Thinkpad X60 Speaker Noise
Lenovo offers two variations of it's ThinkPad X60 computer: a typical laptop version and a tablet version that allows you to flip the screen around and use it like a graphics tablet. Despite this difference, the X60 and X60 Tablet are virtually identical in all other respects, including an unusual noise that emanates from the speakers of the two machines. This noise, described by owners as a high-pitched whine or screeching sound, can vary in volume and consistency.
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Verify Sound
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Various components inside your ThinkPad can cause a whining or screeching noise, most notably your fan, so verify that the sound you hear is coming from the speakers. Mute the ThinkPad's volume and see if the sound continues, or put your ear close to the laptop to identify where the sound is loudest. If the sound seems to originate from a location other than your speakers, another internal component may actually be responsible.
Internal Causes
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Many owners have reported experiencing this high-pitched screeching sound, but Lenovo has not released an official cause for it. The sound tends to occur more often when certain conditions are met, such as during high CPU or graphics chip usage, and these components may be causing a kind of internal feedback to the speakers. Altering the processing and idle settings for these chips in the BIOS menu has met with success for some users. The ThinkPad's battery is also suspect, causing the same type of feedback and noise. Some owners have found that removing the battery will help to minimize or eliminate the sound altogether.
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ThinkPad Audio Update
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In an attempt to help its customers eliminate unwanted noise and achieve higher sound quality, Lenovo released an update to address various audio problems in the ThinkPad line of laptops. The new update, called Audio Features XI for Windows 2000 and XP, helps to reduce the noise and echoes from internal and external microphones.
Update Files
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One solution some owners have found effective is to update the ThinkPad's drivers and BIOS files, ensuring proper and effective communication between the components and motherboard. Lenovo offers the correct, updated files for your particular system configuration and you can find updates by visiting Support.Lenovo.com. To find the correct updates for your audio device and BIOS, visit Lenovo's support web page and type “X60” in the search box, or “X60 Tablet” if you have a tablet model. This will direct you to a page of downloads available for your ThinkPad. Updating the BIOS should only be done by experienced computer users, as one mistake could render your laptop unusable.
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