be defective, and only events like this are the trigger for the failure. If opening the case is no an option send it to the manufactor for a warranty claim. There is no way to figure out the reason for the noise without having physical access to the machine.

[Dot NET]

DVD drive is working fine, as is the HDD I suspect. It's a gaming PC so I specifically ordered 3 cooling fans besides the integrated GFX card fan. Not sure if the PSU has a fan though. The strange thing is that the noise actually stops and is only present when booting and for a few minutes after that

[John Dvorak]

I recommend reclaiming the old hard drive as well.

[Pincopallino]

The OP stated that opening the case would void the warranty.

[Pincopallino]

Another possibility is that a cable fell from its position and is hit by a fan. This could eventually cause the fan engine to break. Since I read that your PC is 3 months old I would definitely request an inspection.